If you end up using the wave like Croatia, even Lionel Messi holds no worry. They noticed off the may of Brazil so why not Argentina? That would be the mindset of Zlatko Dalic after reaching the final 4 for the second World Cup in a row.
It’s an unimaginable achievement by the Balkan nation with its inhabitants of lower than 4 million and Dalic has skilfully harnessed this spirit of success towards all odds.
He peppers his media briefings with language about ‘nice fighters’ and ‘no give up’. He’s all about ‘exhausting work’, ‘integrity’ and ‘honesty’. It’s all about doing it for ‘the individuals’.
Croatia are using a wave of momentum after eliminating pre-tournament favourites Brazil
After beating Brazil there will likely be no group or participant they worry – even Lionel Messi and Argentina
Alongside this want and aggressive braveness, there are some distinctive gamers with nice technical skill, not least Luka Modric making a mockery of his 37 years. ‘Croatia is a shock,’ mentioned Dalic. ‘We’re a small nation nevertheless it ought to turn into much less stunning as a result of that is continued success.’
Argentina will want no reminder of the hazard they pose. 4 years in the past, they misplaced 3-0 to Croatia within the World Cup, plunging qualification from the group into peril.
They squeezed via as runners-up with a late winner towards Nigeria, solely to run into France within the final 16 and crash out. ‘We must be on guard with Messi,’ mentioned Dalic. ‘We is not going to man-mark him one on one, we didn’t do this final time. We all know what he can do. What he likes most is the ball at his toes and the important thing will likely be our self-discipline. If we repeat what we did towards Brazil then there’s nothing to be afraid of.’
Argentina know concerning the hazard Croatia poses after shedding 3-0 to them again in 2018
Friday’s victory on penalties towards Brazil epitomises a Croatia group that refuses to simply accept defeat. They went behind to a purpose by Neymar halfway via extra-time and regarded exhausted after they summoned one closing effort to degree within the 117th minute via Bruno Petkovic.
Then they received the shootout with 4 excellent penalties, a save from goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, hero of the shootout towards Japan, and a miss by Marquinhos.
‘When the penalties got here once more, I used to be actually calm,’ mentioned Croatia centre-half Dejan Lovren. ‘Actually, Dominik Livakovic is likely one of the greatest goalkeepers for the penalty saves and possibly within the event, additionally.’
When requested concerning the prospect of reaching successive World Cup finals, Lovren mentioned: ‘Let’s go step-by-step. Now we have confidence excessive however we have to hold our toes on earth. We all know every part is feasible.’
