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"British TV journalists and analysts underestimated Croatia and it was a big mistake," Modric said after the 2-1 win against England in conversation with ITV . "The media should have been more humble and respectful to us."
British newspapers wrote, among other things, that Croats might seem tired at the hitting point, as the team of national coach Zlatko Dalić in the Eighth Finals (Denmark) and the quarter-finals (Russia) had to survive an extension and penalties.
In addition, the media have long speculated on a possible world title for England and Croatia, saying it was a relatively simple opponent. According to Modric, these texts led to more motivation in Croatia, which was the longest after Wednesday.
"We took the news in the media and we told ourselves that we should show them who is tired here," said the Croatian star player. "We dominated the game both mentally and physically and we showed once again that we are not tired."
The Croats made a false start in the Luzhniki stadium, with England already taking the advantage after five minutes. Ivan Perišić drew in the second half and in the extension Mario Mandzukić signed for the liberating goal, giving the Croatians the title of World Cup finalist for the first time.
Dalic
The national coach Dalić of Croatia is very proud of this success, especially because of the team spirit of his team. The 51-year-old was in charge of all his substitutions, but if his players were in charge, no one was removed from the field.
"Some boys were injured during the meeting but no one complained". . "My players gave everything in terms of strength and endurance."
"I wanted to make some changes earlier in the game, but all my players said that they were still fit enough to continue … no one said that he no longer felt in shape, nobody gave up and that makes me very proud. "
Revenge
In Sunday's final, Croatia faces France, who eliminated Belgium on Tuesday night. Dalić hopes that his team will be able to relive for the 1998 World Cup, when Croatia lost in the semi-finals of the last world champion in France and thus caught a final ticket.
"The first three games of this tournament, I was there as a supporter, everyone in Croatia remembered this match, because it was the subject of discussions in the country in the last twenty years, "says Dalic. We are not looking for revenge against France, both teams have shown that they have enough quality, and for us it's just a matter of preparation so that we can play our best tournament match on Sunday . "[19659002] The final of the World Cup between Croatia and France begins Sunday at 17:00 in Moscow.The match for third place between Belgium and England is scheduled a day earlier.
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