You do not get to interact with a World Cup third-place winner too often. So when India national coach Igor Stimac spent almost two hours with mediapersons last week, questions on international football were par for the course.

“I have enough time to answer all the questions,” Stimac, an important member of the team which finished third in the 1998 World Cup, said smiling during the one hour 49 minute chat.

Croatia, runners-up in 2018, are clubbed in Group F with Belgium, Morocco and Canada in the 2022 World Cup, and Stimac feels if they can clear the group-stage, Croatia have the ammunition to go all the way.

“In big tournaments, Croatia’s aim has always been to qualify for the second round. Because that is something which has always worked as a pressure on us… We have to qualify for the second round that part is very important. After that anything can happen. We can go all the way because once we get rid of the pressure of the group no team can stop us… no team in the world want to face Croatia after the group stage,” he said.

Modric holds key

Stimac sees Morocco as a big threat in the group and thinks Canada can pose a few problems for all the teams. “Morocco is a serious team and a threat to the big guns. Canada have the strength.. They bring in a different approach but of course they do not have the experience… World Cup brings challenges for the teams who do not have experience.

“For Croatia to do well in Qatar, Luka Modric will be the key. Croatia need to have him with fresh legs and go to the World Cup (to be held from November 21 to December 18) in the best possible form…We all know how important he is for the team. I spoke to him after Real Madrid won the Champions League (May 28) and now he is preparing to host France in a Nations League match (in Split) on Monday.

He must be exhausted. I just hope he is fit for the finals in Doha. How our coach (Zlatko Dalic) gets the balance right will also play a huge role. Having 20 top-class players mean nothing if you cannot play as a team. See what happened to Manchester United. A great club with a great coach and world class players but just couldn’t get the results.”

Fledgling nation

Talking about the memorable 1998 campaign when Croatia, in their World Cup debut, surprised everyone by going all the way to the last-four stage, Stimac said: “We had good results even when Fifa was yet to recognise Croatia. And when Croatia were leading 1-0 against France, we thought the final berth was there. It’s just that Lilian Thuram scored two goals and we lost. After winning a bronze (1998) and finishing second (20 years later), Croatia have done enough. ”

Contenders for Cup

The 54-year-old feels quite a few teams are contenders for this year’s Cup.

“Brazil for their strength, capacity and zeal. Germany are always there. Never mind their form, quality of their players… France are also in the mix obviously. I am not convinced about England’s strength. Spain, yes they are shaping up well and of course Croatia.

Here I should mention that the best team doesn’t always win the Cup. In 1998, by far the best was the Netherlands. Yet they finished fourth. One mistake can throw you out of the tournament.”

Stimac also warned that it would be big organisational challenge for Qatar in November-December.

Perfect game plan

Stimac was all praise for Real Madrid, undoubtedly the team of 2021-22. “I told Luka that miracles were happening in Madrid. What else can you say if you see all those last-minute comebacks? That’s the character of the team. They never give up, always believe in themselves, waiting for their chance and when the chance come they just grab it with both hands… Just unbelievable.”

Madrid’s strategy to defend deep against Liverpool in Paris last month got thumbs up from the Croat.

“It was the perfect game plan. Madrid chose the best way to beat Liverpool. Playing deep because of the speed Liverpool have, keeping the shape despite Liverpool’s shots at the goal, striking fast on the break and praying that the goalkeeper (Thibaut Courtois) would have a good day. Everything was perfect for Madrid.”