2018 WORLD CUP

Kaka praises Croatia Captain – ‘Modric makes the World Cup look easy’

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According to former Real Madrid star Kaka, Luka Modric makes football look easy and deserves the chance to lead Croatia into a World Cup final. Throughout Croatia’s run to their first final Modric has rightly taken the plaudits and was typically imperious during the semi-final victory over England. Before leaving La Liga to rejoin AC Milan in 2013, Kaka spent only one season with Modric at Real Madrid, and the ex-Brazil playmaker was full of praise for Los Blancos “humble” number 10. Kaka said: “Luka [Modric] shows us that it’s easy to play. Believe me, it’s really really hard to play football,” Kaka, speaking courtesy of Adidas, told Omnisport.To play the World Cup it’s even harder. And he plays like it’s normal. It’s like a dance for him.  Also said: “And now he’s this amazing player at a high level. Four Champions Leagues, a World Cup final and being the captain of his team. So it’s really nice and he deserves that because he’s a nice guy, always humble, so congratulations to Modric.” Modric became the first ever Croatian to attempt over 100 passes in a World Cup game when they defeated the hosts. He completed 89 of his 102 attempts. Modric also has played more minutes than any other midfielder at the World Cup, and have also covered the most distance in Russia by running 63 km as Croatia advanced to the Final.  

The last time Croatia and France met on the world stage

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The two sides met in the semi-finals at the 1998 World Cup 20 years ago, when France was hosts. Sunday’s final match between Croatia and France will definitely bring memories for FIFA World Cup aficionados. There are parallels in many ways between that match and Sunday’s final. By far Croatia’s greatest and biggest success as an independent nation is making it in the semi-finals. They had almost unthinkably made it this far, while fancied France was riding a wave of Les Bleus frenzy. Making it in the semi-final was a great success for France too, but it was not inconceivable that they had made it that far. No words about Croatia’s performance, they had over-performed, even our expectations. With a result of 3-0 Croatia had beaten Germany in the quarter-finals, but one of their best overall performances of the tournament was their 3-0 win over Argentina in the group stage. France was solid in the back – they had conceded one goal before kick-off against Croatia in 1998 – much like this 2018 side. But back then they have been blessed with talent in midfield and up front with names like Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane littering their starting lists. Current France coach Didier Deschamps was captain of the English side in 1998 and led his team out on the pitch at the Stade de France against Croatia that evening in Saint-Denis. So as you can see there are some direct connections from that day too. Let us take you back in 1998. In the second half, the match between these sides sprang into life right away as Croatia’s goal scorer, Davor Suker broke through French lines to give Vatreni the lead. For a minute Lilian Thuram changed this advantage by stealing the possession on top of Croatia’s penalty area before lashing home his first goal in a France shirt. He hasn’t finished there. In the 70th minute, he scored the winning goal, making it 2-1 with a curling shot that any striker would be proud of. That situation reminded us of France defender Samuel Umtiti, who scored their decisive goal in the semi-finals at Russia 2018. What will tell the latest chapter of Croatia vs. France in the World Cup history books this time?  

Dalic: No excuses, we are ready!

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With the constant demand for selfies and autographs from Vatreni supporters, the luxury of having a few minutes of peace in his hotel lobby is a luxury that Zlatko Dalic has not been afforded of late. As they prepare for their biggest ever challenge – Sunday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final against France at the Luzhiki Stadium in Moscow, the former defensive midfielder is enjoying his time being in charge of the Balkan side. Calmly sitting from the team’s hotel in the center of Moscow he said: “We are still living our dreams, we are so close. Through my life and career, I went the hard way. I did not want to be just an average coach in Croatia. I had to start from the lowest club,” he said. “Within a year in Asia, I became the best coach, and for three years, I was coach of Al Ain [in the United Arab Emirates], who are like Real [Madrid] in Europe. That was a tremendous experience for me. I coached two of the biggest clubs in Asia, so when Croatia’s call arrived, I did not hesitate.” Dalic’s efforts have surpassed those of his mentor, Miroslav Blazevic a few months on, who led Croatia to a third-place finish in the country’s World Cup debut back in 1998. Croatia’s run in Russia, Dalic has compared to that of a fellow Mediterranean country that surprised the football world at UEFA EURO 2004. He said: “I see the connection between Croatia now and Greece in 2004, although they are two different styles of football. No one believed that they could be the [European] champions, but they were compact and had great teamwork. “There are two top teams in the World Cup Final. This will be our biggest game and our toughest opponent, for sure. France is very dangerous on the counter-attack. We had a tough journey to the Final, but there are no excuses, we are ready for the last game of the tournament.” Dalic believers that Croatia has what it takes to win the Trophy on Sunday evening, as the smallest nation to reach a World Cup Final since Uruguay back in 1950.    

Three reasons Croatia deserves to win the Final

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  Maximum motivation and a magical collective Zlatko Dalic, the coach of Croatia has done something incredible. Something the players have repeatedly said is that the atmosphere has never been better. During this World Cup, they have felt like a real family has been together for 50 days. On the pitch, the players look like they would die for each other with the effort they put in. they have shown that the desire to win as a collective is very high, despite playing in three consecutive extra time matches. Character and mental strength There were three come-from-behind wins for Vatreni, against Denmark, Russia, and England, with two of them coming from winning in penalty shootouts. From a mental and physical perspective, the Croatian comeback kings dominated those games. Croatia’s strength of personality and their determination will serve them well against France. “We have shown our character” – repeatedly said Captain Luka Modric. Throughout history, every World Cup-winning team has had to have a great amount of character.   Experience equals self-confidence Of this great Vatreni generation, Modric is the leader. There are other stars in Dali’s squad besides the Real Madrid talisman, including players from Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and Liverpool like Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Dejan Lovren. Croatia has a lot of experience and self-confidence as well, with an average age of 27 years and ten months, because almost everyone has their place in their clubs’ first XI. They are fully aware of their capabilities.    

Soccer Preview-Predictions Belgium vs England

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Soccer Preview-Predictions Belgium vs England This is one of the toughest games a player will have to prepare for in some ways. For the greatest ever football achievement, Belgium and England will have to now recompose them to go in search of what will be a high-water mark for at least two generations of fans. The exceptionally talented, flowing and expressive Belgium side with members of their ranks the wrong side of 30 will be arguably ruing that missed shot at football’s biggest prize more than others. But the chance for greatness will be presented at Saturday, as bronze would see them exceed the side who finished fourth at Mexico 1986. While the sense of the last chance is not there for England, who is the one of the youngest ever to appear I the finals, one of a missed opportunity is. Third place would be the biggest achievement since triumphing in 1966 for the Three Lions. It seems equal happened recently to their women’s team who earned bronze at the FIFA World Cup Canada 2015. Did you know that only one match for Third Place has seen more goals than Belgium’s last appearance? That was the match against France which was a 4-2, and that was 60 years ago.   Possible line-ups: Belgium: Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois. England: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eric Dier, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford. Soccer Preview-Predictions Belgium vs England

Mandzukic sends Croatia into Final!

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Croatia defeated England 2-1 after extra time at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. They have reached their first FIFA World Cup Final with Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time goal the decisive strike. For the Three Lions, the game has started so well, with less than 5 minutes on the clock when Trippier curled a delicious free-kick past the helpless Subasic.   After the break, Croatia struck back. Vrsaljko’s pinpoint cross was met by Perisic, who snuck into a level from close range, after continually increasing the pressure on the Three Lions. Perisic in less than five minutes later found himself in the space of the penalty area of England, but his effort struck the post, and the follow-up was gratefully held by Pickford. The Inter Milan’s man effort off the woodwork was the closest either side came to take the lead before the 90 minutes were up. For England that meant facing the second period of extra time at Russia 2018 – a third consecutive additional 30 minutes undertake by Croatia. This time Vatreni didn’t need penalties for a win. The English defense momentarily lost concentration and Mandzukic ghosted in behind. The Juventus man hammered home a historic strike to send his country into the World Cup Final. Budweiser Man of the Match Throughout the 120 minutes, Ivan Perisic worked tirelessly and his goal sparked a Croatian comeback. Denied only by the woodwork, the Inter Milan man could even have had a decisive brace in normal time. The statistics Avoiding defeat after trailing in three knockout matches at a single World Cup, Croatia is the first team to do that. They became the 13th different nation to reach their first World Cup as a result of their successive displays of determination and resilience. Next matches Belgium vs. England, Match for Third Place, July the 14th, Saint Petersburg France vs. Croatia, Final, July the 15th, Moscow  

France is in the Finals

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  For the third time in 20 years, Samuel Umtiti’s headed winner has returned France to the FIFA World Cup Final, sealing a 1-0 win over Belgium in Saint Petersburg. In the quarter-finals against Uruguay, Raphael Varane performed heroics, this time it was Umtiti, stealing a march on his marker Marouane Fellaini to meet Antoine Griezmann’s corner at the near post. He flicked a header beyond Thibaut Courtois. After a quality game by both sides, France’s place in the Moscow finale was confirmed. Team reporter analyst Adrien Gingold from France shared: “France continue their brilliant showing as they avoided falling into Belgium’s trap. After the Red Devils had dominated the first half, largely thanks to an awesome Eden Hazard, France took responsibility and controlled the match in the second. Didier Deschamps’ team has many faces to it, but they are all smiling now.” Niall Mullen snorts – “France are good at stopping football matches from happening,” Kai Tulinuis said – “This is one of the most high level performances from two teams at the business end of a World Cup I can remember in recent years. Perhaps Spain-Germany in 2010 comes close. This wouldn’t have looked out of place as a Champions League semifinal.” Budweiser Man of the Match Samuel Umtiti played the pivotal role in sending France into the Final. The statistics Only Didier Deschamps took full charge of more France games at the World Cup. No coach has ever done that so far. He will extend that record even further on Sunday having moved beyond Raymond Domenech and Michel Hidalgo on Tuesday. Next match France vs. Croatia, Final, July the 15th, Moscow

Croatia vs England Soccer Preview-Predictions

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Croatia vs England Soccer Preview-Predictions Since both sides last appeared in the final four, they have patiently waited for their turn and this is a FIFA World Cup semi-final decades in the making. Both teams have experienced heartbreak in prior editions of the final fours. 20 years of wait were destined for Croatia since being in the semi-finals at France 1998, while England last reached the semi-final stage ‘only’ 28 years ago at Italy 1990. We have a feeling that this first World Cup meeting between Croatia and England will have a historic outcome. Back in 1998, Croatia was defeated by hosts France, meaning that they have never reached a World Cup Final. England has only reached the Final once before, more than half-a-century ago on home soil in 1066 when they lifted their sole World Cup Trophy. With valiant performances, both sides have certainly earned their place, and if coaches are being honest, they will admit that before Russia 2018 they would not have anticipated reaching this stage. A nerve-shredding penalty shootout win in the knockout round had Croatia in the match against Denmark, and the Croatian team has endured two grueling 120-minute epics. By overcoming their own penalty hex in the Round of 16, England won the match against Colombia. They won a first World Cup shootout at the fourth time of asking before defeating Sweden in the last eight. Both teams, who have big-name and big-game players amongst their ranks, history beckons for both these sides. Possible line-ups: Croatia: Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic, Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Mario Mandzukic, Danijel Subasic. England: Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford. Croatia vs England Soccer Preview-Predictions Betting Tips 1×2, Over/ Under & BTTS   1×2 Both Teams to Score Under/Over 2 yes over 2.5

‘I didn’t want to give up’ – Danijel Subasic

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The goalkeeper of Croatia Danijel Subasic embodied heroism in Sochi. Went into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals carrying a knock, played through the pain rather than going off, making a fine block from a tight angle to deny the hosts victory in second-half stoppage time. He aggravated against Russia and saved a penalty to help his country win the shootout. To win back-to-back ties on penalties it made Croatia just the second side in the competition’s history. As they eliminated Denmark, Subasic repelled three spot-kicks in the Round of 16 – after Argentina in 1990. To make four saves in World Cup shootouts it made the 33-year-old only the third man to accomplish this, equaling the record shared by Harald Schumacher and Sergio Goycochea. “I started warming up before kick-off and I felt the pain in the muscle. My physiotherapist massaged my leg a bit and saw I could play. Later, I felt the pain again, but I didn’t want to give up. I knew that the coach needed another substitution. During the break the masseurs did some quick work and, like a Formula One car after a pit stop, I was as good as new. It’s been a long season, but you play in a World Cup semi-final once in a lifetime and there’s no point giving up now.”  – Subasic explained to FIFA after the thriller at the Fisht stadium. Subasic is releasing the clash as their opponents in Moscow are England. “England has great players – they are a fantastic team. They have a lot of youngsters, but they are really good, fast, they play for great clubs. It will be another very tough match for us, a great challenge. We don’t really care about who we play or who the favorites are. It’s important that we do our best on the pitch. Just do your best and it ends how it ends. Some of my personal, life goals were to play at the World Cup and especially this: to play a significant role in the games. I’ve worked hard at my club to achieve this level, and now I enjoy it. Let this story go on!” – He said. He kept clean sheets in his two appearances in the group stage against Nigeria and Argentina. It also underscored why many feel Subasic is among the forerunners for the Adidas Golden Glove.  

France vs Belgium Soccer Preview-Predictions

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France vs Belgium Soccer Preview-Predictions Both of the teams, securing their seats at the FIFA World Cup Russia table now have to see who will be pursuing gold and who is about to be left searching for the bronze. An hour and a half of football away is a potentially career-crowning Final. Outsiders had their own doubts about whether the two extravagant jigsaws comprised of stupendous talent could be pieced together in time for a true assault on the Finals considering the high hopes the pair arrived with. Against Japan and Argentina, both teams have stood firm, while defensive doubts gave arisen with Belgium now enjoying their best major tournament since Mexico 1986. With Thomas Meunier picking up a second booking prior to them being wiped for the semi-finals The Red Devils will be without a key-if less flashy- part of their puzzle against France. Did you know that France has been playing against Belgium on 74 occasions? At the World Cup, they have met only twice with their last meeting coming in the third-place match at Mexico 1986 and have played each other in just eight friendly matches since. Possible line-ups: France: Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard, Ngolo Kante, Paul Pogba, Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud. Belgium: Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Yannick Carrasco, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Toby Alderweireld, Thibaut Courtois. France vs Belgium Soccer Preview-Predictions Betting Tips 1×2, BTTS, Over/Under 2.5   1×2 Both Teams to Score Under/Over 1 / over 2.5

Four key attributes for four semi-finalists

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Belgium, France, Croatia, and England boasts very different attributes, so read on the following views of the experts on the semi-finalists main strengths.   Belgium: Team spirit Belgians biggest success in Russia has been establishing strong collective value and has arrived with one of the best squads on paper. Including the magic trio Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, their star individuals have stepped up when needed. Everyone’s playing their part. They are representing their most important asset simply because it has not always been present in the past. Everyone is fit to play in the Belgian squad and ready to make sacrifices on the pitch or, in some cases to support their team-mates by accepting their status as substitutes.   France: Versatility Didier Deschamps has been criticized not so long ago for this aspect of his France team, that Les Bleus had a thousand faces and no real identity, as some journalists alleged. And in fact, it is emerging as a vital attribute! France was spectacular against Argentina, efficient and solid against Uruguay and so far that means functional during their group matches. Do we see three different teams? No – the same team just different tactics. There are no weak teams anymore as we have seen already during this World Cup, and even giants like Spain and Germany had a hard time playing ‘their game’. Options are everything and a possession doesn’t ensure victory and experience doesn’t guarantee success.   Croatia: Midfield talent Surviving two stern tests in the knockout stages and sailing through arguably Russia 2018’s most difficult group, Croatia have been one of those teams of the tournament. The midfield of Croatia is the greatest asset that Zlatko Dalic’s side possesses. Their midfield ranks as one of the best at this World Cup because the players in that department of the team almost always seem composed, unruffled and organized. It is not often that players from Real Madrid and Barcelona combine to such devastating effect, but Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are the lynchpins of the Croatian team. Far from alone though, adding in Marcelo Brozovic, Inter Milan’s player, Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic and Milan Badelj playing for Fiorentina it all adds up to a truly superb generation of Croatian midfielders.   England: Variety As Gareth Southgate’s side continues to find new and different ways to win, picking a single strength to define England is increasingly difficult. England’s young team is prepared for any match situation, any opposition and their ruthlessly effective game management can’t be better. We testify this ever-improving, young side using its confidence, their modern system of playing and togetherness. Examining the individual stars in the team, they have their heroic goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the tournament top scorer Harry Kane – each just 24 years old. Sine 1990 this could be the most complete England side we have seen. And it seems like they’re here to make their own history.  

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