Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - Croatia v Brazil - Education City Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 9, 2022 Croatia's Josip Juranovic in action with Brazil's Neymar REUTERS/Suhaib Salem
Josip Juranovic was in the spotlight this afternoon as Croatia beat Brazil to book as place in the semi-finals of the World Cup. Some might describe it as the shop window rather than the spotlight.
The Celtic defender turned in a near perfect two hour performances up against Neymar Jr and the rest of the Brazilian big hitters.
Brazil were on top for a spell at the start of the second half but other than that period Croatia were every bit as good as their highly rated opponents.
For 18 months or more there has always been a question mark about how good Juranovic has been, excelling in the SPFL doesn’t really turn heads but with Croatia again among the best four teams in the world there can be no doubt about his class.
Reversing the thinking that he was ‘only performing well in Scotland’ Paddy Power were quick to compare the Brazilian stars with one of the top players in the SPFL.
It’s all well and good for Juranovic to keep Vinicius in his pocket but let’s see how he does when he goes back to facing the likes of Ryan Kent.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 9, 2022
While others speculate about the value of Juranovic Tony Ralston can look forward to an extended run in the Celtic first team.
Typically sarcastic from PP, and sideways rips the pish out of the stepover king…I love it.