Zlatko Dalic, Croatian coach: “Not an easy group with Belgium but we wanted to avoid France”
After the draw, Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic was aware that his team would have to fight to finish in the top two of the group. “It’s not an easy group but I especially wanted to avoid France, which we have often met recently, he explained. Belgium was first in the Fifa ranking until a few days ago and kept this ranking for three years. Canada was excellent in qualifying. As for Morocco, we know how good their coach, Vahid Halilodzic, is. We want to go to the round of 16, it’s important for us. We are not going to underestimate anyone and I am optimistic. Let’s be modest, we’ll go step by step. We will be ready for the first game.”
Vahid Halilhodzic, Morocco coach: “We have a stronger team than Algeria 2014”
It is with its charismatic and above all very experienced coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, that Morocco will face Belgium. At 69, the Bosnian has just become the first coach in history to qualify four different nations (Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Japan and Morocco) for a World Cup. What’s more in four consecutive tournaments. “It’s a very difficult draw with the vice-world champions, Belgium third and the best team in North America”, reacted to beIN Sports the one who is despite everything at the center of criticism in Morocco because of his conflict with Ziyech (Chelsea) and Mazraoui (Ajax). “In any case, there is no small team. In Brazil in 2014, with Algeria, we led for three quarters of the match against Belgium. But with Morocco, has a stronger team than Algeria 2014. Everything is possible, you have to believe in it. They are great teams with exceptional players. You will have to prepare well.”
Canada coach John Herdman: ‘The moment we’ve all been dreaming of’
Host nation (with Mexico and the USA) of the 2026 World Cup, Canada has brilliantly accomplished the mission of offering a dress rehearsal in Qatar. A first since 1986. “It will be another opportunity to show that we are a new Canada, motivates coach John Herdman at the microphone of The Sports Network. It’s the moment we’ve all dreamed of, to see Canada come out of one of those pots. We will play without fear, in a football tournament, everything is possible. The goal of this World Cup will be to take advantage of it for our country. For once, people will be able to leave their Italy or Croatia shirts in the drawer and wear Canada’s red and white to savor.”
