Recently, Croatia goalkeeper Livaković was interviewed by FIFA, reflecting on his unforgettable moments at the FIFA World Cup, his coach's trust in him, and his role in crucial matches.
When the pressure is at its highest, Croatia goalkeeper Livaković often rises to the occasion, repeatedly making brilliant saves at critical moments to help his team hold their ground.
In an interview with FIFA ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Portugal, he looked back on his important experiences at the FIFA World Cup, discussed head coach Zlatko Dalić's trust in him, and explained his psychological state as a goalkeeper before a penalty shootout.
You always step up at critical moments; is this one of your strengths?
Livaković: First and foremost, the entire Croatian national team is a single unit. Everyone helps each other, and I'm no different. I always try my best so that we can celebrate victories together in the end.
Looking back at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, what are your most profound memories?
Livaković: The emotions before and after the matches against Japan and Brazil were very special. The victory over Japan and the subsequent celebration gave us immense motivation, which was clearly evident in our performance against Brazil – we played exceptionally well as a team in that match. These are memories that will last a lifetime.
What goes through your mind when a match goes to a penalty shootout?
Livaković: Everything happens in an instant. Of course, there's tension before the shootout, but once it starts, I calm down and focus on what I love most – playing football and representing Croatia. In such moments, one must maintain a positive mindset.
You experienced some difficult periods during the club season. How do you view coach Dalić's trust in you?
It means a great deal to me, as I've said many times. I'm grateful that the coach has always supported me – both during my injury and later when things weren't going well at the club, though the second half of the season improved. I hope to repay his trust with my performances.
You made crucial saves against England and Panama. What did that mean to you personally?
It's always a pleasure to help the team, especially in important matches when you know every moment is critical. These are very special moments that I will treasure when reflecting on them in the future.
What goes through your mind in those few seconds when the ball flies toward the goal? Does a goalkeeper have time to think?
I've been a goalkeeper since I was six, so I watch matches differently than fans. We're constantly training our reactions and decision-making with goalkeeper coaches Marijan Mrmić and Danijel Subašić. For us, these are part of daily training. Of course, some saves stand out particularly in my memory.
The support from Croatian fans has been fantastic recently; what does that mean to you?
We received great support in Toronto, and I believe there will be even more Croatian fans at the next match. Their support always motivates us.
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