Dejan Lovren supports Croatia in the 2018 World Cup to eclipse his best third place from 20 years ago

Dejan Lovren of Liverpool aims to dominate the Bil and make Croatian history.

Slaven Bilic and Igor Stimac, both coaches of the Croatian national team, as well as Davor Suker and Robert Prosiniki are still celebrating their homeland to be part of the golden generation that took third place at the Cup of the world 1998 in France.

Twenty years later, it remains the best tournament in the country

But the defender Lovren believes that the current stars of Zlatko Dalic have the quality of surpassing their heroes and reaching the final of the World Cup here in Russia.

"I was nine years old in 1998 but I clearly remember it, I remember my mother screaming in the house when we scored a goal," recalls Lovren, while preparations begin Sunday evening against Denmark.

"At that time maybe I did not feel not that moment as much as everyone else because I was out playing football myself and people. But after that, I knew that third place was a big result. I've been lucky for Slaven and Igor to be my coaches with Croatia, so I learn better

"They have records to beat and I want to beat them and of course , I also want to beat them. "

Anfield's center back saw signs in Croatia's camp such as Luka Modric of Real Madrid, Juventus Mario striker Mandzukic, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Ratkitic and Inter Milan striker Ivan Perisic is in the zone

"We can beat what they did in 1998, but we have need luck, "he said after defeating Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland.

"I feel very good from the beginning of this tournament. When you feel something – on the field, off the field – it's that strong commitment to each other, you feel it … When you talk to the players.

"He came up with his own ideas and when he brings something new and he tells you that he believes in you – it's like all sports – then you'll start to believe in yourself.With that comes the atmosphere – it's amazing to be honest.

"Everyone is fit and ready – but we said the same thing in 2014 and 2016 and we We have not achieved anything yet – that's the problem – it will not be easy – we have a good opponent in Denmark in the next round – you saw their tie against France – there is no has no easy matches here.

"We are favorites to win, but when you look at Denmark, they came out of a difficult group, but not so difficult"

Despite from the devastation caused by Liverpool's final defeat against Real Madrid in Kiev last month, Lovren moved on.

"It gave me experience You do not play these great games many times in your life It was a great experience for me and I grow as a player every day.

"I still believe that I can improve a lot. I still feel it. I can always do better.

"I would have liked to be able to win the Champions League with Liverpool.I hope to have another chance – maybe for some, it will be the last chance, but I did not want to say it, because I believe in this team.We will grow up and be stronger next year. "