Ivan Rakitic said the Croatia’s squad desire to dig Luka Modric out of a hole was the catalyst for their last-16 victory over Denmark and an illustration of the squad’s unity.
Modric had missed a 115th-minute penalty against Denmark and, when the tie proceeded to a shootout, Rakitic spoke up in a team huddle. The Barcelona midfielder said Modric had saved them on countless occasions over the years and this was the time for them to save him.
Modric showed his courage by volunteering to take the third kick, which he scored, before Rakitic was on target with the decisive one to set up a quarter-final against Russia.
“At that moment, we had to repay what he had given us on so many occasions,” Rakitic said. “It was simply an occasion when I spoke from my heart. He was also the first one who wanted to take a penalty in the shootout. He deserves that we follow him and stick with him. What it also shows is how together we are. The atmosphere in the camp is fantastic. It is the source of our great power.”
Croatia are driven to emulate the achievement of their 1998 World Cup team who reached the semi-finals; Wednesday marked the 20-year anniversary of their 3-0 quarter-final win over Germany.
“Big games for your clubs are incomparable to those with the national teams,” Rakitic said. “For us, it’s a big honour to play in this sacred jersey and show the world what we can do.”