Dynamo player Zeljko Kopic, 48 years old, went to Istanbul today to attend tonight's match between Turkey and Romania. He is firmly convinced that the tricolors and his good friend, Mircea Lucescu, 80, can prevail for a huge victory
Done, today is Turkey – Romania! Tonight, from 19:00, at the BJK Stadium, near the Dolmabahce Palace, Mircea Lucescu's tricolors play their chances to get a ticket to the World Championship on American soil.
If it wins tonight on the coquettish and beautiful stadium where the Europa League final will be played, Romania will play on March 31 against the winner between Slovakia and Kosovo.
Zeljko Kopic went to Istanbul to support Mircea Lucescu and hold Romania's fists
As GSP.ro reported yesterday, Zeljko Kopic, Dinamo's coach, went to Turkey this morning to see live the duel between the “Ottomans” and Romania. Before the departure, the Croatian technician had an intervention for Gazeta Sporturilor in which he explained why he thinks that the tricolors have chances of qualification.
“It's hard to say a moment, but in such decisive matches every detail is important. In any case, Romania must start the match with maximum confidence, and every footballer, the whole team, must show that they are ready to fight until the last drop of energy and ready to play good football.
Only with a strong performance, only with maximum concentration on everything that happens on the field, only in this way can Romania have a chance. Turkish supporters will try to push their own players to the extreme limits, and that's another reason for your national team to have the answer. That means a strong connection between footballers, a high level of aggression, tactical discipline and how to create danger in front of the opposition goal.
In terms of surprises, I am sure that Mr. Lucescu can be crucial. His level of experience, let's not forget that he knows absolutely everything about the Turkish team, but also about each individual opponent, is very important.
I am firmly convinced that Mr. Lucescu and his staff have prepared this duel in depth, to the smallest detail, mentally and tactically, and the Romanian team will show good football on the field, with personality and confidence.
It's not about flattering, it's what I feel and what I know. I can only wish you luck in the match. This is also needed! (in Romanian) Come on, Romania!”, Zeljko Kopic reacted to Gazeta Sporturilor.
Zeljko Kopic discovered the qualities of Arda Guler at a junior tournament
The Croatian coach is impressed by one of the opponents of the tricolors, the star of Real Madrid, Arda Guler.
“I have known Arda Guler for many years. Since I was the head of the Dinamo Zagreb academy, I met him at a tournament for footballers born in 2003. He was born in 2005, but I decided that he is the best footballer in the competition.
Since then, among very, very good footballers, he has shown his qualities. It was seen where it ended up. It will be important tonight as well”, Kopic also declared, upon leaving, in front of the Romanian journalists.
I am disappointed that Raul Opruț was not called to the national team. But Mircea Lucescu knows what he needs in this match. As for me, from my point of view, Opruț is the best left defender in Romania. Both defensively and offensively. I talked with Raul, he accepted the situation, he will continue to work to return to the national team
Zeljko Kopic, Dinamo coach
