There are four reasons to think Zlatko Dalic’s side will win, according to Croatia’s Sportske Novosti, a daily sports newspaper with its headquarters in Zagreb.
The first is that Croatia always plays with unlimited passion and is pushed by its fans.
“Croatians can only unite by two things – war and football. It is a popular saying in Croatia. Even domestic problems have temporarily subsided when Croatia continuously won at the 2022 World Cup.” Sportske Novosti wrote.
The second is that coach Dalic creates a team atmosphere of solidarity and mutual trust in the dressing room.
Sportske Novosti stressed that Croatia currently has no “deviant behaviour” or “private opinions” that could affect the group’s goals.
Good way to understand, according to Sportske Novosti, Croatia’s midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic is the best in the world right now. They also have good balance between the lines.
In defence, centre-back Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic shone from the start of the tournament, helping Croatia keep their unbeaten streak alive by drawing Morocco 0-0, beating Canada 4-1, drawing Belgium 0-0 in the group stage, and then defeating Japan.
Moreover, Croatia had enough of offensive alternatives, as evidenced by the combination of Mislav Orsic and Bruno Petkovic’s goal to rip Brazil’s goalkeeper at the end of the second half.
Then, Sportske Novosti believes that Croatia is not under pressure because it has outperformed expectations.
“Before the 2022 World Cup, no one thought Croatia could enter the fourth round of the strongest teams. Not many people even put Croatia on the list of ‘dark horses’, teams that can create surprises.” Sportske Novosti wrote.
“But Croatia has proved it. has become a world football power, and the Brazilian team can definitely win the gold cup,” the daily added.
