Modric: 'Now no one dares to doubt Croatia'
In the quarter-final match at Education City on the evening of December 9, Neymar helped Brazil take the lead in the first minute of extra time. However, Croatia played tenaciously and equalized 1-1 when the second extra time was about three minutes. In the penalty shootout, the World Cup runners-up successfully completed all four rounds, winning 4-2.
Modric considers the victory over Brazil as "the strongest response to those who still doubt Croatia". According to the 37-year-old star, before the 2022 World Cup took place, many experts and fans refused to put their faith in Croatia. "They used to say we wouldn't be able to make it past the group stage, and then we wouldn't be able to beat Japan in the round of 16. But now, perhaps no one dares to doubt Croatia anymore," Modric added.
According to Modric, the advantage of Croatia today is a squad rich in quality and competitive spirit. Modric wants to join the team to recreate the achievement of reaching the final like in 2018 and go one step further to win the Gold Cup.
At the post-match press conference, coach Zlatko Dalic also shared his views with Modric. He said: "Once again, we insist that no one can take Croatia lightly. The team played well from the first minute and eliminated the number one candidate."
Four years ago, in Russia, after overcoming the host in the quarterfinals, coach Dalic and his students continued to win England in the semi-finals, before losing 2-4 to France in the final. Now, the 56-year-old leader believes his Croatia can do better in Qatar.
In yesterday's penalty shootout, Modric's Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo missed the Brazilian's header. Sorry for the young team-mate, but the Croatian captain believes the 21-year-old star will be stronger after this accident.
"The same age as Rodrygo, I also missed a penalty at Euro 2008. I am sad for my teammates at Real, but each of us is fighting for our country," added Modric, encouraging Rodrygo and the two members. Real's other Brazilian side are Eder Militao, Vinicus.
