Modric compares Croatia to Real
"Croatia has the same DNA as Real. Both always fight to the last second and never give up," Modric told El Chiringuito TV channel on December 11.
Modric then reiterated that Real three times upstream on the way to winning the Champions League 2021-2022. In the second leg of the 1/8 round, Karim Benzema's 17-minute hat-trick helped Real beat PSG 3-2 over two legs. In the second leg of the quarter-finals, they were even led by Chelsea three goals until the 80th minute, and faced the risk of being eliminated with the final result of 3-4 defeat. But Rodrygo unexpectedly scored, bringing the game to two extra time. In the 96th minute, Vinicius created an assist for Benzema to head to set the result 5-4.
In the semi-final second leg, Real was also led 0-1 to 90 minutes at the Bernabeu, in addition to the disadvantage of losing 3-4 in the first leg. But in just a minute, they turned the game around thanks to a double from a substitute Rodrygo to send Man City into extra time. Here, it was Benzema's turn to shine with a penalty kick that sealed a 3-1 victory.
In the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2022 at Education City Stadium on December 9, Neymar opened the scoring for Brazil in the first minute of extra time. In the 117th minute, Mislav Orsic stretched across for Petkovic to kick and hit the Brazilian player to change direction, causing Alisson Becker to give up. In the penalty shootout, Modric successfully kicked the third round to help Croatia win 4-2. Croatia won the penalty shootout for the second time in a row, after defeating Japan in the 1/8 round.
Modric and his teammates once showed bravery in the journey to the 2018 World Cup final. In Russia four years ago, Croatia defeated Denmark 3-2 in the round of 16, Russia 4-3 in the quarterfinals when stepping into the quarter-finals. into the penalty shootout, then beat England 2-1 in extra time in the semi-finals.
According to Modric, Croatia wants to end the match in official time, but is not afraid of winning and losing on the 11m mark. "When those moments come, we show a very strong spirit. That is very important. We always believe that we will get good results, although it is not easy to achieve this moment," he added. .
The 37-year-old midfielder confirmed that Croatia is ready to play under the team and give up the game to the opponent. "No one takes into account Croatia, because they think we are a weak team. But we have no problem with this, that other teams are appreciated and we are in the dark," Modric said. "We can only be determined, give our best and this is Croatia's forte."
Croatia will meet Argentina - the team also defeated the Netherlands on penalties - in the semi-finals at Lusail Stadium at 2pm on December 14, Hanoi time. Admittedly it will be difficult to stop Lionel Messi, but Modric is confident Croatia will reach the World Cup final for the second time in a row.
