Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic was delighted after their victory over Brazil. AP
Doha: Croatia Coach Zlatko Dalic mentioned the 2018 World Cup runners-up hope Tuesday’s semi-final in opposition to Argentina in Qatar will probably be remembered because the “biggest sport” within the nation’s historical past.
With a inhabitants of simply 4 million folks, Croatia have once more defied the chances and stand simply 90 minutes from a return journey to the ultimate.
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“At back-to-back World Cups to be among the many 4 greatest nationwide groups, that’s a unprecedented success for Croatia,” mentioned Dalic, who noticed his aspect overwhelmed 4-2 by France within the remaining 4 years in the past.
“Nonetheless, we would like extra,” he added. “I’m optimistic and have full confidence in my gamers. They’ve proven their nice high quality and energy of character, and should be within the remaining.”
As in Russia in 2018, Croatia have required two penalty shootouts to succeed in the final 4 — beating Japan after which a closely fancied Brazil.
Croatia haven’t received a knockout sport in regular time at a serious event since coming third on the 1998 World Cup.
“It was fairly exhausting with further time in two matches, however we’re within the semi-finals of the World Cup and we’re not even discussing exhaustion,” mentioned Dalic.
“We’re nonetheless robust, with power and enthusiasm, undoubtedly. We’re going to give it our all, simply as we’ve finished in earlier video games.
“Towards Argentina, we’ll do the identical, we’ll give our all. We don’t have any damage issues. They don’t really feel drained.”
Argentina vs Croatia: The place the semi-final might be received or misplaced
Croatia swept Argentina apart 3-0 within the group stage on the final World Cup, however Dalic says that can don’t have any affect with the stakes a lot increased for the match at Lusail Stadium.
Stress on Argentina
“That was a bunch stage match again then and it wasn’t decisive. That match has nothing to do with tomorrow’s,” he mentioned.
“They’re beneath better stress than we’re. They’ll have extra followers and that’s a drawback for us, however we received’t be complaining,” continued Dalic.
“We’re now within the semi-finals and enjoying in opposition to among the best groups on the earth and in historical past.”
Croatia got here from behind to beat England 2-1 after further time within the 2018 semi-finals in Moscow. Ivan Perisic scored the equaliser earlier than Mario Mandzukic’s memorable profitable aim.
Mandzukic retired from worldwide obligation after the ultimate, however Perisic stays an necessary participant and certainly one of 4 survivors from the workforce that began the defeat by France.
“It’s an unimaginable feeling to be right here within the semi-finals of the World Cup. Identical to any athlete we wish to get to the ultimate and can do the whole lot doable,” mentioned the 33-year-old Perisic.
“Argentina are an excellent workforce and can go away all of it on the market. It’s exhausting to check this sport with the semi-final in opposition to England. Will probably be related as a result of England additionally had a incredible squad.”
Dalic has no doubts the place the sport will rank if Croatia can get the higher of Lionel Messi and Argentina, who’re bidding for a 3rd World Cup title after profitable in 1978 and 1986.
Croatia’s street to semi-finals: From goalless draw to defeating favourites Brazil
“For me, the semi-final in opposition to England was the best match of all time and the match in opposition to Brazil is available in second on that checklist,” mentioned Dalic.
“Tomorrow’s match could be third. If we handle to win it might make it the best sport for Croatia of all time.”
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