Croatia lost 2-0 to Belgium in a World Cup warm-up friendly. After the match, Croatian midfielder Luka Sucic gave an interview to local media Nova TV and reviewed the team’s performance.
Sucic admitted that the team did not deliver a performance good enough to secure the win. However, he stressed that this match was valuable preparation for the upcoming World Cup, helping the team adjust tactics and improve match condition. Belgium is a strong side with many talented players, and their performance fully proved their strength.
Although the team was unsatisfied with the defeat, there were many positive aspects in the game, as well as obvious problems that need to be fixed. Sucic pointed out that it is far better to expose flaws and lose in a friendly game than to suffer a disappointing defeat in the official World Cup tournament.
He explained that Croatia is currently testing a new tactical formation. This evenly contested match was decided by tiny details, offering perfect data and experience for the team to adjust and optimize tactics. The biggest gain of this warm-up game is that no players were injured, keeping the full squad healthy for the World Cup.
Sucic also recalled that Croatia created several equalizing chances during the game. One shot hit the crossbar, and a brilliant strike from Modric was saved by Belgian goalkeeper Courtois. Despite the frustrating defeat, Sucic believes that fixing problems in advance in friendly matches will help the team avoid bigger mistakes in the World Cup.