World Cup Opener: Team spirit is key against Nigeria –Kalinic

Croatia International and K.A.A. Gent goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic has revealed that team spirit will play
a pivotal role when they line up against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their Group D World Cup opening
game in Russia.

Kalinic has been in a superb form for his Belgian club side, keeping 14 clean sheets during the just
concluded Belgian league.

He told the Croatia Football Federation twitter account @HNS_CFF that “Whenever we are in camp , the
team spirit has always played a big role for us. Whether we lose, draw or win, we are always together.
Players really enjoy spending time together, preparing for the World Cup in Russia for the players will
be easy. And as a goalkeeper it is a thing of joy to practice with them,” he said.

Another member of the team to Russia, Ante Rebic of bundesliga side, Eintracht Frankfurt boasted that
the team will get to the second round of the World Cup.

He said: “We seek to reach the second round, we will take it one step at a time. Then we will see how
far we can go. Our first match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria is a must win for us,” he said.

However, Croatia”s third choice goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic said with the first goalkeeper of the
team, Danijel Subašic and second choice Kalinic Croatia has no worries.

“Naturally, I can learn a lot from both, we often talk to each other and they help me develop my career
as a goalkeeper,” he said.