Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has shot his mind back in time in continuation of his permutations ahead of the 2018 World Cup, and says recalling how Croatia beat Cameroon 4-0 four years ago does not scare him.
As days go by in a speedy pace ahead of Nigeria’s opening match of Russia 2018 against Croatia, Rohr says he will take the East Europeans on current form, not on the historic victory against The Indomitable Lions in a group match at Brazil 2014 World Cup.
‘Rohr, who disclosed that his favourites to win this year’s Mundial are Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and France, said he will not think about 2014 in planning for Croatia, as the squad has changed.
However, the German appears not to have done his homework well as the two of the goals scorers against the African powerhouse in Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perišić are certain to be named in Croatia’s 23-man squad for the tournament in Russia.
In addition, Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona), Vedran Ćorluka (Lokomotiv), who are all heading to Russia, started against Cameroon.
”Hardly, it changed a lot in four years. We will certainly not prepare for Croatia by watching this match in 2014 and comparing something.
”After all, just look at how much Nigeria has changed in that period, we cannot compare it with our 2014 team, let alone Cameroon.
”Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and France. Those five are the main favorites. They have a lot of big players with a lot of winning mentality.”
