Kovacic is ready for a physical showdown with Brazil

Croatia and Brazil will face each other in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. ET from Education City Stadium.

World Cup 2022, Brazil vs Croatia: Everything you need to know

Kovacic’s fighting face

Croatia star Mateo Kovacic talked to the media about getting ready for a physical showdown with Brazil, while sporting a nasty face wound appropriate to the conversation. Kovacic, looking like he’d just been in a fight, suffered a freak accident in the gym this week and had a cut on his eyebrow and below his eye. He is well enough to play against Brazil on Friday, though, and in fact, is looking forward to it.

Kovacic: “Brazil, favorites? We’re ready for them”

“In the Premier League, I got used to very tough, physical games,” said Kovacic. “And that is something that we need to show against Brazil. Of course, we want to show our technical ability as well, but yes, I would agree that we need to show our physical ability in every duel, in every position.”

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Croatia are undefeated in the last four matches and Kovacic has appeared in every World Cup game for them so far. They do have a physical challenge ahead when they face favorites Brazil, who have dominated in the tournament so far.

“Brazil are always among the favorites to win the World Cup,” said Kovacic. “But there are also other top teams, and we are focused on ourselves to deliver the best possible performance.”