Croatia: Pokrivac Learned of Inclusion in Crotia’s Squad on the Internet

Croatia: Pokrivac Learned of Inclusion in Crotia’s Squad on the Internet

May 20, 2008 – 6:01 am | by admin

22-year-old Nikola Pokrivac revealed recently that he learned of his inclusion in Croatia’s squad for UEFA EURO 2008 while he was surfing the Internet.

AS Monaco FC’s football player had been previously touted for a call-up to Croatia’s 23-man squad, but he didn’t want to celebrate until he received the confirmation. But his “dream come true”…

“There was talk saying I was on the list for EURO, but I didn’t want to celebrate before I saw it personally,” said Nikola Pokrivač. “I was connected to the Internet and was waiting for the happy news on the day when Bilić named the team. It’s the best thing that has happened in my career. My dream came true. I was hoping I could earn a call to the national team, but to be in the team for EURO…,” confessed Pokrivac, who hasn’t been capped before in Croatia’s squad.

Before playing football for AS Monaco FC, Pokrivac had played for Croatia’s Prva Liga and NK Dinamo Zagreb. He is primarily a defensive midfielder, but Croatia’s squad’s coach, Slaven Bilic, may use him at left-back, as Pokrivac had previously played there for NK Varteks.

“He is, in the first place, a candidate for left-back,” said coach Slaven Bilic. “Not only can he do that, but he has already played there at NK Varteks before he proved himself in the defensive midfielder position,” Bilic also added.

However, it seems that for Pokrivac the position on which he will be playing doesn’t matter too much, as he is simply both delighted and honored by receiving the call to join the squad. “I can play as a defensive midfielder, also at left-back, or even as a central defender,” Nikola Pokrivac said. “My strength is having a good left foot. I am honored to be on the list for EURO, but I also hope I can get a few minutes on the pitch,” he also added.