Croatia was equally surprised anyone from Japan group-Stage wins over former champions Germany and Spain are at the World Cup, but for now they will not underestimate them last-16 opponents on Monday they are also I feel ready to deal with Asians need for speed.
Japan opened them group matches with amazing coming from-behind win over four times world champions And Germany went on to secure rehabilitation with Another equally victorious score over 2010 World Cup champion Spain.
Although there is very little possessionand with just 17% against Spain and 26% against The Germans emerged victorious in Both games.
“We didn’t expect this,” said Croatian midfielder Lovro Mager. on Saturday. “I think hard anyone I expected that, but hats off off to Japan.”
“They showed it’s not the playing names but what it is more What is important is the heart and courage. They deserved it and showed their quality.”
Croatia, runners-up in 2018 may be the favorite but Majer said the number of Major disturbances so far in this is competition should As warning.
“If you underestimate someone today, they will come back He said, “Everyone playing good football. We have seen many surprises in this World Cup.”
“I generally think that football Playing here is great. One of The key The reasons are because it is in the middle of The season that everyone is in in higher shape. “
Croatia has a full round of 16 record In the finals, after they have not lost first Cut game when made out of they group in Five visits to the World Cup finals.
While they were not dominant as such in The group The stage this time is the same as it was four years ago, they have done enough to succeed with two draws f winAnd the fatigue Not issue.
“My locker is a full-timer,” said Croatia defender Josip Juranović. in All three of they group games. “This is the World Cup and it may only come once in your profession.”
“When you see (37year old Luca) Modric’s enemy in 89th minute Then you get motivated run like that. all of us in higher shape in mid-season.”
as such for The Japanese side’s speed which proved fatal against Spain and Germany are back 4-1, Juranović said win over Canada, another country fast teamHelp prepare them for Japan.
Possession means nothing in football he said “today” play very good as a team delusion fast. We showed against Canada we can handle with fast teams. “
