Croatia national football team manager, Zlatko Dalic, has praised the quality of the pitch at the Kaliningrad Stadium ahead of the World Cup Group D clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Croatia and Nigeria will do battle at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday night in their opening game in the group.

Dalic was speaking with reporters on Friday ahead of the game as he also praised the Russian city of Kaliningrad in general.

He said: “We saw Kaliningrad [city], we saw the stadium. The conditions are ideal and the quality of the pitch is just excellent. We are very happy that there are a lot of Croatian fans in the city, we must deliver on their hopes. We need to play in our own style against Nigeria, we will adapt to young Nigerians.”

“…So far I’ve rooted for Croatia but I’m not scared of this challenge. I have 12 years of experience and very difficult career path. What I am sure in is that I will transfer my belief onto my players. We have a great generation of players, a great squad and we could get a good result. We need some luck… but we are ready.” He added.

After facing Nigeria on Saturday, Croatia will face two-time winners Argentina on Thursday, June 21 before facing debutants Iceland on Tuesday, June 26 in their final group game.