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Nobody remains on the bench: Duje Caleta-Car (right) Image: REUTERS
"The World Cup final will last a lifetime"
OÖN interview: Red Bull Salzburg – The player Duje Caleta-Car about the cabin party after the debut of Croatia in World Cup – and the secret of the success of "his" national team.
By Harald Bartl of Moscow,
July 13, 2018 – 00:04
Overwhelmed by emotions and feelings, but at the same time calm, almost shy and really friendly: So the Red Bull Salzburg defender Duje Caleta-Car (21) after the World Cup in Croatia Final entry to England in the interview of OÖN.
Can you even believe what happened here?
No, it is not yet real. In 1998, I was two years old when Croatia was in the semifinals of the World Cup. These players are always our heroes. And now we are with our team in the final of the World Cup. It's just amazing and can not be described in words.
How to explain your secret of success?
There are so many things. Mentality, euphoria, quality of the players. The fighting spirit is foremost. We never give up even if we are back in the lead 1-0 against England and that things are not going well.
It always takes at least two hours to get out of the taxi after the match. What happened after the final whistle?
It's our ritual. He is sung, he is danced. We appreciate these moments. Croatian leaders of politics and badociation were there. There is also time with families. It is important to celebrate these successes right away. First in the cabin, then in the evening at the hotel. It's part of being together for so long.
You had three extensions to complete, plus one less break for the finals. Can this go against a team like France?
It does not matter. We have a unique game in our lives on Sunday. It will release all the forces you would not normally have.
Do you live your biggest dream?
Certainly. At the age of seven, I dreamed of playing in the national team once. Being in action at a World Cup now fills me with pride. This World Cup final remains a lifetime
They are still under contract with Salzburg. Again and again, you are badociated with clubs in Italy. Can we still see each other in Austria?
I do not know what to say. I do not focus on it now. I love being in Salzburg and in constant contact with the sports director Christoph Freund and coach Marco Rose. It will show everything. I do not know what can happen. At the moment, I'm just thinking about the national team and my family
Has the Salzburger been very kind?
Yes, yes – everyone is happy for me. From president to sports director and coach to teammates all of me wrote after the final whistle. It's good.
Your teammates in Salzburg are already in training. How is it going to look like?
Yes, I know they've been training for 20 days, or how many are they? A little vacation I need after this World Cup. But I'm young, I can do a lot of vacation in my life later. Now, there's only one thought for me – the World Cup final on Sunday.
Croatia is still without a win against France
Before the final of the World Cup against Croatia on Sunday (17 clock, ORF) in Moscow, the record clearly speaks of "the tricolor team", of five duels not lost one. Three wins (including a 2-1 win in the 1998 World Cup semi-finals) and two draws are recorded. Nevertheless, Croats have opportunities. Anyone who has come here wants more. Namely, the first title.
"We are well deserved to be where we are now, my boys are not normal, they have played and fought fantastically, and this will be part of the story forever, thanks to all our fans we want to become world champions now, "said team leader Zlatko Dalic after the 2-1 win against England. Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored the decisive goal in the 110th minute, is also on fire: "We are not yet aware of what we have achieved here, but it is not amazing. "
Mario Mandzukic: A portrait of the Croatian scorer against England read here
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