Kosovo vs Croatia - Kosovo seeking first win and place in World Cup
Posted Wednesday, October 05, 2016 by PA
Kosovo midfielder Bersant Celina is aiming high as his nation to prepare to build on their historic competitive debut when they face Croatia on Thursday.
Kosovo claimed a famous point against Finland in Turku last month to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start, and Celina says his team should have no reason to expect anything less second time around in Shkodra.
The Manchester City youngster, who is currently on loan at FC Twente, told FIFA.com: "My aim is to qualify - it shouldn't be anything else.
"We will go into every single game and give everything. In football anything can happen and I believe we can do it."
Coach Albert Bunjaki is without midfielder Enis Alushi due to injury but has called up 16-year-old Labinot Kabashi, who plays for Barcelona's under-19 B team.
Kabashi told his club's official website: "I'm really proud to be able to play for Kosovo. I thought it was a joke at first, but then I found out it was true and I'm very happy."
Croatia coach Ante Cacic will accept nothing more than victory after his side started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Turkey in an empty stadium in Zagreb last month.
After the clash with Kosovo, his side head to Tampere to face struggling Finland on Sunday, and Cacic said he will only settle for six points.
Cacic told Croatian media: "I believe in our players. I think our team is strong and in both games we will do what is necessary.
"Things are out of my hands but there will be no excuse if we don't win both games because we are a better-ranked team than both Kosovo and Finland."
The game against Kosovo is taking place in the northern Albanian city of Shkodra because Kosovo does not have a FIFA-recognised stadium.
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