Croatian forward Ivanovic is certainly riding a wave of good feeling. He recently stepped onto the field as a starter for his national team, helping Croatia secure a strong 4-0 win against Montenegro. Even though he didn’t net a goal himself, the 21-year-old was all smiles afterward.
“It felt great to make my first start for the national team,” Ivanovic told ‘Sportnet’. “I gave everything I had out there. We celebrated the big win, and it was also Luka Modric’s birthday. It was a truly memorable day for all of us.” This happiness extends beyond the national team pitch, too.
Back at his club, Benfica, Ivanovic finds himself in a good place. He spoke briefly about his life in Portugal, saying, “I’m settled, I’m happy, and I feel very good here in Lisbon.” This comfort seems to fuel his ambition when he pulls on the Croatian jersey.
He makes it clear that he’s always ready to play for his country. “I’m always available to play,” he stated. “The national team coaches make the final decisions. I feel prepared. New players are joining the squad, and we all want to show what we can do.” Their big goal is clear: qualify for the World Cup.
The road to the World Cup isn’t an easy one, though. Croatia shares the top spot in Group L with the Czech Republic. Both teams have gathered 12 points so far, making the Czechs their main rivals.
Ivanovic knows the next match is critical. “We aim to secure our qualification in the Czech Republic,” he said with determination. “We just took another step forward, and we’re going there to grab all three points.” That crucial game is set for October 9th.
