Moscow: Croatia captain and inspirational midfielder, Luka Modric, is keen to see his side take a further step towards success when they play hosts Russia for a place in the last four of the World Cup Saturday.
Croatia’s win over Denmark saw them progress past the first game of the knockout stage of a major competition for the first time since 2008. However, Modric is well aware of the threat that Russia possess for the Croats.
“The attitude and organisation of Russia was vital when it came to limiting Spain’s potential,” Modric pointed out. “Russia are very comfortable playing on the break, they work hard and they are well-organised. I know they are going to try and take their chance to progress. So we have to be ready for the counter-attacks.
It is indeed important that we have qualified for the knockouts (in World Cup) for the first time since 2008. But it doesn’t end there. I want this Croatian side confirm their talent and achieve success
“It’s going to be spectacular to face Russia and their fans… They have already got past serious problems to get this far, especially as they have the lowest FIFA ranking,” he added.
Modric also looked at his own side’s success and asserted the importance of qualifying for the knockout stage in a major tournament since 2008. However, he emphasised that the goal was to at least emulate the success of the 1998 Croatian team who finished third in the World Cup and if possible, go further.
“We have not got past the first knockout round since 2008 and it was very important for us to get past that. We have finally got a good result after many years of trying and that means a lot to me,” Modric pointed out.
“I started playing for Croatia in 2008 and we have had a lot of unlucky defeats, we needed a bit of luck to get through, but we have worked for it. I want this Croatian side to confirm their talent and to take another step forward,” he concluded.
