Nigerian forward Theophilus Solomon who has been in Croatia since 2013 on the books of top division side Rijeka has exposed the Croatian national team ahead of their game against Nigeria tomorrow.
Both nations will lock horns in their opening group D game in Kaliningrad tomorrow, and according to Solomon, the Super Eagles have enough in the team to contain them even though they have a star studded team on paper.
Strength :
Luka Modric – He is the heart and soul of the Croatian team, forgets about Mateo Kovavic and Ivan Rakitic. They are not as influential as Modric, Modric brings them to life and the midfield is their strength.
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In attack many Nigerians will say Mario Mandzukic is the threat but Ante Rebic who operates from the right holds the key to take Mandzukic out.
Rebic can dribble and also deliver crosses with precision. He is very quick same as Ivan Perisic on the left. If the Super Eagles but both of them in check, Mandzukic won’t do any damage as his strength is basically in the air. Particularly with his head, he is very ordinary with the ball at his feet.
Weakness :
Dejan Lovren is by far the weakest spot in the team. He can go from the sublime to the ridiculous in a matter of minutes. Domagoj Vida is the main man in their defence and the right back Sime Vrsaljko is also solid. Their goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic is suspect from crosses.
Overall:
Keeping Luka Modric quiet is key because he is the one who keep things going for them. Rebic and Perisic are very good on the ball but they need Modric to play. The full backs of the Eagles need to focus on defending and not give them space to operate.
While for Mandzukic cutting off supplies to him is very key. I don’t see them hurting Nigeria if we do what we have to do in every area of the pitch.
Ade Emmanuel
