World Cup: What took Croatia this far – Daric

Coach Zlatko Daric says his players’ huge strength of character and will power have been responsible for their success so far at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Daric told reporters on Thursday in Moscow that his team could not have qualified for Sunday’s final match if the players had not possessed enormous will power.
He said: “The players have shown great character, and enormous will power to be able to achieve here.
“When we started our final phase of preparations about six weeks ago, I told the players I can only teach them other things apart from football, and they accepted.
“I also told them that winners at the World Cup are those with character and confidence. Everybody can now see that as the team has been progressing, the players have been growing in confidence.
“They now understand that many of those without these attributes are back home now watching the competition on television.
“We are a small nation of people who don’t give up. We have our hearts and pride.”
The former defensive midfielder said that was responsible for the players’ refusal to be substituted during the game against England, even when they were tired.
Daric said: “What our players did against England was credible, and it alludes to that fact of strength, energy and attitude.
“When I wanted to substitute some players, it was a problem for me, as all of them on the pitch wanted to carry on.
“Meanwhile, two players continued on with hurt legs. Nobody even wanted to be substituted in extra time.”
Daric also said that the team’s achievement of surpassing Croatia’s 1998 semi-final effort had also been significant not only to the players but their fans worldwide.
He said: “In 1998 when France beat us 2-1 in the World Cup semi-finals, I was in France then trying out for Sochaux and I could only watch our first three games then as a Croatia fan.
“Then I had to return to my club to prepare for a new season.
“Now, having to face the same France is historically significant for me, and a way of God giving Croatia the chance to settle a score.
“Even though sports is beyond being used as a way of settling scores, but it is a dream come true for many of us, facing France on Sunday.
“However, we will do our best to have a good final match and end the tournament in a big way, so as to make the fans proud again.
“That is why I need to thank our fans who have been carrying us with their support, especially all of our people in the (Eastern Europe) region.
“A former coach of Macedonia called me immediately after the match, saying our victory is for the region.
“He was not alone in this. People across the region were happy. They have been supporting us massively. Our victory is something good for the region.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Croatia have been solid in their performance at the competition from Day One, beating Nigeria 2-0, Argentina 3-0 and Iceland 2-1.
They topped Group D and went on to beat Group C runners-up Denmark 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16.
Croatia also beat hosts Russia 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw in the quarter-finals, before a 2-1 victory over England after extra time in the semi-finals.