DOHA, Dec 10
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic credited his side’s character to fight till the end for the comeback win over Brazil in a well-contested Fifa World Cup quarterfinal in Doha on Friday.
“Brazilians were skillfull and difficult to dominate in the match. We demonstrated our capability of fighting hard with a no-surrender approach. We were not ready to concede defeat after Neymar’s goal in the extra-time,” Dalic said during the post-match press conference.
The Croatian coach said it was a great feeling of satisfaction after the equaliser was scored by the substitutes.
“After the goal by Neymar, we still had the hope to pull one back. The substitutions were not intended with a strategy but they instilled a fresh energy to the team.”
On a query about mercurial player Luka Modric, Dalic said it is no surprise after working with him all these periods.
“Modric is a phenomenal player. His seriousness and work ethics for the game is really commendable. He is a gentleman and inspiration to the Croatian team. Whether it is Croatia or Real Madrid Modric gives his best.”
On a question about the goal celebration of the players, Dalic said he had instructed the Croatian players not to dance or mimic after a goal.
“We have professional and high-quality players who cannot be written off in any match.”
Replying to a query on their back-to-back penalty shoot-out success, the Croatian coach dedicated it to the confidence of his players.
“We are not penalty specialists. It is not easy to take on the penalties. It shows the character and self-confidence of the players and their ability to make correct decisions when it matters.”
“From the start of the tournament, we took it one game at a time. We were focused to give our best in each game of the World Cup,” he said.
Commenting on their midfield prowess, Dalic said: “Ours is one of the best midfield in the tournament due to the players’ hard work and serious approach to the game.”
TITE STEPS DOWN
Brazil coach Tite confirmed he will exit the national team coaching role after a tenure of six years.
The 61-year-old had said before the tournament he would stand down regardless of his side's performance.
"It is a painful defeat but I go in peace. It is the end of a cycle," said the former Corinthians manager.
Tite left no room for a return as Brazil coach.
"I already said that a year and a half ago. I didn't come here to win and then turn around and say I was going to stay. People who know me know that."
Star striker Neymar, who scored the goal for Brazil in the quarterfinal, said he cannot give a 100 per cent guarantee of continuing play for Brazil.
The 30-year-old said he will check all aspects before confirming his decision. "I am not closing any doors on the national team but I am also not guaranteeing 100 per cent that I will return.”
“I need to think a bit more about this, what is best for me and the national team."
The Paris St Germain forward equalled Pele's official goalscoring record of 77 in 124 appearances for the Brazil men's national team during the match.
Neymar played in three World Cups for the Selecao, helping them reach the semifinals in Brazil 2014 before missing the 7-1 drubbing by Germany in the last four with injury.
"It is an awful feeling. I think this is a worse feeling than what happened at the last World Cup," said Neymar, referring to Brazil's 2-1 quarterfinal defeat by Belgium at Russia 2018.
"We fought really well and I am proud of my team-mates. We showed great character throughout the tournament.”
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