Croatia is working in surplus, 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, there is still power for the English," said L & # 39; coach of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic. "We do not want to stop – we want to play our best game then."

What kind of recovery Croatia can muster over the next three days can ultimately determine whether it has a chance to get out of England and reach the World Cup finals for the first time when the sides We find ourselves in the semifinal on Wednesday night in Moscow

Yes, Croatia could have one of the best individual players of the tournament with what Luka Modric has made to equal the deepest race in the country. But Croatia is also exhausted. Physically. Mentally

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

The team and the country are doing a rush of adrenaline by leveling the Croatian team of 1998 and semi-finals. 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 a mark on you, you have to pay the toll for such efforts, but thank God we showed our character."

The emotions were such that Dalic burst into tears on the sideline after Rakitic's victory penalty.

"It came from me, I felt really relieved," Dalic said. "We made ourselves happy, but we also made everyone happy 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 settle for two days of training before the semi – final. The most immediate concern seems to be the return of Sime Vrsaljko, who had to be replaced during extra time, leaving the field with an apparent injury to the leg.

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 receiving massages and stretching their legs before extra time and before the shooting. 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 Croatian players said that the arrival in Sochi immediately after the knockout stage against Denmark was a major advantage, but that they are now recovering quickly.

"It will be difficult," said defender Dejan Lovren. "Let's hope our right-back Sime Vrsaljko is not as hurt as he thinks, so I hope we'll manage, but we have a lot of good players on the bench who have shown that we've got it all right." they can change the pace of the game. "

-AP