Juranovic and Petkovic, two of Croatia’s great revelations, analyze the semi-final game against Argentina with optimism about their captain’s form
A row of low houses ending in a charming park called Onaiza leads to the Croatian training camp. Winter has finally arrived in Doha and the wind is blowing fiercely and getting stronger as you get closer to the coast. Dozens of Qatari flags flutter exuberantly in the row of houses and a father plays ball with his two children in the park. From the entrance you can see the skyscrapers of West Bay, a noble part of the capital, but once the security arches are passed, the fences and a huge anti-prying hedge prevent players from enjoying the view.
There is a fantastic atmosphere in Croatia, still smiling after the win against Brazil. Another notch in a small country that collects football successes. Six final phases, three times in the top four. The happiness is reflected by Josip Juranovic and Bruno Petkovic, who appear two days before the semi-final together with an equally smiling press officer. The former is on his way to being regarded as the best right-back in the championship. The second has already earned a place in the hearts of the Croatians after scoring the equalizer against Brazil that led the game to penalties.
“The secret is that we are all a real family and we stick together, we breathe for each other from the first to the last minute,” explains Juranovic when asked to analyze the mental strength of his team, which has already four years in Russia. year he overcame a similar ordeal to also reach the final. “Many people know very well how to take a penalty, but the difference is in half-time, you have to persevere under pressure. And then there’s our goalkeeper, who you can always trust,” Petkovic emphasises, giving his share of fame to Dominik Livakovic, another of the tournament’s revelations.
The cameras follow Luka Modric as he takes part in a rondo with Mario Mandzukic. The striker, today Zlatko Dalic’s assistant on the bench, is among the players, although he has gained several kilograms due to inactivity. Bora Milutinovic, now 78 years old, also appears there. Legend of the World Cup benches with Costa Rica, Mexico or the United States, currently living in Doha and collaborating with the Aspire Academy.
There is only one step left to the end. After Neymar and his company, Messi (and also his company) awaits. Croatia expects a similar battle. “We have no individual plan or idea to stop Messi,” said Petkovic. “We will not focus on him. Argentina have very good players and it is difficult to focus on just one player. “To be honest, we should not be afraid of Argentina, we have to look at ourselves,” Juranovic affirms.
And that’s where the checkered team’s midfield comes into play. Especially Modric, but not only him. “Luka, Marcelo (Brozovic) and Mateo (Kovacic) are the best Croatian midfield in history, I don’t know when there will be another one,” the full-back confirms. “Playing the ball to them is safer than having your money in the bank . Everything is easier when you play with it. I’m lucky enough to share a dressing room with players like this and I learn from their knowledge. We want to make our people happy, proud and go home with their heads held high.
It’s a dark night when Croatia finishes training and the bus with the Croatian players takes the short path that will take them to the Hilton hotel, their place of concentration. There, in the heart of West Bay, the skyscrapers are at your fingertips and the view of the Persian Gulf is lost forever.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
