Zlatko Dalic has heaped praise on his Croatia side after overcoming Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals, saying that the victory was for 'the Croatian people'.
Despite reaching the final four years ago and being on a 10-match unbeaten streak, Croatia were considerable underdogs ahead of meeting the five-time champions and pre-tournament favourites.
At half time in extra time, it appeared that the Checkered Ones were heading out of the tournament courtesy of a sublime team goal which was finished off by Neymar.
However, Bruno Petkovic's deflected effort four minutes from the end of the game ensured that a penalty shootout would decide matters, and it was Croatia who held their nerve from 12 yards for a second successive fixture.
Rodrygo and Marquinhos both missed for Brazil, leaving Croatia to prevail by a 4-2 scoreline and set up a semi-final showdown with Argentina.
© Reuters
Speaking after the encounter at the Education City Stadium, Dalic was unable to hide his joy, paying credit to his squad and Croatia in general for continuing to upset the odds.
Dalic told reporters, as quoted by Croatia Week: "Congratulations to at the guys, a brilliant game from the first to the last minute and we have knocked out the favourites.
"This is Croats. This is Croatia. They take it when it is most difficult. I said never underestimate them. Pride, courage, faith, love for the homeland and a Croat always succeeds. Guys, congratulations on this result, I am so proud. This is not the end, we move on.
"This win was everyone's. Everyone gave their maximum and thanks also do the guys on the bench who didn't come on. They all live for this national team.
"This win is for the Croatian people, let Croats in all parts of the world enjoy this. I know you love us we can do a lot and Croatia showed that. This is for the homeland defenders, enjoy it. Croatia has been in the semi-final twice in a row with just three million people. These guys are not normal."
Croatia are no strangers to facing Argentina at a World Cup, the European nation prevailing 3-0 in the group stage in Russia in 2018.
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