Croatia is working more, says it will have enough for England

Sochi, Russia – They spent 120 minutes twice a week. They endured the emotional draws of two shots on goal, ranking first on both occasions, the first team since 1990 to do so at a World Cup. They have injuries to their right back, their goalkeeper and a handful of other players who could probably use a week in the ice bath.

There is no way for Croatia to have juice in the tank for England "Of course that there is power for the English," he said. coach of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic. "We do not want to stop, so we want to play our best game."

What kind of recovery can Croatia collect over the next three days? Maybe she will determine if she has a chance to beat England? Final Cup for the first time when the teams will meet in the semifinal on Wednesday night in Moscow

Yes, Croatia could have one of the best individual tournament players with what Luka Modric did to tie the race the deepest of all times. country. But Croatia is also exhausted. Physically. Mentally

There is no way that they could not be after having ousted Denmark on penalties in the round of 16, then being forced to extend the time by l & rsquo; Russian host Saturday night. Shortly before midnight local time, Ivan Rakitic 's winning penalty sparked yet another party that was a mixture of excitement and relief.

The team and the country make a rush of adrenaline by tying the Croatian team of 1998 and reaching the semifinals. At some point, this wave could crash.

"At times we lacked power, but we played twice 120 minutes of football in six days," Modric said. "Of course, that will leave you a mark, you will have to pay the price for those efforts, but thank God we showed our character."

The emotions were such that Dalic burst into tears on the sideline after Rakitic

"I'm really relieved," said Dalic. "We made ourselves happy but we made everyone happy at home in Croatia, these emotions spring from me, I do not cry often, but I have a good reason."

The team was traveling from Sochi to Moscow on Sunday to set up camp for two days of training before the semifinal. The most immediate concern seems to be the return of Sime Vrsaljko, who had to be replaced during overtime, leaving the field with a leg injury.

Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic also worries the second half and during any break through the extra time and shooting after seeming to hurt his right hamstring.

A number of other players from Croatia were getting mbadages and stretching their legs before extra time and before the shootout. The unique elements of playing Sochi with the combination of heat and moisture have undermined the energy of both teams, creating a rather lethargic second half. Many players from Croatia said that the arrival in Sochi immediately after the knockout stage against Denmark was a major advantage, but that the recovery would be quick.

"It will be difficult," said defender Dejan Lovren. "Let's hope our right-back Sime Vrsaljko is not as hurt as he thinks, so we hope we can get by, but we have a lot of good players on the bench who showed that they could change the pace." Game."