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Brazil legend Dani Alves says Lionel Messi is in top form this World Cup but is focused on his side’s quarter-final against Croatia
Brazil produced a stunning performance against South Korea in the last 16 at the World Cup on Monday and remain on course to face Argentina in the semi-finals. Dani Alves knows how difficult it is to play against his former Barcelona team-mate Messi, but has said his side must focus on the quarter-final with Croatia before they think about playing Argentina.
“Everything happens through Messi. Everything goes through his legs. I think he’s in a good moment. He is a player who expresses himself in every situation and there is no doubt about that, especially in this competition”, he told reporters. “We don’t think about the semi-finals, because we have passed to the quarter-finals, with a respected team like Croatia, so we have to focus on this match. “Croatia has quality footballers and they deserve 110 percent attention.”
Brazil remains the favorite to win the World Cup and is expected to face Croatia, who needed penalties to eliminate Japan from the 1/8 finals. Tites’ side could then face Argentina for a place in the final where they will seek revenge for their Copa America final defeat at the Maracana Stadium.
Brazil scored four goals in a direct World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1998 (beating Chile 4-1), scoring more goals in 36 minutes of play (4) than they scored in the group stage in three games.
Both Argentina and Brazil return to action on Friday at the World Cup. Tites’ team faces Croatia, while Argentina will play against the Netherlands.
