Same again for boss (Allsport).
JOZIC DEMANDS REPEAT PERFORMANCE
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Croatia coach Mirko Jozic has called for a repeat of the performance that
stunned Italy when his side face Ecuador.
The Croatians will be aiming to brush aside the South Americans with the type
of battling display that saw them come back from a goal down with 17 minutes
left to win 2-1.
If Italy manage to bounce back by beating Mexico, Jozic's men will need
another victory to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Although they will have a keen eye on the action in Oita, Jozic has told his
players to keep having faith in their own ability.
"The recipe for the victory is the same as for the first half against
Italy," he said.
"We need to pass the ball quickly, but it is a good thing that we trust
ourselves.
"We know we have to win, no matter how hard it may be."
Ecuador have a very outside chance of still making the second round, but coach
Hernan Dario Gomez is already looking to build for the future.
"We need to work more with the younger players," he said.
"I am generally happy with how the team has played, although it is probably
only 501537f their true potential.
"Some players have played under their real level due to the pressure of
playing at their first World Cup.
"In our first game, Italy were really strong and powerful and much better
technically than we were.
"But it is only by playing such teams and learning can we hope to challenge
in the future."
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