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SOCHI, Russia – Twenty years ago, Croatia made its World Cup debut with a result that had only been achieved once in the history of the tournament and which was never exceeded
. the biggest showcase was a high standard
The memorable Croatian race in the semi-finals in 1998 remains a moment of pride for the country. This also created a shadow that each Croatian team was forced to face and failed to match. Croatia can match what the 1998 team did if it beat Russia on Saturday in the quarterfinals and may eventually get rid of that 20-year-old shadow.
The current team of stars such as Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic will have the same esteem as Davor Suker, Zvonimir Boban and Slaven Bilic with one more win. This will be the last team of Croatia to fail.
"We talked a lot about both teams and their similarities," said Perisic. "They have achieved a historic result in France, we are now close and we hope to do it a little better than them, we know our quality and we believe in ourselves and we are on the right track right now".
The current group of Croatians is tired of hearing about what happened in 1998. It's not a matter of respect – there is great admiration for what the 1998 team has accomplished – but equal or exceed what this team has done. As Rakitic recently said, "we have to forget about them, with all due respect to them."
Croatia finished in third place in their debut. matched only by Portugal in 1966 when the tournament consisted of only 16 teams. The 1998 team finished second in its group, beat Romania in the round of 16 and defeated Germany 3-0 in the quarterfinals. Croatia lost to champion France in the semi-finals, but bounced back to beat the Netherlands and finish third.
This is what Croatia has or has not done in the four World Cups since that start. The team plays under.
"It was different football 20 years ago," said Ante Rebic. "They have achieved a very good result, we are on the right track and have great support in Croatia and I believe that our team can do something similar."
Croatia was ousted in the group stage in 2002 and 2006 did not qualify for South Africa in 2010 and was still eliminated in the group stage in 2014 – despite a very difficult group.
The 2002 and 2006 tournaments were particularly frustrating as a win in the last group matches would have made Croatia progress
Even the European Championships have not been nice. Croatia reached the quarterfinals at its first tournament in 1996 and has only progressed once since. Croatia has never made the semifinals of the Euro.
"Our goals are higher," said defender Domagoj Vida. "God willing, we would like to win the World Cup trophy, that's why we are here."
Croatia is the big favorite of the quarter-finals with the host team, and a victory over the Russians Even believes that his victory in the quarterfinals on Germany that occurred there 20 years ago this week.
Modric may be the favorite for the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player until now. Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic has become a national hero for saving three penalties to put Croatia ahead of Denmark in the round of 16. And Croatia is on the side of the paw where play in the final seems quite possible if it can beat the Russians
This would certainly eliminate the pressure that still persists 20 years ago.
"It was a dream to be in a similar situation one day, it's time and we hope to be able to achieve a similar result," Perisic said. "That's why we look forward to the match against Russia."
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