Luka Modric believes Brazil are the ‘favourites’ to win the World Cup but says Croatia are more than capable of stunning the five-time champions ahead of their quarter-final in Qatar.
Croatia, who were beaten finalists in the 2018 World Cup, face Brazil at the Education City Stadium on Friday afternoon with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
Brazil finished top of Group G before laying down a World Cup marker with an impressive 4-1 victory over South Korea in the last-16 stage.
Croatia, meanwhile, finished second in Group F despite winning just one of their group games and moved into the quarters after beating Japan on penalties.
‘Our greatest game of the World Cup might still be ahead of us,’ Modric said. ‘We have done a great thing by reaching the quarter-finals – but we want even more.
‘Brazil are always one of the big favourites in every World Cup, but what they have shown in this tournament is that this time they deserve to be favourites.
‘We have faced Brazil before on several occasions and not won. We believe this can change.
‘We will have to play at a high tempo, keep them under control, be strong and assertive and not let them out of sight. Like I say, Brazil are the favourites – but we have seen that even the favourites can be beaten.’
At the age of 37, Real Madrid legend Modric is surely playing in his final World Cup, having played in each tournament since 2006.
‘I’m not focused on the future,’ he added. ‘I am focused 100 percent on this World Cup and there will be a time afterwards to think about what happens next.
‘I’ll see how long I can play for the national team when the time is right. Unfortunately, I don’t have a formula or recipe for regeneration. If someone else knows the secret on how to remain young, then please come to me.’
Brazil boss Tite, meanwhile, insists his side won’t hold back the dancing after they criticised for their celebrations during the victory over South Korea.
‘It is not disrespectful,’ he said. ‘Brazil’s football identity started long ago, with disparate communities training young players to produce good football.
‘I know we still face challenges and criticism – but it’s the football I believe in. Even if there is criticism and we don’t win the World Cup, we move forward playing football our way.
‘I am 61 years old, working with players who are 21 or 22 who could be my grandchildren. By joining in, I get a connection with them. If I have to dance to connect with my players then I will continue dancing.’
Elsewhere in Qatar, World Cup holders France face England, Argentina take on Netherlands and Portugal meet Morocco for a place in the semi-finals.
MORE : Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hints at more winter World Cups
MORE : Chris Sutton’s World Cup quarter-final predictions, including England v France
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