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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

World Cup pundits wax lyrical over Celtic star Josip Juranovic as Croatia stun Brazil in Qatar

Josip Juranovic earned major praise from former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann for his performance during Croatia's stunning World Cup quarter-final victory against Brazil.

The Celtic full-back was arguably the best player on the pitch during the first half before his side went on to beat Brazil on penalties after a 1-1 draw. His display could persuade some leading European clubs to make a January move for the former Hajduk Split and Legia Warsaw player after reports claimed a failure to land an improved contract had prompted the full-back to seek a transfer.

Celtic's recent signing of Canada right-back Alistair Johnston is expected to speed up Juranovic's exit from Glasgow with Atletico Madrid said to have sent a scout to watch him in the Qatar last eight showdown. They will have been impressed with what they witnessed with La Liga outfit Real Sociedad also reportedly keen. Manchester United and Chelsea are other clubs also previously mentioned with regards to Ange Postecoglou's right-back.

READ MORE: Josip Juranovic Celtic transfer chase heats up as La Liga side 'ready' to rival Atletico Madrid

The Croatian's defender's positive approach was the focus of the half-time punditry on BBC Sport's coverage.

Klinsmann said: "He is basically telling Vinicius Junior, 'I am in charge here, I am the boss here'. This is a whole mental approach.

"He is saying, 'I don't care about you, you might be the best winger in the World Cup, I am going to go and maybe I am going to score'. And he almost scored."

Former England international Alex Scott was just as enthusiastic about Juranovic.

She added: "He is not sitting back and worrying about the Brazilians and their overload down this side.

"He is like, 'I am going to make you worry about me. I am going to drive forward and get into spaces when I can'.

"You change the point of attack and he needs to be there leading that attack. Look at his energy to get forward.

"Sometimes it has just been an option to be a bounce pass, it's nothing big, but it is allowing his team to keep possession and get up the field.

"He has been making Brazil worry about him. He has been doing it for the whole 45 minutes - pass and go and go at speed and drive into space. I absolutely love it. He has just been quality the whole (first) half."

READ NEXT:

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- Cho Gue-sung Celtic move boost as in-demand star reveals 'dream' switch plan after World Cup success

- Callum McGregor's Celtic influence highlighted by Scott Brown in bid to land domestic clean sweep

- Josip Juranovic Celtic transfer chase heats up as La Liga side 'ready' to rival Atletico Madrid

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