The Corinthians Arena was already packed with people.
As far as the eye could see, there were dense crowds of Croatian fans in red and white jerseys and Netherlands fans in orange jerseys.
The players from both sides were separated by a barrier, with military police on guard, preventing direct contact and disturbances. However, the mutual insults and taunts between the fans never stopped.
In this situation, the atmosphere gradually escalated, and the tension steadily increased.
At this moment, the crowd turned their heads to look at the distant entrance, where a large bus slowly approached.
The bus arrived at the stadium escorted by three police cars and two police motorcycles. From the style of the bus, it was undoubtedly the Croatia National Team.
And at this moment, the entire stadium of Croatian fans erupted.
They first cheered and shouted various slogans of encouragement, followed by the fans spontaneously chanting the name of the star they most anticipated.
Starting with a few scattered individuals, it gradually spread, eventually evolving into a unified chant across the entire stadium.
Suker!!!!!!!!!!—
Suker!!!!!!!!!!—
Suker!!!!!!!!!!—
The shouts of tens of thousands of people, that kind of fervent anticipation, could be truly felt.
Suker, inside the bus, also felt his emotions gradually surge with each wave of cheers.
The bus passed through the crowd, entered the underground tunnel of the stadium, and finally stopped at the entrance.
"We should get off now!"
Bešić was the first to step off the bus, and the other players followed suit.
At the entrance, there were many invited media, and although interviews were not possible, capturing this moment was enough.
Various live broadcast cameras were aimed at the Croatian players, and flashlights continuously illuminated the scene, capturing every moment.
The World Cup had entered the semifinals, meaning the excitement had reached its peak.
Moreover, the semifinals were always clashes between powerhouses.
Croatia facing Netherlands was already a highlight of this World Cup.
One was the Orange Legion—Netherlands—who had slaughtered the defending champions and reached the semifinals with lackluster performances.
The other was the Eastern European Iron Cavalry—Croatia—who advanced steadily step by step, even against the formidable Brazil, they could gradually control the rhythm and completely stifle the game!
The clash between these two teams was considered one of the highest-quality matches of this World Cup.
The camera adjusted its focus, finally settling on Suker.
Wearing a red and white long-sleeved training suit, his hair meticulously styled, a trace of seriousness on his cheerful face, it was clear that this match was very important for Suker and Croatia, thus his expression showed gravity.
As the World Cup progressed, many people paid great attention to whether Suker and Croatia could win this World Cup.
After all, they knew very well that winning this World Cup would play a huge role in their historical standing.
Besides Suker, Messi was also one of them.
However, in terms of club success and individual honors, Suker had the upper hand, and many people were therefore looking forward to whether Suker could completely cement his status in this World Cup.
At the same time, various reports about Suker were constantly spreading throughout the world.
As Croatia advanced to the semifinals, the publicity promised by Florentino also spread overwhelmingly, boosting Suker and building momentum for him.
Under deliberate guidance, even fans believed that if Suker won this World Cup, he would be worthy of the title of 'King of Football'.
Upon entering the locker room, the Croatian players began their pre-match preparations.
There was still some time before warm-up, so Suker walked directly to the physiotherapy area and lay on the bed, allowing the physiotherapist to massage and relax his muscles.
Although Suker's muscles had no major issues, relaxing them would be more beneficial for the match.
Mandžukić, next to him, was receiving a massage, grumbling a bit.
It's normal for athletes to accumulate lactic acid, and they were already used to the feeling of lactic acid removal; they wouldn't grumble like Mandžukić.
The only explanation was...
"There's some inflammation in his ankle!"
The physiotherapist made the diagnosis.
Mandžukić grinned, "It's not serious, I can last until the end of the game."
Bešić also rushed over upon hearing this.
He frowned and looked at Mandžukić, saying, "Don't push yourself. Pushing yourself will only drag down your teammates. If you're injured, rest!"
Hearing this, Mandžukić quickly shook his head, "I'm not injured, really! It's just some inflammation, not even really inflammation, it should be considered a recurrence of an old injury, but it's not serious, it just hurts for a day or two, and it'll be fine soon."
He continued to explain hurriedly, "Don't worry about it, there are only two games left. If you don't let me play, it'll be worse than killing me!"
Bešić pursed his lips. He turned and called the team doctor.
The team doctor began to examine Mandžukić's ankle.
"Does it hurt?"
The team doctor asked while manipulating his ankle.
"Of course it hurts when you twist it like that!" Mandžukić grimaced in pain.
"How about this?" The team doctor changed the angle.
Mandžukić finally breathed a sigh of relief, "It doesn't hurt!"
The team doctor nodded, "It's not serious, but if you want to play, you must protect your ankle well. Otherwise, once it loses strength, the ankle will suddenly lose its support point, leading to more troublesome problems."
Listening to the team doctor's explanation, Bešić nodded and said, "Fix his ankle."
After speaking, he patted Mandžukić's shoulder again, "Two games left, hang in there!"
Mandžukić would not leave the field if he didn't have to, especially since these were the semifinals and final. The absence of a key player would be a major variable, and he couldn't afford it.
Mandžukić let out a long sigh of relief.
After Bešić left, Suker turned and asked, "Are you really okay?"
"Really okay!" Mandžukić replied confidently, then added, "Even if something were wrong, I'd play with a painkiller shot. The final is right around the corner. If you make me rest now, I'll regret it my whole life!"
Suker exhaled and gave a thumbs up, "Be careful during the game. I'll assist you if there's a chance!"
Mandžukić grinned, "I was waiting for you to say that!"
Suker had now broken the World Cup goal-scoring record. It wasn't that he had no desire to score, but rather that it was no longer the most urgent matter.
Winning the match and reaching the final was the top priority.
Therefore, if Mandžukić was in a better position than him, or had an opportunity, Suker would not be stingy with assists.
At the same time, if necessary, he would also create space for his teammates, using his own attractiveness to the opponent's defense to constantly create opportunities for his teammates.
"Alright, guys, it's time for us to warm up!"
Srna stood up and clapped his hands.
The players all got up and followed Srna's voice out of the player tunnel.
The moment the players entered the field, the entire stadium erupted in thunderous cheers.
Various commentators were also excitedly giving pre-match introductions.
"This is the stage for the 2014 World Cup semifinals, the match between Croatia and Netherlands!"
"That's right! We've made it to the semifinals again!"
Krauchivich's voice was incredibly clear; one could hear the pride emanating from within him.
Ever since Davor Suker, Croatia seemed to have unleashed a wave of football frenzy.
And now it had reached its peak.
For Croatian fans, this World Cup was the most anticipated. They didn't know why they felt this way, but looking at these young men, they felt full of confidence.
This group of people was known for creating miracles during their time at Dinamo Zagreb.
Although they later went to different leagues, they perfectly exemplified the saying, "scattered, they are stars; gathered, they are a blazing fire."
And when they gathered this time, it would undoubtedly be a blazing fire, a fire of legend!
Croatian fans firmly believed that this was a group of people who created miracles.
"Finally here!"
In the VIP box, Davor Šuker took a deep, nervous breath.
Compared to usual, at this moment, he was even more nervous.
After all, this was the semifinals!
The hurdle they couldn't overcome, these young men also failed to overcome four years ago.
And now, they were challenging it again. This time, they were more mature and more experienced.
Others, like Boban, Štimac, and others, were also very nervous.
The World Cup semifinals held special significance for them, or rather, for Croatia as a whole.
Being able to take this step represented whether they could create a miracle belonging to Croatia!
"Netherlands won't be easy to play against, we must be cautious!"
"I still think we should play defensive counter-attack!"
"Play it safe, that's right!"
These retired old guys were all extremely nervous, but they continued to voice their opinions.
As the uncrowned king of the World Cup, the strength of the Dutchman was already an undeniable fact.
Moreover, Netherlands is also the originator of tactics, with many tactical systems evolving from Netherlands's Total Football.
For example, Spain's tradition is built on Cruyff's football theory combined with Spain's local characteristics.
Another example is the currently popular high pressing, which is also a product of the Total Football tactic.
Netherlands has made outstanding contributions to the development of football tactics, and it also shows that they are strong enough.
"Hey! What are you doing!" Davor Šuker said in dissatisfaction; "This is not the time to disparage us. Are we not strong anymore?"
He couldn't stand the way his old teammates were praising Netherlands.
"It's not praise!" Boban sighed with a grin; "It's just that these youngsters are serious enough. Once a problem arises, Netherlands has the ability to completely kill the game."
Davor Šuker was also speechless about this.
Boban was right!
When masters face off, one move is often fatal.
Football is also like this!
In a strong matchup, once one side gains an advantage, it is extremely difficult for the disadvantaged side to come back.
There are many comeback legends in football, but legends are legends because, given the total number of matches, this probability is pitifully low.
What's more, in a strong matchup!
Therefore, how the game starts is very important!
"They have their own ideas," Davor Šuker said in a deep voice; "We just need to cheer them on!"
In fact, Davor Šuker was also scared!
Croatia has had too smooth a run!
In this World Cup, Croatia has not suffered a single defeat, not even a draw.
Their journey has been too smooth, causing Davor Šuker to feel a bit scared.
He was afraid that these guys would become complacent and ultimately squander a great situation.
Although he knew these people wouldn't do that, anything can happen, and who can say for sure?
The warm-up session ended, and both teams' players returned to the locker room.
When Rakitić entered the locker room, he was whistling, looking relaxed.
The expressions of the others were also not particularly strange.
"It's strange, they were very nervous during the warm-up, but now that the game is about to start, they're not nervous anymore!" Vukojević twisted his shoulders and said strangely.
The others also exchanged glances. It couldn't be said that everyone felt this way, but the vast majority did.
Not nervous!
Their minds were exceptionally clear!
Their understanding of the game was very thorough, and even their physical reactions seemed much more sensitive.
"Great form!"
Suker also twisted his body, feeling an eagerness to get on the field.
These factors combined told them that they were in excellent form!
Bešić explained the tactics one last time. In fact, there wasn't much to say; they were already very familiar with this.
Srna stood up and said loudly:
"Guys, the game is about to start. I want to tell you one thing: let's not be foil anymore, let's not be overshadowed by others anymore. Let's win this game and enter the final." Srna clenched his fist tightly: "Let's create a new era!"
Upon hearing this, his teammates instantly became fired up.
Having reached the semi-finals, they were going to give their all, for the victory of this match, and for the four million Croatian fans and people who were watching them.
"Prepare for battle!"
Srna roared, and the Croatian players walked out of the locker room one after another.
In the player tunnel, the Croatian players arrived first.
Soon, the Netherlands players also followed closely.
Both teams stood on either side, eyes downcast, clearly contemplating the game.
Outside the stadium, the live DJ organized the fans to shout slogans, and the entire stadium seemed to be boiling like molten lava.
Waves of cheers, like drumbeats, continuously struck the passionate hearts of both teams' players.
As the shouts (drumbeats) became more intense and rapid, their hearts beat faster.
Finally, the Referee turned his head and said in a deep voice; "Prepare to enter the field!"
"Ha~~~!!"
"Go for it!!"
"Victory!!"
"Win the game!!"
Both teams' players were shouting, encouraging themselves and their teammates in various ways.
As both teams' players entered the field, the stadium resonated with stirring songs, and the melody of the Brazil World Cup theme song floated in the air, further exciting the fans.
And when individual players appeared on the big screen, the stadium erupted in even louder cheers.
The final scene was fixed on Suker.
The cheers from the crowd surged like a roaring tide, lasting for a long time.
"Suker!! The most watched player in this match, and also the most watched star in this World Cup!"
"In the previous round, he had already broken the World Cup goal record, becoming the player with the most goals in the World Cup, and he may still continue to uphold this data!"
"Undoubtedly, Suker is currently the best player in the entire World Cup and certainly the world right now !"
"If Netherlands wants to defeat Croatia, they must find ways to limit Suker, but Croatia is not only Suker as a threat point. Netherlands needs to consider this carefully!"
The starting lineups for both teams are as follows:
Croatia (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Subašić.
Defenders: Srna, Vida, Lovren, Pranjic.
Midfielders: Perisic, Vukojević, Rakitić, Modrić, Suker.
Forward: Mandžukić.
Netherlands (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Cillessen.
Defenders: Verhaegh, Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind.
Midfielders: Kuyt, De Jong, Wienaldum.
Forwards: Robben, Sneijder, Van Persie.
"Van Gaal finally abandoned his three-center-back system in this match. Evidently, facing Croatia's attacking threat, he dared not be overconfident and deploy three center-backs."
"Returning to a four-back formation, the midfield and attack are in an inverted triangle shape."
"De Jong plays as a single defensive midfielder, responsible for connecting the midfield and defense. Sneijder plays in the No. 10 position behind the forward line, controlling the rhythm of attack and defense across the entire field!"
"However, considering Netherlands's previous offensive patterns, it might still rely on Robben's breakthroughs on the wing!"
"Therefore, this match will severely test Croatia's left-wing defensive capability. Can veteran Pranjic withstand the impact from Robben?!"
"Of course, Netherlands's defensive pressure is also immense, especially on their right wing, which is Croatia's left wing, where Suker is located!"
"It can be said that Netherlands and Croatia's main attacking lines are both on one side, which indicates that they will engage in very fierce confrontation on this side!"
"Whoever can first gain control of the attacking rhythm point on this side and expand the advantage to the midfield and attack, then the scales of victory will tip towards that side!"
"I admire Van Gaal's courage. With Suker on Croatia's left wing, he still chose to show his hand and compete for rhythm on the same side of the wing against Croatia!"
"Undoubtedly, this match will be a clash of titans, with very intense confrontation and struggle!"
At this moment, both teams' players had completed the opening ceremony.
Both captains had also completed the coin toss.
Croatia will kick off the first half.
Suker was bouncing around in the center circle, and the Netherlands players were staring intently at Suker.
Every time he bounced, they felt their hearts jumping with him.
Undoubtedly, Suker's threat level is the highest in this match, and even in this World Cup.
In terms of individual threat ability, almost no one can compare to Suker!
Therefore, for Netherlands to defeat Croatia, how to limit Suker is a very crucial issue.
Although so far, tactics aimed at Suker have almost all ended in failure.
But now they can only bite the bullet and try!
Because they are facing Croatia.
However, the World Cup has entered the semi-finals, and no team is easy to play against.
Germany, Argentina, Netherlands, Croatia!
Each team has a very complete tactical system and can play to its strengths.
It just depends on who can better control the game.
The match is about to begin, and the other two semi-final teams, Germany and Argentina, are also watching this match.
Their match will be held tomorrow, and experiencing the semi-final atmosphere in advance will be beneficial to them.
It also allows them to further assess the condition of their potential final opponent.
Netherlands or Croatia?
After this match, the first team to reach the final will be determined!