Luka Modric on target in Group D win
Thursday 21 June 2018 22:37, UK
Luka Modric has urged fans to not get ahead of themselves after a 3-0 win against Argentina saw Croatia through to the last 16 of the World Cup.
It is the first time the country have made the knockout rounds of the competition since their third-place finish at France 1998 and swept aside the two-time champions on Thursday evening.
However, Modric - who scored a superb second goal for Croatia - has warned fans to be cautious despite the current success, although says his side deserved the victory.
"Let's not be euphoric or get ahead of ourselves," the Real Madrid playmaker said. "Of course this win will boost our confidence for the next game, and we have shown we can create opportunities, but let's keep our feet firmly on the ground.
"Our team effort throughout [was the key] and particularly in the second half when we had more possession.
"In the first half when Argentina had the ball we cut off [Lionel] Messi and stopped him getting the ball. He is the most dangerous player. We created three clear chances which we missed. But in the second half it opened up and we deserved to win."
Croatia were sent on their way to victory after a howler from Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero allowed Ante Rebic to volley home, before Modric and Ivan Rakitic rounded off the win late on.
Argentina offered little in return despite their potent attacking options that include Messi, but Modric refused to be drawn on the form of opposing players.
"In the end our victory looks easy but it wasn't that easy," he added. "I think overall the win was fully deserved, but it wasn't easy. That first goal, in the second half, followed their goalkeeper's mistake.
"It was a shot in the arm for us - we played a perfect game and you need a perfect game to beat such a great team.
"I don't want to comment too much on other players and their game. We are happy with how we played and with this result. Argentina's poor display was down to our good game and our pressing all over the pitch.
"When we didn't have the ball we cut off the lines of passing and tried to stop Messi receiving the ball. That is how we cut out their creativity.
"They had some half-chances which followed from our mistakes. I believe we played a fantastic game. Our win was a deserved one."
