Zlatko Dalic has heaped reward on his Croatia aspect after they defied the chances to beat Brazil on penalties and transfer into the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Croatia entered the last-eight conflict because the clear underdogs after solely squeezing previous Japan on penalties within the earlier spherical, whereas Brazil swept apart South Korea to cement their standing because the favourites to win the event for the sixth time.
But Croatia held their very own, taking the sport to a shootout after Bruno Petkovic cancelled out Neymar’s opener, and the European aspect triumphed after changing all 4 of their spot-kicks.
Croatia gamers celebrated wildly after knocking out pre-tournament favourites Brazil
Brazil gamers had been left devastated after the loss, and haven’t received the World Cup since 2002
Talking afterwards, Dalic was pleased with his gamers, however insisted that his staff are usually not content material with simply making the semi-finals, and need to go all the best way in Qatar.
‘That is only for the Croatian individuals. A fantastic match from the primary minute to the final. We eradicated the most important favourites. This isn’t the tip for us, let’s maintain going,’ he advised reporters.
‘This can be a victory for all of us, everybody gave their greatest. Thanks additionally to these on the bench, who additionally stay for this nationwide staff.’
Croatia made the ultimate 4 years in the past, however weren’t anticipated to repeat that feat this time round after being knocked out within the last-16 of final 12 months’s Euros.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has hailed his staff after their dramatic victory within the last-eight
They managed to get out of their group, although, holding on for a vital draw in opposition to Belgium of their last recreation, and have since battled their well past Japan and Brazil.
They’re now set to face both Argentina or the Netherlands within the semi-finals subsequent Tuesday, realizing {that a} win will take them by way of to their second successive World Cup last.
Croatia had been crushed by France in Russia in 2018, and a rematch between the 2 European groups stays a chance, with Les Bleus nonetheless within the event on the opposite aspect of the draw.
