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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wolverine GTR" data-source="post: 23391293" data-attributes="member: 158020">Modric hopes Croatia can surpass legendary '98 World Cup team Luka Modric believes Croatia can achieve something big and surpass  the achievements of the 1998 team after reaching the World Cup  semi-finals on Saturday.  Croatia  will feature in the final four for the first time in 20 years following  their 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory against hosts Russia in Sochi.Ivan Rakitic converted the winning spot-kick after the absorbing quarter-final ended 2-2 following extra time at Fisht Stadium.Croatia, who finished third in France two decades ago, now stand on  the cusp of history as they prepare to face England on Wednesday."This makes us extremely proud and happy that after 20 years, we  reached the semis of a World Cup," said Modric, who was voted man of the  match.  "We took the difficult route. We were unlucky in past tournaments.  Now we're collecting debts this year. Hopefully we can go a step further  than 98. We have a great team. Great staff and coach. I hope we can  make that extra step."  When asked if he could challenge for the Ballon d'Or based on his  and Croatia's performances at the World Cup, he said: "I'm not thinking  about it frankly. The most important thing is that the national team  succeeds and achieves something big. This team can do more.  "Individual awards aren't important for me. Of course, they are  rewards for effort and everyday performances. I'm focusing on the  national team. We want to bring a medal home."  Croatia struggled to contain Russia in the first half as Denis  Cheryshev scored a stunning opener before Andrej Kramaric responded  eight minutes later.Extra time was needed and Zlatko Dalic's side thought they had the  match won when Domagoj Vida's header – with some apparent help from  Vedran Corluka – found the back of the net.Russia, however, equalised in the 115th minute thanks to Mario  Fernandes, sparking wild celebrations and leaving Croatia deflated until  Modric and his team-mates came out on top in the shoot-out. "Russia played a very good game. Particularly the first half.  They surprised us. They pressed us very high. We couldn't play. Our  style was cramped. Maybe we didn't want to risk some passes. We had to  balance it out," the Real Madrid star said.  "In the second half and in extra time, we dominated. We should've  finished the job before penalties. Maybe it's written in the stars that  we have to go through the extra drama. We faced a very good opponent who  did a lot of running."</blockquote>

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