TORONTO — Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic believes Thursday’s World Cup round-of-32 meeting with Portugal will be decided in midfield rather than by the star appeal of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, as the two European heavyweights prepare for their first-ever meeting at a World Cup.
Although much of the buildup has focused on the prospect of another chapter in the careers of Modric and Ronaldo, Dalic said the outcome would hinge on which team gains control in the center of the pitch.
“I believe this is going to be a battle of midfielders,” Dalic told reporters Wednesday. “Portugal have excellent players in the midfield. They are tactically very good. In this match each error will be punished.”
Croatia recovered from an opening defeat to England by defeating Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1 to advance to the knockout stage, once again demonstrating the resilience that has characterized the team’s recent World Cup campaigns.
Portugal, by contrast, progressed with one victory and two draws during the group stage, but Dalic warned that the results did not accurately reflect the quality of Roberto Martinez’s squad.
“It is a team that wants to possess the ball at all times,” Dalic said. “This team has few weaknesses and can at all times cause risk and danger.”
Croatia’s midfield remains anchored by 40-year-old captain Modric, who continues to dictate play alongside Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic. Baturina scored against England during the group stage, while Sucic found the net in Croatia’s victory over Ghana.
Portugal boast an equally impressive trio in Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes, providing the platform for Ronaldo as the veteran striker pursues another deep run at what could be his final World Cup.
Thursday’s match at Toronto Stadium, the city’s final fixture of the tournament, could also mark the last World Cup appearance for either Modric or Ronaldo if their teams fail to advance.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic declined to compare the two football icons but praised both for their achievements.
“We have two major players who have done great work,” Livakovic said. “I am convinced Luka will continue his path onwards. I can only speak positively about both of them.”
The winner will advance to the round of 16, while the loser will see its World Cup campaign come to an end, potentially bringing the international careers of one of football’s greatest players to a close.
