Luka Modric remained as calm as if he were standing before a friendly.
The Croatian superstar leaned with both arms on the podium before the duel with record champion Brazil, at least outwardly he did not let on that the maximum challenge awaited him: World Cup quarter-finals, a duel with the shiny top favorite - it Couldn't be a tougher opponent on Friday (4 p.m./Magenta TV) than the Seleção, who have been so strong so far.
But Modric relaxed in his chair, smiled here and there, and answered the journalists' questions in a relaxed manner. And Brazil? Of course they are favourites, he said. "But practice has shown that that doesn't have to mean anything. We're not worried." Of course, Real Madrid's midfield strategist knows exactly what to expect against Neymar and Co.
"Maximum Level of Concentration"
No team at this tournament in Qatar has played better football than the Seleção. No team scores better goals. No other has greater offensive potential than the Seleção. Nevertheless, the Brazilians themselves have been warned. Because after games against Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon and South Korea, their first real touchstone is now waiting with the runner-up world champion. "It will be a game that will require our maximum level of concentration," said full-back Danilo.
Because the Brazilians meet real knockout experts. The Croatians have won seven of their last nine knockout games at World Cups. In all of those nine games they have scored at least one goal. In addition, the Brazilians are fighting against their own misery in the quarter-finals. They have lost three of their last four World Cup quarter-finals, most recently in Russia in 2018 with a 2-1 loss to Belgium. This time the hope for the long-awaited sixth world title is all the greater.
"We are confident that we can change what has often happened in the quarter-finals in recent years," said winger Vinícius Júnior. "That we win the quarter-finals, go to the semi-finals and keep going step by step." In fact, not a few are likely to lack the imagination for how the aging Croatians around defense chief Dejan Lovren want to stop Brazil's high-speed department.
Also in the defensive world class
If the Seleção perform confidently, which they only lacked in the meantime with the clear lead against South Korea, they are also one of the best defensively. So how does Croatia plan to hold their own against this team?
Modric did not want to give a specific answer. But: "We have the opportunity to stand up to these teams," said the 37-year-old veteran, who is looking forward to another highlight of his glittering career. "We wanted nothing more than this duel." It will also be the duel in which he and Brazil's superstar Neymar should be the focus.
After his foot injury, the 30-year-old attacker is completely fit again. He still lacks the golden World Cup trophy for Luka Modric's composure, and millions of Brazilians want nothing less from the best player of his generation. And he expects nothing less from himself. "We'll laugh in the final," Neymar announced confidently after the win against South Korea. Not only Modric should be particularly motivated by this statement.
The possible lineups:
Croatia: 1 Livakovic - 22 Juranovic, 6 Lovren, 20 Gvardiol, 19 Sosa - 11 Brozovic - 10 Modric, 8 Kovacic - 9 Kramaric, 14 Livaja, 4 Perisic
Brasilien: 1 Alisson - 14 Éder Militão, 4 Marquinhos, 3 Thiago Silva, 2 Danilo - 11 Raphinha, 5 Casemiro, 7 Paquetá, 20 Vinicius Júnior - 10 Neymar, 9 Richarlison
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
