SOCHI — The Croatian national team is already preparing for the World Cup quarterfinal match against the host Russia in the city of Sochi, which will host the match next Saturday, and it does so with motivating messages from some of its figures and even with the emotional memory of goalkeeper Danijel Subasic when he talks about his ‘angel’, Hrvoje Custic.
The emotion of Subasic, the hero of the round of 16, in which he saved three penalties against Denmark, was evident at the day’s press conference.
Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic cries during the Croatian conference remembering his friend Hrvoje Custic EFE
When asked about his friend Custic, to whom he dedicated the performance, he was so moved that he had to be consoled by his partner Domagoj Vida, present at the appearance before the media.
«It’s hard for me to talk about it,» Subasic said through visible tears. «Sorry for the tears. Emotions are fucked,» he said, remembering his friend who tragically died after colliding with a wall near the band while fighting for a ball with an opponent during a Croatian First Division match with Zadar .
Subasic, who showed the shirt after the game with a message «Forever (always) 24», explained that «it will always be» with him and with the team.
Getty Images
The Croatian goalkeeper didn’t want to take center stage in his team’s standings: «It doesn’t matter who will be the hero, we’re all in this together. The important thing is that we play as a team and move on.»
Sign up, predict the results with your friends, create your leagues. A fun way to follow the 2018 Russia World Cup! Enter here »
His performance in the World Cup is being more than remarkable. In fact, in the three games in which he has played, he has only conceded one goal, but he is calm in that regard.
«It’s good to have these moments, you have to enjoy it, let it last. But you know that one day you’re good and another you’re down. What I’m glad about is being able to help the team,» he said.
Subasic is aware that the next game against the Russian team «will be difficult» because he understands that the host team «is a good team.»
«They play well as a team and they come out quickly,» said the goalkeeper, who considers that «it’s going to be a challenge to have everyone against you.»
Defender Domagoj Vida indicated that the match against Denmark was not Croatia’s best performance. «Fortunately we were able to go to penalties. Now we have more confidence and we will reach the final God willing. We are close and we can’t stop now,» he commented.
In his opinion, the Balkan team «has always improved when necessary» and «this classification shows that they are growing.
«We can expect great things from the players we have and from the supporters, who give us an extra boost,» added the Croatian defender.
Croatia knows that it has a magnificent opportunity to, at least, emulate the glorious generation of France ’98. Luka Modric is one of their leaders on and off the pitch.
On social networks, the Federation has published a message from the madridista that confirms the dream: «We have broken psychological barriers and we can achieve the greatest. Croatia deserves it».
🇷🇺🆚🇭🇷
✅ Getting ready for #RUSCRO…#BeProud #WorldCup #Vatreni🔥 pic.twitter.com/vurwkkscu6
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 3, 2018
Likewise, the athletic Sime Vrsaljko assures that «Russia will enjoy the support of the public, but Croatia has enough potential and quality… to go all the way».