adminDOHA. — Luka Modric said before arriving in Qatar that this World Cup would likely be his last major tournament and he has again orchestrated another deep run for Croatia.
The veteran midfielder’s side will face their biggest challenge yet when they take on Brazil in the quarter-finals tomorrow.
The five-time champions sent out a warning to their fellow title hopefuls with a wonderful first-half display in their 4-1 victory over South Korea in the last 16. But Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, are likely to pose a far tougher test for the Selecao – seven of their past eight major tournament knockout ties have gone to extra time.
Modric is still the heartbeat of the team and coach Zlatko Dalic has said he expects the 37-year-old to be involved at next year’s Nations League finals.
But the Real Madrid midfielder does not see himself playing at a fifth World Cup, 20 years after his first, in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“I’m aware that I’m of a certain age and that this is my last competition in the Croatian national team,” he told Fifa before the tournament.
Modric still toils selflessly in midfield but was clearly fading when he was substituted in extra-time of Croatia’s last-16 win over Japan on penalties.
“When you see people like Luka Modric running and dying on the pitch, it gives us younger players extra energy to run,” said full-back Josip Juranovic.
Modric is a hero in his home nation after a 16-year international career in which he has made 159 appearances.
His trophy cabinet includes five Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Modric grew up during Croatia’s war of independence, between 1991 and 1995, during which his hometown, Zadar, and the surrounding region were heavily shelled by Serb forces.
Those experiences shaped Modric’s character and made him mentally strong, according to those close to him.
“It happened a million times that we were going to training as the shells were falling, and we were running to shelters,” said childhood friend Marijan Buljat, who trained and played with Modric while growing up.
“It is certainly one of the factors that contributed… that drove him to become one of the best in the world.”
Modric’s grandfather, after whom Luka was named, was killed by Serb forces, the house was burnt out and the family fled to Zadar, 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. — AFP.
Online Reporter