Memorable Modric to have one last dance

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Luka Modric will face the biggest test of his international career since his inspirational 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia when they face World Cup royalty Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Modric has been a part of four World Cup campaigns for Croatia, making his World Cup debut at the 2006 tournament hosted by Germany. They were eliminated in the group stages after finishing 3rd, and it was the first time Modric faced Brazil at a World Cup, and Croatia sank to a single goal defeat with AC Milan’s Kaka making the difference.

The Real Madrid midfielder made his mark on the international stage when he scored Croatia’s opening goal at EURO 2008, cementing his place in history by becoming the youngest Croatian to ever score at a European Championship.

Failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, followed by another group stage exit in 2014 – with another defeat to Brazil – left little hope for Croatia’s golden generation of Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric.

In 2018, Modric was made captain after the second most capped Croatian of all time, Darijjo Srna, retired from international football.  This was the year Croatia made history, making up for over 15 years of disappointment, progressing to the final in Russia. Ultimately, Kylian Mbappe’s France took home the trophy, but despite the disappointment, Modric was awarded the golden ball, an acknowledgement of his contribution as the best player in Russia.

A Ballon d’or winner and an all time great, Luka Modric will look to make history once again in the quarterfinals, taking his country to their first ever victory against a Brazilian team dancing their way to the final. 

Photo: Twitter/@HNS_CFF

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Dylan Johnson