Modric’s penalty persistence praised
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia — Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on Sunday lauded Luka Modric, who missed a penalty in extra time but scored another in a shootout victory over Denmark to secure a World Cup quarterfinal berth.
“I am fascinated with his determination to shoot after he missed in extra time. He took the responsibility as a true captain, and it speaks volumes for Luka. Can you imagine if he had not scored? But he is a great player,” Dalic said.
With the score 1-1, Modric’s penalty five minutes from the end of extra time was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. However, the captain opted to return and converted in Croatia’s 3-2 shootout win.
“After Modric’s missed penalty, we all harked back to Vienna and that situation where we lost in 2008,” Dalic said, referring to an agonizing shootout defeat to Turkey in their Euro 2008 quarterfinal, when Modric also missed.
“But you have to have faith. The dear Lord has repaid us. Without luck, you cannot do anything in life, I am overjoyed.”
Dalic also had warm words for his goalkeeper Danijel Subasic who saved three of Denmark’s penalties.
“I believe that somebody dropped him but he is fine,” he said of the chaotic celebrations at the end when teammates mobbed the Monaco stopper.
“He was our hero tonight, he saved three penalties in a shootout. You don’t see that every day.”
Ironically, both Croatian players who missed in the shootout — Josip Pivaric and Milan Badelj — converted in a practice session the previous day.
“They scored spectacularly and yet tonight they missed. Every situation brings its drama but we were the ones to come out on top tonight,” Dalic said.
Croatia now faces host Russia on Saturday in Sochi, but having also beaten Lionel Messi’s Argentina 3-0 in Nizhny Novgorod, Dalic jokingly mused about staying.
“I carry only beautiful memories from Nizhny Novgorod. Are there any other games played here?” he said.