He mentioned Croatia wouldn’t attempt to man-mark Argentine celebrity Lionel Messi and as an alternative give attention to stabilizing your complete squad forward of Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final.
Croatia is bidding to make its second consecutive World Cup remaining after dropping to France within the 2018 showcase match.
They shocked match favorites Brazil within the quarter-finals after going a aim down in additional time, however dug deep to return again with a late equalizer and pressure a penalty shootout that they received.
“We don’t have a specific plan yet to stop Messi and usually we focus on stopping the whole team, not one player,” striker Bruno Petkovic advised a press convention on Sunday.
“We will attempt to cease them as a crew and never with man-marking. Argentina isn’t solely Messi, they’ve many nice gamers. We should cease the entire Argentina crew.
Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has to this point been the driving pressure for Argentina, who additionally wanted a penalty after conceding a two-goal lead in opposition to the Dutch of their quarter-final.
With no gamers suspended and no harm considerations following the return of Croatia defender Borna Sosa, Zlatko Dalić’s facet are brimming with confidence and prepared for extra.
Their midfield, comprising captain Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, might be key to setting the tempo, as they did in opposition to Brazil, and defender Josip Juranovic mentioned all three have been absolutely reliable.
“Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best Croatia midfields in history. I don’t think it can be repeated. When you pass the ball to them it’s safer than keeping your money in the bank,” mentioned the defender.
After super-sub Petkovic equalized in opposition to Brazil within the 117th minute to arrange a penalty, Croatia have now received all 4 shootouts they’ve participated in on the World Cup.
“I think a lot of people who are not professional footballers can take successful penalties,” Petkovic mentioned. “The distinction is how mentally robust you’re. There is a large strain that you’ve got by no means skilled earlier than. But when you could have a world-class wicketkeeper, it helps.”
Keeper Dominik Livkovic saved a spot kick in opposition to Brazil after making three saves within the Round of 16 shootout in opposition to Japan.
But it was Petkovic’s dramatic equalizer after Brazil had taken the extra-time result in take them to the shootout.
Petkovich mentioned, “With each passing day I am becoming more and more aware of the enormity of this goal.”
“Maybe I’ll feel something like that in the semi-finals or after that.”
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
