adminDOHA. – After orchestrating his country’s run to a second straight World Cup semi-final, 37-year-old Modric’s team were swept aside 3-0 by the South American side.
Coach Zlatko Dalic boasted that Croatia – with Modric supported by Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic – had “the best midfield in the world” after their shock quarterfinal elimination of Brazil.
That midfield has enabled a nation of just under four million to consistently compete with the world’s strongest teams, but they ran out of steam against a combative Argentina.
“Argentina have an excellent team… and today they had four midfielders and closed the space and tried to play most of the game there,” said Dalic.
Few teams are as dogged or durable as Croatia, but two goals in five minutes, the first a penalty from Lionel Messi and the second a scruffy Julian Alvarez strike, proved too great an obstacle to surmount.
Real Madrid midfielder Modric, who made his international debut way back in 2006, is surely in the final phase of his brilliant career.
The five-time Champions League winner, who has a record 161 caps for Croatia, will be almost 39 by the time Euro 2024 rolls around.
“Perhaps this is the end of the World Cup generation for a couple of them who have reached a certain age,” said Dalic, without specifying names.
“It would have been excellent if they’d won the trophy as a crowning moment.”
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has continued to catch the eye in Qatar – his longevity is highlighted by the fact that Mario Mandzukic, a year younger than Modric, is now part of the coaching staff.
“We’ve had a very good World Cup and it’s never a punishment to play for the national team,” said Modric.
“There’s a bronze at stake, so we need to be ready because it’s a good result if we get it.” – SuperSport
Online Reporter