Croatia star player: Luka Modric
You direct operations for Croatia, you are the team’s creative hub. Do you feel the strain of such responsibility?
I relish responsibility, in fact I think I play even better under pressure. I know my good points but also my weaknesses. In training I work really hard to improve in certain areas – on my shooting, for example.
How will Eduardo’s absence affect the team?
Everything would be different if Eduardo could be with us. It’s not just some excuse; the fact is that we are much stronger with him.
What are the team’s greatest qualities?
One is our unity, our collective spirit. During qualification we didn’t put in a single bad performance. I don’t count the defeat in Macedonia – the pitch was horrible. UEFA should ban matches on such surfaces, not only because they make play impossible but also because they raise the risk of injury.
How do you think Croatia will do at the finals?
We respect our opponents but we can compete with any team. I wouldn’t like to predict anything now; the most important thing is to get to the next round.
Who will win the title?
If we were at full strength, with Eduardo up front, I would have definitely bet on us. Now I see Holland as favourites – not only because they were the only team to have outplayed us at home [the Dutch won 3-0 in a February friendly in Rijeka], but also because they have excellent attacking potential.
You are set to join Tottenham after Euro 2008. How do you view a move abroad?
I’m full of confidence and I’m sure I can only get better in a stronger league. I was surprised when the Dinamo Zagreb president told me about the deal but I’m proud at the prospect of playing in England.
Although you were highly rated in your youth, many pundits doubted you had the ability to make the top level. How did you overcome that?
I was never afraid of challenges, and when I arrived at Dinamo Zagreb from Zadar, as a boy, I knew I would make it. I was sent out on loan to Zrinjski in the Bosnian league; he who survives big matches there becomes a true player.
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