FIFA World Cup 2018: Ivan Rakitic was down with fever before semi-final, still played till the end for Croatia
As Croatia are steady on the winning journey, English fans are heartbroken. The underrated side -- the Croatians -- have made it to the finals of FIFA World Cup 2018 that they will play against France, having beaten England 2-1 in the semi-finals. After the win, Ivan Rakitic, the Croatian midfielder revealed that he was down with a fever on the day before the match.
Croatia, after defeating England has set a benchmark and the side is now through to the finals of FIFA World Cup 2018. The Croatians will be facing France in the final match scheduled to be played on Sunday, July 15 at Luzhinki Stadium, Moscow. Croatia has been one of the most successful teams in the tournament this year and has turned the tables on giants like England. Respect for the winner increased more when the midfielder, Ivan Rakitic revealed that he was down with a fever just the day before the crucial semi-final.
In spite of the sickness that gripped him before the match, Rakitic played the entire match along with his team and utilised no substitution or rest till the end. This is an inspiration to many players who can imbibe the love he has for the game and what dedication a player should have for his country.
"Last night I had a fever, almost 39 [degrees] (102.2 degrees in Fahrenheit)", he said. "I was lying in bed finding the strength to play and it was worth it. I would play a final without a leg if necessary." Rakitic explained further.
Players' strength along with courage and desire, propel a team forward and undoubtedly, it was Croatia's strong team power that made them the winner of the semi-final.
England, on the other hand, had felt the battle already won after winning the quarterfinals against Sweden. The praise was hyped up by social media and the fans who were quite sure that Croatia was meek enough to lose.
However, in an inspiring move, Croatians proved the predictions wrong and made their first-ever semi-final win a historic one. The English were heartbroken and out of words at the loss.