Manaus (Brazil): Most Croatian players have improved individually since Euro 2012 but only the World Cup will show whether the team can match the sum of its parts, playmaker Luka Modric said. Croatia take on hosts Brazil in Sao Paulo in the tournament’s opener on Thursday and Modric assessed there was a thin line between success and failure in the 32-nation event.
“We could go far if we get past the group stage,” the midfielder said on Tuesday. “Many of us have improved massively as individuals since Euro 2012 but it is yet to be seen whether we have progressed as a team. “It’s been a while since we played a match as big as this one, we know the Brazilians respect us and we are also aware how fired up they will be to make a winning start on home soil.
“They are a phenomenal team with Marcelo, Thiago Silva and Neymar the three outstanding players. “Hence we have to breathe as one on the pitch because none of us can put up a one-man show against a team of such fortitude. It will be a titanic tussle in midfield and we are doomed if we surrender possession and sit back.”
Striker Eduardo da Silva said Croatia’s fate could be heavily influenced by their performance against Brazil. “Brazil are the favourites so beating them will be a big ask but how well we hold our own could determine our achievement in the group stage. “It will be very difficult for them to come back if we score first. The most important thing is that we play well to keep a good atmosphere in the dressing room.”
Croats await Fifa nod for Badelj
Meanwhile, Croatia are awaiting Fifa clearance to replace injured midfielder Ivan Mocinic with Milan Badelj. Mocinic is the fourth Croat squad to drop out because of injury but normally Fifa rules allow replacements for injured players up to the eve of the tournament. If Fifa gives the green light Badelj would join the squad on Friday which means that he would miss the match against Brazil.
