Muscat: Oman head coach Branko Ivankovic predicted that Croatia may overcome on Brazil as both teams will meet on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Fifa world Cup Qatar 2022 at Education City Stadium in Doha city, Qatar.
“It will be a tough game between both teams. As a Croatian, I hope that my team can defeat Brazil to move into semis of the World Cup. Brazil are always favourites in the World Cup. However, Croatia had managed to end the previous edition of the World Cup as a runners-up. Therefore, we have an absolute right to be optimistic for our team to end the game on a positive result and move further in the top global football event,” he said.
The 68 years old will travel on Thursday to Doha to attend Croatia and Brazil match on Friday. “I have attended the opening match of Croatia against Morocco which ended in a goalless draw. It will be my second time to attend the World Cup matches in Qatar,” he said.
The former assistant head coach of Croatia team appreciated all the efforts that have been taken by the organisers in Qatar to host the World Cup 2022 with top standards. “I am totally satisfied with all the facilities that are provided for all the fans and teams who are attending this edition of the World Cup. The stadiums, infrastructure transportation are well organised beside the volunteers who are guiding all the fans friendly to reach their destinations smoothly. Congratulations to Qatar for this success and we hope all the best for them until the concluding match.”
Commenting on Morocco’s win over Spain, the Croatian coach responded that the triumph was not a surprise.
“Morocco showed a top game and they deserve the win. The rivals Spain team comprised of many young players and most of them need some more years of experience. On the other hand, Portugal delivered a crucial match against Switzerland and scored six goals in the fixture. I am expecting the forthcoming match between Morocco and Portugal will be a tight encounter but everything is possible in football and may Morocco reach to semifinals for the first time ever in history.”
The technical manager of Oman football team picked his teams capable of lifting the World Cup. “Croatia, Brazil, England and Netherlands are nominated to lift this edition of the Fifa World Cup,” he ended.
