Croatia aim to halt Russia’s home run
Croatia are targeting the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998, when they made their debut as an independent nation.
It is unwise to look too far ahead at an event so full of surprises, but will a Croatian team facing host nation Russia ever get a better chance to outdo the heroes of two decades ago?
Zlatko Dalic’s side showed in their comprehensive dismantling of Argentina during the group phase that they have no fear of the big names, and there is a strong case to say they are the best team left in their half of the draw. England might disagree, and the two countries could yet meet in the semi-finals.
However, while Croatia needed penalties to beat Denmark in the last round, they have come to Sochi full of confidence.
“We have shown in this World Cup that we have the right to hope for big things. We are playing really well and we have such players that we certainly should believe can go to the very end,” said defender Domagoj Vida.
Any team boasting a player of Luka Modric’s quality can afford to dream, especially when he is supported by Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic.
The Real Madrid player is possibly the best midfielder at the tournament but the strength in depth for such a small country is remarkable. Sixteen of Dalic’s squad play in Europe’s big five leagues, with Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic the hero against Denmark when he saved three penalties.
The squad has spent this week recounting their memories of 1998, when Croatia won 3-0 against Germany the last time they reached the quarter-finals.
One serious obstacle remains to be overcome, however. Back then, Croatia fell against hosts France in the semi-finals. Their only other previous encounter with the hosts at a World Cup also ended in defeat, against Brazil four years ago.
Croatia can expect a hostile reception on Saturday. For a country with a population of barely 4.3 million to beat a nation of more than 142 million would be some achievement.