Croatia boss Bilic satisfied with Euro privilege

Published: 02 Dec 2011 - 19:46:55

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Croatia boss Bilic satisfied with Euro privilege

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said he was satisfied with Friday's Euro 2012 draw that pitted his team against champions Spain, Italy and the Republic of Ireland, vowing it was a privilege to have such rivals.

"Maybe someone will say that I'm crazy but I am satisfied. It is a privilege to play against current European and world champions Spain, as well as against the former world champions Italy," Bilic told the national television.

"The group could maybe have been easier, but I am satisfied. We have a chance," Bilic said.

The coach however warned the competition "will be difficult," as it was "clear that we are facing three extremely difficult matches."

"I hope for qualification," he said.

Bilic estimated that it "is possible to play against both the Italians and the Irish," but warned it was more difficult to have Spain as an opponent.

"This year we played a friendly against Ireland, our first opponent. We know who we are facing. A team of warriors, full of strength," he said.

The match played in in August in Dublin ended in 0-0 draw.

"Then there are Italy and Spain. These will be two historic games for us in which, I repeat, we have chances for success, to qualify," Bilic insisted.

Ognjen Vukojevic, one of Croatia's midfielders, who is currently playing for Dynamo Kiev, said he was "sorry that we are not playing in Ukraine," but expressed his hope his national team would qualify in Poland.

"It is good that we start with Ireland, with a victory and three points we would get more energy and security," said Vukojevic.

"Spain is favourite, not only in our group, but for victory overall," he said.

He estimated that Italy's squad "is completely different from the one that played at the World Cup in 2010."

"I predict that from our group, Spain and Croatia will qualify... If we play well, we have great chances," he said.