Flying the flag for Rangers in Qatar, Borna Barisic is now on the brink of quarter-final action for Croatia against Brazil.
The Gers full-back made his bow in the Last 16 fixture against Japan and 120 gruelling minutes later, he prevailed alongside his teammates following their penalty shootout success.
As the only Ibrox player on duty at the World Cup, it is great to see BB progressing but that also comes with the domestic re-start just around the corner so there will be plenty of interest in the game Friday afternoon from a Rangers perspective, especially with a potential selection dilemma ahead.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic was brutally honest in his assessment of the task ahead of his side if they are to reach the final four of the 2022 World Cup.
“Brazil is the favourite, let’s face it. Brazil is the most powerful and the best national team at the World Cup. What I’ve seen so far, when you take a look at their selection of players, their quality, skills and value, then it is indeed terrifying.”
“I think we have a great exam ahead of us, a tough task against the team which plays great soccer with so many good quality and fast players.”
Neopisivo – Unspeakable.
Borna Barisic and Croatia will face Brazil on Friday in the World Cup quarter-final. 🇭🇷🔵 pic.twitter.com/8IuDNpfXGN
— Vital Rangers (@vitalrangers) December 6, 2022
For the Japan game, Barisic stepped in for his namesake, Borna Sosa who is said to have picked up a virus. The Stuttgart player has edged ahead of his Rangers counterpart as first choice left-back recently so it will be very interesting to see who gets the call later this week.
Against the considerable might of Brazil and the formidable high flying frontline of Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Richarlison and Raphinha, the Croats will certainly have their work cut out to say the least.