We are under no extra pressure to beat Nigeria: Croatia’s talisman Luka Modric

By Daily Sports on June 16, 2018

Luka Modric insists Croatia's golden generation are under no extra pressure in

Russia, even though it could be the last World Cup for several members of their talented squad.

His side have been preparing for their clash with Nigeria, which gets underway on Saturday night – the last of four games on the day.

Nigeria have also been hard at work as they gear up for what on paper looks set to be a crucial game in deciding who might get out of the group, given they have Argentina to contend with too.

At 32, Real Madrid midfielder Modric – the shining Croatian light of his generation – could well be about to embark on his final World Cup.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic and Lokomotiv Moscow defender Vedran Corluka are also into their thirties, while Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic celebrates reaching that particular landmark next February.

“This is not a burden, let's see what happens after the World Cup,” Croatia captain Modric said when asked before Saturday's opener against Nigeria in Kaliningrad if the prospect of a final major tournament for several players was increasing the pressure on Croatia.

“I hope the pressure that you mention will not be an obstacle. It is only right that there are expectations of us, but first and foremost we expect of ourselves more than anyone else.

“Whether this is the last chance or not is irrelevant. Let's focus on what's important and that is the first game, then the next game, and then the next game.

“Our first objective is to emerge from the group and I hope we will prove all those epithets right about this generation.”

Modric was asked about his new Real coach, but he said he has not dwelt on Julen Lopetegui's appointment.

Lopetegui was sacked as Spain head coach on Wednesday after it was announced that he was taking over as manager of the European champions.

But Modric said: “I know he is our new coach at Real Madrid, but I am only thinking about my national team now.

“I saw what happened to Spain but they will not be worried by that.

'”They have been together a long time, and although it was a shock, it will not derail them.”

Nigeria have had a difficult World Cup build-up with only two wins in their last eight games.

But captain John Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder who now plays for Tianjin TEDA in the Chinese Super League, promised: “We are ready. The preparation has gone well and there has not been any issues or troubles.

“The camp has been quite disciplined and there has been good unity in the team.” (Daily Mail)

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 16, 2018


 

You may also like...
Man Utd In Talks With Porto Over Telles...

Cricket: South-West NCF U-17 Championship

Salami, Akas fail to beat Eagles deadline

Oshonaike is Team Nigeria flag bearer

Napoli 'gentlemen's agreement' holding up Chelsea move for...

Madrid tax man distracts Ronaldo as he misses...

 

Latest News Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach IHF final 27 schools for Doregos Basketball Championship Super Falcons to play France’s Les Bleues in friendly SWAN suspends ban on coverage of Anambra FA activities Joshua among boxing’s top three earners in 2024 Oshoala makes history with Bay FC Nnamani hails team over IHF bright start Flamingos lift U-17 W’Cup Fair Play Trophy Rangers Intl, SWAN partner on sports collaboration in SE LAGOS SWAN CELEBRATES AIG ZONE 2 ON HIS BIRTHDAY AND 30 DAYS IN OFFICE Traders Cup: Upholstery Soccer Team Secured 2nd Win To Advance To Round Two Lagos SWAN Celebrates Oba Akiolu, Iyaloja General, AIG Fayoade

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,141 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,269 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,350 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (43,991 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,931 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,879 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,718 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,288 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,332 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,035 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,489 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,916 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media