Croatia vs Panama: Dalić and Kovačić Preview World Cup Clash

The news in Croatian

1. utakmica  (f.)
   sportski susret između dva tima ili igrača ↩︎
2. fokusiran
   usredotočen na nešto, s punom pažnjom usmjerenom prema cilju ↩︎
3. hvaliti
   govoriti pohvalno o nekome ili nečemu, izražavati odobravanje ↩︎
4. nogometaš  (m.)
   osoba koja profesionalno ili amaterski igra nogomet ↩︎
5. ikada
   u bilo koje vrijeme, u bilo kojem trenutku u prošlosti ili budućnosti ↩︎
6. Tvrđa  (f.)
   povijesna utvrda i gradska četvrt u centru Osijeka ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: What does Dalić say about Modrić?

Question 2: Where is the public viewing event being held in Osijek?

Vocabulary

Croatian	English
utakmica  (f.)	match
fokusiran	focused
hvaliti	to praise
nogometaš  (m.)	footballer
ikada	ever
Tvrđa  (f.)	Tvrđa (fortress district in Osijek)

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Croatia face Panama at the FIFA World Cup, with manager Zlatko Dalić and midfielder Mateo Kovačić both acknowledging the challenge ahead while expressing confidence in their preparation.

“We expect a tough match, a tough opponent. No match at the World Cup is simple,” said Kovačić. “They build their attacks from the back line and are very good on the counter. It won’t be simple, but we are focused on showing our best version.”

Kovačić also addressed Croatia’s past achievements, warning against complacency. “In 1998, 2018, and 2022 we achieved great results and people respect what we have done, but this is a new competition, tomorrow is a new match, and you cannot live off past glory,” he said.

Dalić spoke positively about young defender Luka Vušković, who faced criticism in the media following the match against England. “We know that Luka Vušković is a great talent, Croatia’s future, and a player with huge potential. I think the match against England must not demotivate him or us,” Dalić said.

Both Dalić and Kovačić paid tribute to Luka Modrić, with the manager describing him as the greatest Croatian player in history. “Modrić is the best player Croatia has ever had and will remain so for a long time. He is a great motivation for all of us and is truly a phenomenon,” Dalić said. Kovačić added that Modrić’s character and leadership set an example for younger players.

Meanwhile, the city of Osijek is preparing for another lively night of public viewing. The main fan zone will be at Trg Svetog Trojstva in the historic Tvrđa district, with bars and restaurants permitted to remain open two hours after the final whistle. Mayor Ivan Radić confirmed he may join fans at the venue, saying: “I received an invitation from the organisers and we will very likely see each other in Tvrđa.” The match against Panama is scheduled to finish at around three o’clock in the morning local time.