Luka Modric has gone into Croatia’s last two games at the World Cup knowing it could be his last.
The Real Madrid midfielder accepts that the 2018 finalists will now have to achieve their greatest-ever result to keep his journey going. Croatia face Brazil having scraped into the last eight with a goalless draw against Belgium and a penalty shoot-out win over Japan.
Zlatko Dalic’s ageing side appear to be on their last legs - but 37-year-old Modric insisted: "Our greatest game of the World Cup might still be ahead of us. We have done a great thing by reaching the quarter-finals - but we want even more.
"Brazil are always one of the big favourites in every World Cup, but what they have shown in this tournament is that this time they deserve to be favourites. We have faced Brazil before on several occasions and not won. We believe this can change.
"We will have to play at a high tempo, keep them under control, be strong and assertive and not let them out of sight. Like I say, Brazil are the favourites - but we have seen that even the favourites can be beaten.”
This is Modric’s fourth World Cup and Dalic believes his playmaker has even more to give for his country. But the former Tottenham midfielder is aware that time is ticking. Modric added: "I’m not focused on the future. I am focused 100 percent on this World Cup and there will be a time afterwards to think about what happens next.
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)"I’ll see how long I can play for the national team when the time is right. Unfortunately, I don’t have a formula or recipe for regeneration. If someone else knows the secret on how to remain young, then please come to me."
Dalic insisted he will not feel slighted if Brazil celebrate any goals by performing a Samba celebration. But he did admit that he would not like to see his players behave in the same way. Dalic said: "Brazil have their own way and they celebrate how they know.
"They are festive, in unity, they demonstrate their character and tradition - and that’s their right. Whether that is respect or disrespect, I cannot say. I would not like to see my players celebrate like that, but it’s a different culture and they like to dance."
Brazil boss Tite joined in with his team's dancing during their 4-1 win against South Korea in the last 16. He said: "It is not disrespectful. Brazil’s football identity started long ago, with disparate communities training young players to produce good football.
"I know we still face challenges and criticism - but it’s the football I believe in. Even if there is criticism and we don’t win the World Cup, we move forward playing football our way.
"I am 61 years old, working with players who are 21 or 22 who could be my grandchildren. By joining in, I get a connection with them. If I have to dance to connect with my players then I will continue dancing."
