Czech Republic take on Croatia today with their coach Pavel Vrba targeting a Group D win over 'little Spain' to help their bid to stay at Euro 2016
Czech's head coach Pavel Vrba
Saint Etienne (France): Czech Republic take on Croatia today with their coach Pavel Vrba targeting a Group D win over 'little Spain' to help their bid to stay at Euro 2016.
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Czech's head coach Pavel Vrba. Pic/AFP
"With their stars playing at Real and Barcelona, they can be nicknamed 'little Spain'. We know another tough game is in front of us," said the Czech boss Pavel Vrba.
The nickname 'Little Spain' given to Croatia has been coined with Ivan Rakitic at Barcelona, Luka Modric at Spanish rivals Real Madrid.
"This is a crucial game, we need to win it to secure a place in the next round," said Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who has spent the season on loan at Inter Milan. "I believe if we play like we did against Turkey, we can win."
Czech winger Ladislav Krejci said, "I don't think they will keep as much possession of the ball as Spain, but they're a strong team as well. We will play more offensive football too."
Czech forward forward Tomas Necid, said, "I do not want to say we are going all-out for the win, but we need the important three points to qualify from the group."