Rakitic, Croatia follows Modric in search of World Cup

Ivan Rakitic welcomed the Croatian captain Luka Modric by reiterating the desire to repay the Real Madrid star in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against Russia on Saturday.

Rakitic greeted Modric while Croatia cheated Denmark in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the final eight of the tournament, revealing that he told his teammates "(19659003) Rakitic, Barcelona , congratulated Modric – who missed a penalty in overtime but who was away from the spot during the shooting – on the eve of the shock of Croatia. at Fisht Stadium in Sochi

"Our captain deserves first and foremost that we follow him," Rakitic told reporters on Friday. "At all times we do everything he shows us and go where he tells us." Fortunately, I have been playing with him for 10 years and every game since he was named captain, he led us with great power, strength and self-confidence.

"At that time, we had to repay everything that he had given us on many occasions, he was the first … It was just an opportunity I was talking about my heart , which also showed how we are together. "

Although he has scored only once in the World Cup this year, Mario Mandzukic was a key member of Croatia's starting lineup – his work in attack and in defense setting the tone for the Balkan nation

. Rakitic said: "Mandzukic is very important, of course, because of his attitude and his approach, first and foremost, we know we can count on him at any time." He is ready and gives everything. Very happy that he is here. You can see that he is ready and I hope that he will play the same way. "

Much of the preparation for the quarter-finals is focused on the iconic 1998 team while the present meets the past." 19659003] Croatia finished third at the World Cup in France 20 years ago and the focus has been on the ability of the current team to improve the achievements of the golden generation.

Next article

Suker and Zvonimir Boban, Croatia has surprised Germany 3-0 in the quarter-finals before falling in the semi-final against France.

"This should not be 3-0," said l & # 39; Croatian head coach Zlatko Dalic 1-0 would be a great feat to repeat this victory It will not be easy but we are ready

"We know our qualities, we have worked hard here and we have to do a good match tomorrow and progress against the host country and bring us closer to the team of Croatia "98 . "