Croatia resilience not veterans key vs. Japan in World Cup

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Croatia's victory on penalties against Japan came in the most brutal way. It was all about sentiment and emotion, but not the name on the back of the jersey.

- Report: Croatia edge Japan on pens to make WC quarters

- Borden: Japan suffer penalty shoot-out heartbreak

Nine minutes into the first extra-time period, you wondered if you were seeing another landmark. Zlatko Dalic called on Lovro Majer and Nikola Vlasic to replace Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, who were on the bench. You might have wondered if you had just seen Modric's final moments on the biggest stage of all, in a World Cup that could well be the last for a number of superstars.

The man is now 37 years old. He won the Ballon D'Or in Russia four years ago. You can only escape Father Time for so long if you have moments for Real Madrid. Even though he's still a part of Real Madrid, Euro 2024 feels like a long way away.

Modric's expression was a mixture of confusion and exhaustion when he realized he was being taken off. The hulking defender, who was a mainstay for Croatia at Russia, hugged both players. Modric looked to be in a state of emotional distress. He looked like a dad consoling two kids outside the vet's office while they worried about a sick pet.

Dalic looked at the field. If Croatia were going to leave, they were going to do it on their own terms. It wasn't just about the two players who didn't play in the final, it was about the whole team. Only five of the 13 players who played in the World Cup final made the squad for the next edition. Ivan Perisic was taken off the bench later. There was a man named Modric. There were only two holdovers who lasted until the last penalty against Japan.

There are two narratives going on here. Croatia is considered to be a nation of Balkan supermen because of their strength and resilience, as well as their tough-as-nails mentality. The movie tells the story of the veteran superstars joining forces for one last big score, riding their experience and mental toughness to the quarterfinals of a World Cup.

Dalic should have bought the first. Croatia beat England in the semifinals of the last World Cup after winning two penalty shoot outs. Their colors don't run, and their knees don't quiver, when the game clock reaches the 90th minute. Dalic said that his players reflected the nature of the Croatian people. We don't give up, we have been through a lot. A small country with a big heart. We play for the sake of our supporters.

Reason was above emotion for the second. Kramaric was not effective. He was pulled when the gas ran out. Dalic had faith in the replacements even though none are household names or are likely to be household names in the club game. Mario Pasalic and Lovro Majer are not in the starting lineup for Rennes. The 25-year-old was a bust at West ham and is now at Torino. There is a man at Hajduk Split. He was once a star, but now he has a bright future ahead of him.

These are the men Dalic placed his trust in. This quartet replaced a Real Madrid legend and Ballon d'Or winner and a guy who scored 91 goals for Hoffenheim and a Spurs player. There were four guys who had delivered for Dalic before. Dalic confirmed that four players would have taken penalties if they were still on the field.

Croatia were unable to win it in 90 minutes or in extra-time, but three of the four stepped up to take the penalties, though Livaja missed. Japan's misses meant Majer's services weren't required.

Dalic said that he told his new players that they had a chance to make history like the ones who came before them in Russia.

Hajime Moriyasu said that the penalty kicks were both luck and preparation. It was about luck and training. It's also about mental resilience and sheer bloody-mindedness. Their belief is top of the list.

Dalic said not to underestimate Croatians. They are true believers. The Almighty is with us.