Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has urged his players not to underestimate Japan in their World Cup last-16 clash on Monday, saying respecting their opponents is of the “utmost importance”.
The 2018 runners-up take on the Asian side at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah wary of another titanic performance from their rivals.
In the group stages, Japan secured shock victories against both Spain and Germany to qualify for the knockouts as pool winners. Croatia, meanwhile, finished runner-up in their group to Morocco – although they are unbeaten in Qatar.
On Sunday, Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo called on teammates to evoke the "Samurai spirit" as they seek to make the quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history.
Asked later on Sunday about Nagatomo’s comments, Dalic said: “What I find to be of utmost important is to demonstrate respect for our opponents. They’ve beaten two World Cup winners: Spain and Germany. They were losing each in the first half, but they showed their mentality, their mental strength, their consistency.
“What I launched as a message to my players is never underestimate anyone, respect your opponent. They will apply the Samurai philosophy in their game. We will also do our part.
“We know how important this match is for us. We know who the opponent is and their mentality. If we want to go further, we must apply that very same attitude. We do our best and never underestimate anyone. Show maximum respect for the opponent, and we will see who is the better team.”
In 2018, Dalic guided Croatia to their best finish at a World Cup, where they were beaten by France 4-2 in the final in Russia. The modest European country had never finished better than third, which they achieved in 1998.
On whether he feels it could be third time lucky this month, and that Croatia will finally land football’s most coveted prize, the former Al Ain manager said: “You think it’s time? I would, of course, love that more than anything else in the world.
"We will try. We have chances, we have opportunities, and this is a very difficult path we’re on. I’m always an optimist but this World Cup is a high-quality one.
“In the past 20 years, Croatia has played some magnificent matches. In the last 10 matches in the World Cup we have lost only one, which is a great success. Two times in a row we’ve passed the group stage - this is a great thing.
“And if you look at the countries in the round of 16, we are the smallest country with the smallest population. We are here against the odds. We will do that, that’s our dream.
"But we will take it one step at a time. We need to exercise patience. For now, the most immediate thing is the match tomorrow and then we’ll see if it will take us further. I believe we can win. First of all, we were very lucky to have qualified for the World Cup - it was our motive, our ambition. And the next ambition is to go to the next stage.”
Meanwhile, Nagatomo said recent improvements made by Japan would count for nothing unless his team display the same fearlessness they did in upsetting Germany and Spain. Japan came from behind in both matches to win 2-1.
“I think this is a great opportunity for us to show the world how we can fight like Samurai,” Nagatomo said. “Before they go into battle they polish their weapons and try to improve their techniques, but if they are scared during battle, they would not be able to use those weapons and techniques fully.
“It’s exactly the same with football – of course, the tactics and techniques are important, but no matter how much we have improved those, if we are scared when we are on the field, those things are useless.
“In order to maximise all the tactics that we have been discussing and practising for the last four years, the first condition is to have courage.”
Spain drain
CONVICTED
Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.
Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.
Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.
SUSPECTED
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.
Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.
Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.
Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.
Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.
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Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
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