Football

World Cup 2022: Croatia can beat favourites Brazil in the quarter-final clash

Luka Modric knows the Canarinha are favourites in their World Cup knockout meeting but believes the Blazers have the quality to upset them at the Education City Stadium

Croatia

Croatia suffered the heartbreak of a final defeat in Russia and were counted out of the competition given the age of their stars. They barely got over the line in their final group game and had to sweat it out in a penalty shootout win over Japan in the Round of 16. 

They have might reached the end of their tether as they tackle the challenge of Brazil in the quarter-final. Irrespective of their performances leading up to the competition, the Samba stars are usually favourites. 

Tite’s charges are on the right side of the spectrum and are favourites to lift the trophy. They have gone from strength to strength in Qatar, reaching their zenith in the 4-1 win over South Korea. 

The form exhibited by both sides has been in stark contrast to each other but Modric believes Croatia can pull off a surprise against Brazil. The Real Madrid midfielder admitted it will be difficult to tame the Latin Americans and want more from themselves in the knockout affair.

“Our greatest game of the World Cup might still be ahead of us. We have done a great thing by reaching the quarter-finals – but we want even more,” the 37-year-old commented. 

“Brazil are always one of the big favourites in every World Cup, but what they have shown in this tournament is that this time they deserve to be favourites. We have faced Brazil before on several occasions and not won. We believe this can change.

“We will have to play at a high tempo, keep them under control, be strong and assertive and not let them out of sight. Like I say, Brazil are the favourites – but we have seen that even the favourites can be beaten.”

End is near

Luka Modric

Croatia lost Mario Mandzukic in the aftermath of their Russia 2018 final defeat. Ivan Rakitic did not make the cut for Qatar 2022. It was expected that Modric would have announced his international retirement but the Zadar native is still going strong. 

Speculation about his future remains high with many prophesying that the incoming knockout exit will be his last in Croatia colours. Modric deflected questions about his future, stating he is focused on the Blazers’ cause and that there will be time after the World Cup to talk about it. 

“I’m not focused on the future. I am focused 100 per cent on this World Cup and there will be a time afterwards to think about what happens next.

“I’ll see how long I can play for the national team when the time is right. Unfortunately, I don’t have a formula or recipe for regeneration. If someone else knows the secret on how to remain young, then please come to me.”

No problem in dancing to celebrate

Brazil are known for their carefree and flamboyant approach to the beautiful game. It was on show against South Korea, where they celebrated their goals with dances. 

With Tite also joining in, there has been an outcry about Brazillians’ celebration style. Croatia head Zlatko Dalic is unfazed by their rivals’ methods but would not want his own charges employing similar methods.   

“Brazil have their own way and they celebrate how they know,” Dalic said. “They are festive, in unity, they demonstrate their character and tradition – and that’s their right. Whether that is respect or disrespect, I cannot say. I would not like to see my players celebrate like that, but it’s a different culture and they like to dance.”


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