Croatia came from behind to beat Senegal 2-1 on Friday evening in their final pre-World Cup friendly before their trip to Russia for the tournament.
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is optimistic that Croatia will overcome the Super Eagles next Saturday after beating one of the strongest teams in Africa, albeit in a friendly.
Lovren told reporters : ”An excellent opponent, similar to Nigeria, but we can deal with them, if we are compact, we have a good quality team and I think we can do it if needed.
”We go to the World Cup gradually, first concentrate on Nigeria, people do not consider us a favorite, but I believe in this team and we can go far. ”
Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramarić, who netted the winner on 78 minutes, added : ”Of course we have to be happy with this victory, it is nice to depart to the FIFA World Cup with a confidence boost.
”However, we have to be aware that the Nigeria encounter will not be a friendly one, but I still hope we can emerge victorious, just like we did today.”
In their last and only meeting with African opposition at the World Cup, Croatia thrashed Cameroon 4-0 four years ago at the Arena da Amazônia in Brazil.
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