Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic described their World Cup quarterfinal opponents Brazil as “terrifying” after the five-time champions thrashed South Korea 4-1 to send a clear message to their rivals. On Monday, Croatia defeated Japan on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
However, Brazil may be even stronger against the 2018 runners-up in the last eight on Friday because left back Alex Sandro should be available and they will be close to full strength after a number of injuries. Coach Tite had to improvise and started right-back Danilo on the left side of the defense because Neymar, the team’s talisman, and key defender Danilo, who had missed two games with ankle injuries, were both back against South Korea.
With fullbacks Danilo and Sandro in their natural positions, Tite hopes to field his first-choice team against Croatia, returning versatile center back Eder Militao to the substitutes’ bench after impressive performances. In his 80 minutes on the field against South Korea, Neymar scored a goal and showed no signs of discomfort with his right foot.
He will be even more motivated when he plays Croatia because he is one goal away from matching Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil. Neymar honored the 82-year-old former Brazil great who is undergoing cancer treatment by scoring his 76th goal against South Korea. He held a banner with the word “Pele” written on it in the middle of the field.
Neymar, who was overcome with emotion, told a news conference, “It’s hard to talk about what Pele is going through, but I wish him all the best, I hope he gets back to good health as soon as possible, and that we can comfort him with this victory and the banner we raised for him.”
Croatia will now face Brazil and their five-man attack, which blew out South Korea with four first-half goals on Monday and defeated Japan on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The 2018 finalists, led by Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Ivan Perisic, and Marcelo Brozovic, arrived in Qatar as one of the oldest teams. After their exhausting 120-minute game against Japan, there are questions about the fitness and form of key stalwarts.
Dalic stated to reporters, “Brazil are the favorites, let’s face it.” At the World Cup, Brazil is the best and most powerful team. When you look at their players’ quality, skills, and value, what I’ve seen thus far is truly terrifying.
“We need to enter the match with a lot of faith, self-confidence, and a desire to look for our chances, enjoy the occasion of playing Brazil, that’s all there is to it,” the team stated.