Luka Modric has claimed he sees indicators of Actual Madrid in Croatia’s 2022 World Cup squad.
The legendary midfielder put in one other excellent efficiency as his nation shocked Brazil on penalties within the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar.
Modric, who has received 160 caps for his nation since his debut in 2006, stays a talismanic determine for his nation, who’re on the verge of a second successive World Cup closing.
Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties to achieve their second successive World Cup semi-final
Zlatko Dalic’s aspect proceed to overachieve in main tournaments and have repeatedly proven their endurance, with their penalty victory over Brazil coming after a spot kick win towards Japan within the Spherical of 16.
It follows their run to the World Cup closing in Russia in 2018 which included three successive knockout wins after both penalties or additional time.
Regardless of a number of stars within the Croatia squad being aged 30 or over, together with Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Modric and Marcelo Brozovic, they proceed to point out high quality and willpower in equal measure.
And following their most up-to-date exploits in a significant match, Modric believes there are similarities between his membership group, Actual Madrid, and Croatia.
Luka Modric believes there are similarities within the mentalities between Croatia and Actual Madrid
The 37-year-old has received 5 Champions League titles throughout his spell with Los Blancos, together with final yr once they undertook seemingly unbelievable comebacks within the knockout phases towards PSG, Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis, earlier than they defeated Liverpool within the closing.
‘You might say we now have the identical DNA as Actual Madrid as a result of we all the time hold going till the top, and by no means quit,’ he informed Spanish soccer TV present EL Chiringuito, as reported by La Sexta.
‘Everybody appears to be like on the large nations, as we’re a small nation, no one takes us under consideration, however we don’t have an issue with that, as others are the favourites, and we’re within the shadows.
The legendary midfielder additionally insisted that individuals proceed to underestimate his nationwide aspect
‘In fact we wish to end (the matches) earlier, and never go to penalties, however we’re keen to do every little thing we will to win.’
Croatia now face Argentina within the semi-final on the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night time, with a spot within the closing towards both France or Morocco up for grabs.
Lionel Scaloni’s aspect endured their very own dramatic win within the quarter-finals, defeating the Netherlands on penalties.
Their talisman Lionel Messi has been in effective kind on this competitors, netting 4 occasions and laying on two assists in simply 5 video games.
They face a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina within the semi-final, however Modric insists they’re prepared
Nevertheless, Modric, a Ballon d’Or winner in 2018 following his exploits in Russia 4 years in the past, was optimistic for the problem forward and was assured he could lead on his nation to the ultimate.
He continued: ‘I wish to play one other semi-final towards a giant group, that’s what I would like, not simply towards a participant.
‘In fact Lionel Messi may be very large, he’s their finest participant, and we’re going to have numerous problem in making an attempt to cease him, however we’re ready, and we’re going to give it our all.
‘I hope it is going to be sufficient to achieve the ultimate.’
