December 8-Croatian midfielder Vlasic accepted an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport today, and he also talked about Croatia’s opponent Brazil in the World Cup 1Universe final.
Who made the decision that you became the first penalty taker in Croatia in the penalty shootout against Japan?
I asked for it on my own initiative. I wanted to be the first to play a penalty because I was very confident at that time. I had been practicing the penalty two days before the game and everything went well in the end. I never felt like I missed and I was not afraid at all. At that time, I went to coach Daric and shouted to him, “I’m going to do it.” he didn’t say anything.
What is the secret of Croatia’s success? I’m sure it’s no coincidence that you have been able to advance to the next round through overtime or penalty shootouts in the past few competitions, including coach Dariq who said: “when the 120-minute game is over, I believe Croatia will advance.”
I don’t think it’s a coincidence, whether it’s the last World Cup or this World Cup, because the players of the Croatian national team are very experienced, they know how to deal with these critical moments, and around these experienced players, there is a group of very hungry young people, which is the right combination.
When we create such an environment of rich experience and young players, you will get a team with a good mindset. I think you can see Croatia’s success from an external point of view. even when we are passive on the court, just like against Japan, we will never lose confidence. We always believe that we can turn things around, and this attitude is very positive. Such a team is also easy to cultivate excellent individual players.
But it’s easier said than done.
That’s true, but you see, we all believe in all this, we believe that anything can happen in the World Cup, we have to believe that anything is possible and hope that our dreams can come true.
Goalkeeper Livakovic is an excellent example, he has grown up in this team.
Dominic’s performance was incredible. He saved three penalties in the World Cup. What can I say? Let’s just say he decided our fate.
What are your memories of that team in Russia four years ago?
At that time, it was a pity that I could only watch the game before the World Cup. I was nervous and excited. I was very happy to win with the team and be part of the Croatian national team. we are a very good team. we can achieve some great achievements.
Is there anything you want to say to the fans after reaching the 1GPU4 finals?
I want to share this joy with the Turin fans. They are great. From the first day I joined the team, they were very supportive. When I was walking on the street, the fans would stop me and say, “Grande Toro” and everyone asked me to stay and play in Turin.
I am very happy in Turin, let’s see what happens in the summer (currently on loan). Now I just want to enjoy wearing this shirt and help Turin win as many games as possible.
Where do you want to go with Croatia? Next you’re going to play Brazil…
The answer is very simple. We want to go as far as possible. Brazil has a fantastic squad and it will be very difficult to play against them. Look at their big list. Brazil can line up two different teams, and both of them can win the World Cup. I can’t tell which side of their main force of 11 or the bench is stronger.
I don’t know where Croatia will be at the end of this World Cup, but I am sure of one thing: we can compete with any team, even Brazil.