Croatia faces Spain in their second matchday of the Euros, and ahead of the clash, defender Josko Gvardiol spoke to UEFA’s official website. The 22-year-old expressed the team’s determination to fight for a championship for legendary midfielder Luka Modrić.
On Group B Gvardiol: It’s a challenging group, and we are well aware of that. Historically, it’s difficult for us against Spain, but playing them is also a great honor, as they are a football powerhouse. It promises to be an exciting match.
The same goes for Italy, who have undeniable quality. I believe the key in every game is to control possession and dictate the play, looking for opportunities to strike. My focus is on the first match (against Spain), as it’s the opening game of the group, and there’s always a bit of nervousness. That’s why I think the first match is the toughest.
On Croatia’s recent successes Gvardiol: Since 2004, Croatia has consistently qualified for the Euros, and we should be proud of this accomplishment, as it’s no small feat. Qualifiers are never easy, as things don’t always go according to plan. Details make the difference between success and failure, affecting the results and the final outcome of the qualifiers. You can never take any opponent lightly or underestimate them.
On Modrić I sincerely hope this isn’t his last major tournament, as I see he’s still in impeccable physical shape. Luka transformed Croatian football’s trajectory and changed how other countries perceive our national team. He has given so much to the squad and won numerous trophies.
I believe the only way we can pay tribute to him and his legendary career is by reaching the final stages of this Euro and winning the trophy. Luka has done so much for the national team and young players like me. I remember when I first joined the squad, he offered a lot of support and advice. He remembers how much the senior players helped him when he started with the national team. This Euro is our chance, and I genuinely hope we can achieve this goal together.
On upbringing My upbringing has played a crucial role in my life. My parents guided me and my sisters on the right path from a young age, and I’m very grateful to them for that. I’ve encountered various situations in life, but all I can say is that having such a background and parents has been a blessing for me.