We are not yet in shape for the World Cup: Rakitic

CAIRO – 25 March 2018: Croatian FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said on Friday after the defeat of his team against Peru 2-0 that they are not yet in shape for the World Cup in Russia, so they will have to work a lot from here to June.

"We have seen that we have to work on many things, but there is still time for the World Cup," Rakitic said in the press zone after the defeat against Peru in a friendly match.

The Croatian midfielder said they want to prepare well for the next game against Mexico on Tuesday.

However, the Barca midfielder said that it is not the end of the world, and he wanted to highlight the importance of coming together again with his teammates after a long time.

"We have dominated the game, but without having the clear chances to score,” Rakitic said about Friday's game against Peru.

Croatia, who qualified to the 2018 World Cup through the play-offs, as they defeated Greece 4-1 on aggregate, placed in Group D alongside Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland.

Rakitic urged his team to pay attention to all the teams, not only Argentina, and work harder in the friendly games.