Champions League winner Luka Modrić assured of his readiness and desire to play once more at the highest level, at the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.

"I can not wait for the match to start. My role in the national team will be the same as always, while the Brazilians have a lot of respect for us. They know many Croatian players and now it is up to us to prove they were right to respect us and to present Croatia in the best way possible", said Modrić to Croatian and international journalists.

"Brazil is a world class team, with basically no weakness, but we have to play as a team. Croatia is not just Modrić and Rakitić, Croatia did well whenever we all fought for each other. We will do so this time as well", he added.

The key battle is the one in midfield, says Modrić.

"It will be difficult, but we want to have ball possession and take control of the game. We must not rely solely on defensive play".

Croatian international striker of Brazilian descent, Eduardo Alves da Silva, agrees that it will be difficult to defeat Brazil, but not impossible.

"Croatian players eagerly await this match, everything will be easier after the kick-off. We want to enjoy ourselves. Brazil is the favourite to win the match and the World Cup, but that does not mean that we cannot beat them", said Eduardo.

"We have to show on the pitch what we can do, Croatia can surprise everyone, especially if we score the first goal. Then it will be difficult for Brazil to come back in the game. Considering my celebrations if I score against Brazil - it is not important who scores, it is important that Croatia gets a positive result", he concluded.