Croatia’s World Cup quarterfinal opponent oozes high quality and will area two beginning 11s within the match however regardless of the respect it feels, the Balkan nation can play even higher than it has up to now, defender Dejan Lovren and midfielder Mateo Kovacic stated.
The 2018 World Cup finalist, aiming to make it two semifinal appearances in a row, has a mountain to climb with pre-tournament favorite Brazil confirming its standing with a 4-1 Round of 16 demolition of South Korea.
“Brazil were favourites before the tournament. They have two teams that can play at this level,” Lovren stated on Wednesday. “Any of their substitutes can come on and make an instant impact. We respect everybody and that is how we work.”
Croatia, whose coach Zlatko Dalic described Brazil as “terrifying”, has had a harder highway to the final eight, needing penalties to oust Japan after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, however health isn’t any situation.
“We showed that we are in great physical shape,” Kovacic stated. “We worked a lot during these World Cup games. The Japanese team were very disciplined and it was difficult to break them down.”
“But we showed a lot of physical fitness and I believe we can play even better.”
What shall be key for Croatia is to handle to maintain possession towards the Brazilians, no straightforward feat with Brazil coach Tite able to area his first alternative staff for the primary time on this match.
With talisman Neymar and key defender Danilo returning towards South Korea after lacking two video games to accidents and on account of ankle issues, coach Tite may even have Alex Sandro again for the sport on Friday.
“How we can stop them?,” Lovren stated. “It is simple. Our goal is to try and stop the whole team. It will be a very difficult fight.”
As for Brazil’s exuberant celebrations when it scores, which some have stated are disrespectful to its opponent, Lovren stated he had no downside with them.
“Honestly, everybody can celebrate however they want. I have no issues with that,” he stated. “I don’t think it is disrespectful.”
“There are boundaries for everything, but Brazilians were born singing and dancing and I have no problem with that.”