Croatia 'want more' on return to World Cup semi-finals - Dalic

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said the 2018 World Cup runners-up hope Tuesday's semi-final against Argentina in Qatar will be remembered as the "greatest game" in the country's history.

With a population of just four million people, Croatia have again defied the odds and stand just 90 minutes from a return trip to the final.

"At back-to-back World Cups to be among the four best national teams, that's an extraordinary success for Croatia," said Dalic, who saw his side beaten 4-2 by France in the final four years ago.

"However, we want more," he added. "I'm optimistic and have full confidence in my players. They've shown their great quality and strength of character, and deserve to be in the final."

As in Russia in 2018, Croatia have required two penalty shootouts to reach the last four -- beating Japan and then a heavily fancied Brazil.

Croatia haven't won a knockout game in normal time at a major tournament since coming third at the 1998 World Cup.

"It was quite exhausting with extra time in two matches, but we're in the semi-finals of the World Cup and we're not even discussing exhaustion," said Dalic.

"We are still strong, with energy and enthusiasm, without a doubt. We are going to give it our all, just as we have done in previous games.

"Against Argentina we will do the same, we will give our all. We don't have any injury problems. They don't feel tired."

Croatia swept Argentina aside 3-0 in the group stage at the last World Cup, but Dalic says that will have no influence with the stakes much higher for the match at Lusail Stadium.

"That was a group stage match back then and it wasn't decisive. That match has nothing to do with tomorrow's," he said.

"They're under greater pressure than we are. They'll have more fans and that's a