KUALA LUMPUR: KL City coach Bojan Hodak is a fan of Asian football, but it does not mean he will root for Japan when the Samurai Blue take on his country, Croatia, in the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday.
Japan topped Group E with a sensational win over Spain, while Croatia finished runners-up in Group F after the 0-0 draw against Belgium yesterday.
The 51-year-old, who has returned to Zagreb for a short break, said Croatia are lucky to face former Asian champions Japan instead of Spain.
"We in Croatia are happy that our national team have avoided Spain in the last 16. It is because Croatia have a poor record against Spain (only three wins in nine meetings since 1994).
"I think Zlatko Dalic's side are relieved they are playing Japan," said Hodak, who has been coaching in Asia since 2006.
However, he warned his national team not to be overconfident against Japan.
"Japan have scored two big wins in the World Cup — against former world champions Germany and Spain. I believe they will be on fire against Croatia.
"Samurai Blue have improved a lot over the years, and their run in Qatar is good for Asian football.
"However, I have to pick Croatia to go through as they have more quality players. While there are many Japanese players in Europe, most Croatians play for top clubs.
"Luka Modric, 37, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Josko Gvardiol are some of the top Croatian players who play for big clubs in Europe. I believe they will take Croatia into the quarter-finals on Monday."
Hodak believes European teams are struggling in Qatar because of the weather.
"I think the weather is affecting some of the European teams in Qatar. They are not as dominant as in the last World Cup in Russia. The weather might play a role in the Croatia-Japan match.
"However, if Croatia play their tactics right, they will beat Japan."
Asia's other representative in the last 16 is Australia, who take on two-time champions Argentina in the last 16 tomorrow.
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