Croatia midfielder, Ivan Pericic believes his side must beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday if they are serious of advancing at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
The Europeans face Nigeria in their opening Group D fixture on Saturday in Kaliningrad from 8pm Nigerian time.
“Victory over Nigeria would give us confidence and it would be easier for us to continue in the competition,” Inter Milan star Perisic said during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“We respect Nigeria, who regularly qualifies for big competitions, but it’s all up to us and so we will give it our best shot.”
Perisic then promised that Croatia players will give their all during the World Cup.
“We all have to be on a high level if we want something to be achieved, and experience so far can help me, I hope I will be better and better but in the end individuals are not important individuals, the whole team is important, including the doctors.
“I do not know if this is the last chance, but it’s true that most players are in their best years and maybe some players are ready for another try, but there is no fear, we’ll all give 100 percent.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
