DOHA — Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic described their World Cup quarter-final opponents Brazil as “terrifying” after the five-times champions thrashed South Korea 4-1 to send a clear message to their rivals.
Brazil, however, could be even stronger in Friday’s last-eight clash with the 2018 runners-up as left back Alex Sandro should be available and they will be close to full-strength after a number of injury problems.
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With talisman Neymar and key defender Danilo returning against South Korea after missing two games due to ankle problems, coach Tite had to improvise and started right back Danilo on the left of the defense.
Tite is hoping to field his first-choice team against Croatia with full backs Danilo and Sandro in their natural positions, sending versatile center back Eder Militao back to the substitutes’ bench after impressive performances.
Neymar looked sharp in 80 minutes on the pitch against South Korea, scoring a goal and showing no signs that his right foot was bothering him.
He will have extra motivation against Croatia, as he is one goal away from equalling Pele’s record for the most goals scored for Brazil (77).
Neymar scored his 76th against South Korea and paid tribute to the 82-year-old former Brazil great, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, holding a banner in the middle of the pitch with “Pele” written on it.
“It’s hard to talk about what Pele is going through, but I wish him all the best, I hope he gets back to good health as soon as possible and that we can comfort him with this victory and the banner we raised for him,” an emotional Neymar told a news conference.
After overcoming Japan on penalties on Monday following a 1-1 draw after extra time, Croatia face the huge task of facing Brazil and their five-man attack which blew away South Korea with four first-half goals.
Led by the experienced Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, the 2018 finalists arrived in Qatar as one of the oldest teams there are concerns about the fitness and form of key stalwarts after the grueling 120- minute game against Japan.
“Brazil are the favorites, let’s face it,” Dalic told reporters. “Brazil are the most powerful and the best national team at the World Cup.
“What I’ve seen so far, when you take a look at their players, their quality, skills and value, then it is indeed terrifying.
“We need to enter the match with much faith, self-confidence and looking for our chances, enjoy the occasion of playing Brazil, that’s it.” (Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed Osmond)
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