Croatia to bring their stars to St Andrews

Croatia will bring their squad of world class footballers to north east Fife as they aim to win the European Championships this summer.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Mar 2020, 10:08 BST
Updated 3rd Mar 2020, 13:26 BST
The university's sports facilities attract the best in the world.The university's sports facilities attract the best in the world.
The university's sports facilities attract the best in the world.

The Croatians will set up camp at the University of St Andrews’ Performance Centre during the tournament, taking advantage of the first class facilities.

Euro 2020, which will begin in June, will take place in 12 cities in 12 UEFA countries, including Glasgow and London, to mark the tournament’s 60th anniversary.

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Croatia, 2018 FIFA World Cup silver medallists, will play two of their group matches against England and the Czech Republic at Wembley and Hampden Park.

They will play a third group game at Hampden against either Scotland, Norway, Serbia or Israel.

St Andrews will act as base for the team, who will stay at the Fairmont Hotel in the town while using the University’s sport facilities.

The Croatian team includes Real Madrid star Luka Modrić, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić and Chelsea’s Mateo Kovačić.

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Sports facilities at the University are regarded as among the best in the country and have previously attracted teams such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton.

As well as professional quality grass pitches, the university’s sports centre offers a dedicated strength and conditioning suite, a full-size floodlit 3G synthetic pitch, rehab facilities and conference facilities suitable for video analysis and squad meetings.

Stephen Stewart, director of sport at the university, said: “The Department of Sport has been hosting professional clubs and international squads for more than 15 years and we are delighted that the Croatian Football Federation has chosen us as the location for their base camp.

“St Andrews is a truly unique destination, and one that we believe differentiates us from any other training venue in the country.”

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Croatian Football Federation President, Davor Šuker, said: “We wanted to provide the Croatia squad with the best possible conditions during EURO 2020.

“Therefore, we have selected St Andrews. I am convinced that this is the best solution for our squad.”

Scotland will have to qualify through a play-off system to take part.

Related topics:CroatiaFife