Dark horses Croatia ‘can go far, but need to improve’

SINGAPORE — Croatia pulled off the biggest surprise of Euro 2016 so far with a dramatic, late 2-1 win against reigning champions Spain on Tuesday. It was a result that saw them win Group D at the expense of the Spaniards, who will now have an arduous task coming up against Italy in the last 16.

But while most Croatians around the world are celebrating a remarkable achievement by a country many dubbed “dark horses” for the tournament, Hougang United’s Stipe Plazibat believes there is still plenty of room for improvement for his countrymen.

“We managed to pull off a remarkable win against Spain, which I am really delighted about,” said the Croatian forward. “But if you watched last night’s game closely, you will realise that Croatia did not play that well, especially in the first half.”

The 26-year-old added: “I am not satisfied with the way we played and in truth anything could have happened, especially at 1-1 when Sergio Ramos missed the penalty for Spain. Of course, against big teams you always need such luck ... but I hope the team continues to improve performance-wise in the next few matches.”

Although Croatia won two of their three group matches, it could easily have been a perfect three had they not blown a two-goal lead against Czech Republic in their second match. Plazibat attributes this mainly to the inexperience of the Croatian coach Ante Cacic, whose appointment last September was negatively received by most Croatian fans.

“Coach Cacic is inexperienced because he has never managed any big European teams,” he explained.

“Against Czech Republic, we were 2-0 up and cruising when Luka Modric went off injured. But, surprisingly, Cacic decided not to close the game out and we ended up drawing 2-2. Tactically and player selection-wise, some of his decisions are questionable.”

But with Croatia now in the last 16 and set to play one of the third-placed teams from Group B, E or F, Plazibat reckons his countrymen can go far in the competition.

“Coming into this tournament, everyone said we are the dark horses but I believed — based on the quality of our players — we are one of the favourites,” said Plazibat.

“Like what Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said before Euro 2016, this squad is full of experienced players who play for big European teams like Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid and they know how to perform on the big stage.”

He added: “Looking at the draw for the knockout stages, we are on the half where none of the favourites are and will play the winner of Switzerland vs Poland if we make the quarterfinals. I think this is a golden chance for us to do something big and go all the way.”

While many observers continue to purr over the brilliance of Modric and Ivan Rakitic in midfield, for Plazibat, Croatia’s best player is winger Ivan Perisic, who scored twice in the group stages, including the late winner against Spain.

“Personally for me, Perisic has been the top player in the national team in the last 3-4 years and I believe he will be the key man for us in the knockout stages.”