Modrić Admits Croatia Was Tense, Tells Portugal 'They Won't Be Comfortable Facing Us'

Croatian national team captain Luka Modrić acknowledged the team's initial struggles with pressure in the World Cup but expressed confidence in their ability to improve as the tournament progresses. After securing a place in the knockout stage with a 2-1 victory, Modrić stated that the team had achieved its first goal but recognized that the real challenge lies ahead.

"We entered, as I said, after Panama quite tense due to excessive expectations that we unnecessarily place on ourselves, but also from the environment," Modrić admitted. "There is no need for that, we should enjoy. As the matches progress, I believed that we would get better and better." He emphasized that recent victories have boosted the team's morale, and they can play even better by relaxing and enjoying the game.

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Ušli smo, kako sam rekao, nakon Paname dosta u grču zbog prevelikih očekivanja koja si sami nepotrebno stavljamo, ali i okolina. Nema potrebe za tim, trebamo uživati. Kako utakmice budu odmicale, vjerovao sam da ćemo biti sve bolji i bolji.

Looking ahead to the knockout phase, Modrić conveyed a fearless attitude towards potential opponents. "Whoever comes, we will fight to the end. There are no preferences, we just need to give our maximum. Surely they won't be comfortable seeing us on the other side either, we just need to give our maximum," he asserted. Modrić also praised the younger players, singling out Petar Sučić for his "phenomenal game," and highlighted the importance of set pieces as a key weapon for Croatia, both offensively and defensively.

Modrić shared that coach Zlatko Dalić congratulated the team but reminded them to rest and prepare thoroughly, as they have "not achieved anything yet." The captain also noted the strong support from fans, particularly those in Toronto, and expressed his excitement about potentially returning there if the team advances further.

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Siguran sam da možemo, samo se trebamo opustiti i uživati. Ne trebamo stavljati dodatni pritisak, vjerujemo u sebe i znamo koliko smo dobri.