November 22, 2022, 2:31 PM
November 22, 2022, 2:31 PM
The captain of the Croatian world runners-up, Luka Modric, rejected on Tuesday any “comparison” of this 2022 World Cup with the previous edition of Russia 2018, on the eve of his team entering the fray against Morocco (group F).
“I’m not one of those who make comparisons,” declared the 2018 Ballon d’Or. “I feel fit. The matches with my club and in the national team show it. I am physically prepared,” he said.
“Everything we have gone through during the World Cup in Russia is indelible. We continue to talk to each other, we have memories that will last our whole lives, but we must put that aside,” added the Real Madrid player, who at 37 is playing his fourth World Cup.
“There is a new energy within the team, with youngsters and heavyweights who were in Russia helping the newcomers adjust. It’s a new tournament, we have to do our best and give the best of ourselves,” he said.
“Since the World Cup in Russia, Croatia is more respected but we must remain humble and not make big promises or soar through the roof, we must be realistic”he explained, indicating that he had “a positive nervousness” before the premiere of his selection on Wednesday.
The Croatian coach, Zlatko Dalic, asked his men to be “vigilant”, especially after the big surprise Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 win over Argentina on Tuesday.
“This World Cup is different from Russia, but we will not be arrogant. We are aware of our values and our strength, but we are not going to fall into the trap,” he said.
