Luka Modrić after the victory over Russia: We want to bring a medal home

For the third time at the World Cup, Croatian captain Luka Modrić has been named the best player of the match – he received the FIFA award after matches against Nigeria and Argentina, and last night after the quarter-final clash against Russia.

“I don’t think too much about individual awards, they are not important to me. They are recognition for work and effort, but I am focused on the national team,” said Modrić, adding: “We want to bring a medal home, which we will see.”

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Modrić emphasized that Russia played excellently, especially in the first half.

“They pressed us high, we were tense and afraid to take risks. But in the second half and extra time, we were dominant and better. We should have resolved it earlier, but I guess it was destined that we had to go through drama.”

Luka highlighted how the team once again showed character when it was most difficult.

“It was tough. We should have finished the match earlier, we had chances, hit the post, and after leading 2-1 we should have stayed focused. Thank God we showed character.”

Now in the semi-finals on July 11 at Moscow’s Luzhniki, England awaits. Luka, who spent four years in a Tottenham shirt, is aware of the test ahead for the ‘Vatreni’.

“It will be a tough and demanding match. However, tonight we enjoy, and then the preparations begin.”

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He also reflected on the fact that Croatia is in the World Cup semi-finals again after 20 years.

“We are happy and proud of that. It has been a tough journey, and we have had quite a few misfortunes in previous competitions. We have enormous confidence and a team, and I hope we can take one more step and reach the final.”

Coach Dalić: This is an incredible thing

The coach of the Croatian national football team, Zlatko Dalić, was understandably jubilant after reaching the World Cup semi-finals, which the ‘Vatreni’ achieved through better execution of penalties in the quarter-finals against the host Russia in Sochi.

“I always have a tough path. Congratulations to the boys for their fight, for their effort, for everything they have done to bring Croatia to the World Cup semi-finals. We must all be proud, both us here and the people in Croatia because this is an incredible thing. We knew how the Russians play, aggressively, combatively, compactly in a block, and they did not let us play in the first half. In the second half, we played much better and in the end, we deserved to win. It was a very tough match against 50,000 people in the stands. Now we have two more matches ahead of us. We have been dragging ourselves through Russia for a month, and it would be a shame not to see Moscow.”

President of the Parliament congratulated the national team

The President of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, congratulated the Croatian national football team and its coach on their victory in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Russia and their placement among the four best teams in the world: “Dear Vatreni, congratulations on a magnificent victory, the dedication you showed on the field, and your placement among the four best teams in the world – in the semi-finals of the World Cup! On behalf of the Croatian Parliament and in my personal name, I wish you continued brilliant play and new great victories at the World Cup. All of Croatia is proud of you!”.

President in the locker room

Even hours after the dramatic victory of the Croatian national team in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Russia, Croatian songs echoed at the Fisht Stadium.

The ‘Vatreni’ celebrated their placement in the World Cup semi-finals vigorously and intensely. There was singing, jumping, and partying in every corner of the locker room.

“Call, just call, all the falcons will give their lives for you,” echoed through our locker room. Songs like Čavoglave, Domovina, Sude mi, Lijepa li si, and Grdović’s hits were sung….

The Croatian football heroes let loose after the ‘Vatreni’ secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals after a 20-year wait.

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović visited the players in the locker room after the Croatian national team’s victory and celebrated their entry into the semi-finals with them.

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“This was for the entire nation, we love to complicate everything, but in the end, we deserved the victory,” said Dejan Lovren after yet another great performance.

“Now we need to take advantage of the fact that we are relieved. We have to show that we can do better, now we have nothing to lose,” added Lovren.

Marijo Mandžukić also delivered an excellent performance, assisting Kramarić for the first goal of the Croatian team.

“It was tough, and we knew it would be tough. But who cares, we are in the semi-finals. We deserved it with our attitude on the field, effort, and play,” said Mandžukić, adding that his ‘stomach is still tearing’ from the penalties and the new drama.

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“It was the same against Denmark and today, there was a lot of nervousness, but it doesn’t matter, we are in the semi-finals, and let all of Croatia celebrate,” said the Juventus striker.

When asked where he gets the strength to run for 120 minutes, Mandžo just smiled.

“I have no idea. I remember one expert said before the tournament that this is not the old Mandžukić. I agree with him. This is some even better Mandžukić. I have no idea where I get the strength, I give my all for the team.”

Mandžukić emphasized that the ‘Vatreni’ can now go all the way.

“Now that we have come this far, it is normal that we want to go all the way. Believe me, we will give every last drop of sweat. If we don’t succeed, no one can blame us, but we are ready to give our all. All of us,” said Mandžukić.

Celebration at Ultra

The victory of the Croatian national football team and entry into the World Cup semi-finals ‘pulled’ numerous citizens of Croatia onto the streets and city squares on the night from Saturday to Sunday, and it was especially lively in Split where celebrations erupted in all directions, including at the Ultra Europe festival.