Rohr fears Croatia’s stars, hinges Eagles success on opening game

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has acknowledged that Croatia is the favourite to beat Nigeria when they meet in the opening game of the Russia 2018 World Cup on June 16.

The German admits that it would be difficult for the Super Eagles to get a result because the European team has some of the best players in the world such as Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Ivan Perišić (Inter Milan), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool) and Mario Mandžukić (Juventus).

“Croatia is a great team, dominated by some of the best players in the world. Also, this is a very experienced team,” Rohr told Sportske Novosti.

“We want to play the first game of the tournament the best we can, no matter who is on the other side.

“We have to be at the highest level, playing our best game to have any chance of winning.

“Croatia is, for me, much better and more dangerous than four years ago in Brazil, the players are more experienced and mature. Obviously, Croatia is a favorite in that match,” he added.

Rohr is expected to announce a 35-man provisional roster for the 2018 World Cup before May 15 ahead of the start of a training camp.