We don’t concentrate on stopping one player: Bruno Petkovic on man-marking Messi in FIFA World Cup semi-final

Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic said that his team will focus on stopping the entire Argentina team instead of man-marking Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup semi-final match on Tuesday.

Croatia, who are aiming to reach the final for a second consecutive time, stunned the five-time champions Brazil in the quarter-final after bouncing back with a late equaliser and winning the penalty shootout 4-2.

“We don’t have a specific plan yet for stopping Messi and usually we don’t concentrate on stopping one player but the entire team,” Petkovic said. “We will try to stop them as a team and not with man-marking. Argentina are not only Messi, they have a number of great players. We have to stop the entire Argentina team.”

Petkovic had scored the 117th-minute equaliser against Brazil, forcing the penalty shootout. Croatia have won all four of the shootouts that they have been involved in at World Cups. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved one spot kick against Brazil after having saved three in the Round of 16 shootout against Japan.

“I think many people who are not professional footballers can take successful penalties,” Petkovic said. “The difference is how mentally tough you are. There is huge pressure you have never experienced before. But it also helps when you have a world class keeper.”

Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia are high on confidence but their midfield will rely heavily on Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. Defender Josip Juranovic said that the trio are dependable.

“Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best Croatia midfield in history. I don’t think it can be repeated. When you pass them the ball it is safer than having your money in the bank,” Juranovic said.