Subasic to play through pain barrier against England

Croatia is into its second World Cup semifinal in 20 years and Danijel Subasic is determined to play against England.

Subasic struggled with a muscle injury during Croatia's quarterfinal victory over Russia

Danijel Subasic will play through the pain barrier to help Croatia achieve its dream of playing in a World Cup final this weekend.

The goalkeeper struggled with a muscle injury during Croatia's quarterfinal victory over Russia, Subasic needing treatment in extra-time before a heroic performance in the penalty shoot-out.

Subasic was determined not to come off during that clash in Sochi and he will not allow the problem to stop him facing England on Wednesday.

"I started warming up before kick-off and I felt the pain in the muscle," Subasic told FIFA.com. "My physiotherapist massaged my leg a bit and saw I could play.

"Later, I felt the pain again, but I didn't want to give up. I knew that the coach needed another substitution. During the break the masseurs did some quick work and, like a Formula One car after a pit stop, I was as good as new.

"It's been a long season, but you play in a World Cup semi-final once in a lifetime and there's no point giving up now."

Another tough match

Subasic knows getting past England will be no easy feat, though, as Gareth Southgate's Three Lions prepare for their first World Cup semifinal since 1990.

"England have great players - they are a fantastic team," he added. "They have a lot of youngsters, but they are really good, fast, they play for great clubs. It will be another very tough match for us, a great challenge.

"We don't really care about who we play or who are the favourites. It's important that we do our best on the pitch. Just do your best and it ends how it ends."