Luka Modric is the captain and most decorated player in Croatian football history, a Ballon d'Or winner celebrated for his passing, vision and longevity. He led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and a third-place finish in 2022. After a glittering Real Madrid career he joined AC Milan.
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Won the Golden Ball as Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third in 2022.
Portugal clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey continuing after a late Croatian equaliser was chalked off following a VAR review. The decision proved pivotal, ending Luka Modric’s World Cup run while extending Portugal’s campaign.
Portugal clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia to secure a place in the World Cup quarterfinals, with Gonçalo Ramos providing the decisive goal. The match, featuring two of the game's legendary figures in Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, was marked by tension, VAR controversy, and a dramatic finish. For Modrić, the curtain likely falls on his World Cup journey, while Ronaldo's quest goes on.
As Portugal and Croatia prepare to face off in the World Cup knockout stage, all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Each legend may be appearing in his final World Cup, adding extra intrigue and drama to a matchup loaded with star power.
With knockout football underway, Portugal and Croatia meet in a highly anticipated Last 32 fixture. Both teams boast experienced managers and dynamic squads, setting up a contest brimming with talent and tournament pedigree. The winner advances to the Round of 16, while defeat means an early exit from the world's grandest stage.
Croatia’s Luka Modric and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo are set to square off in a highly anticipated World Cup encounter, rekindling a rivalry that spans nearly two decades of international football. Both teams have advanced to the knockout rounds, setting the stage for what could be the last World Cup meeting between two legends. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Modric can orchestrate an upset or if Portugal will continue their tournament momentum.
Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 win over Panama in Group L, keeping their knockout hopes alive. The match was highlighted by Luka Modric earning his 200th international cap, cementing his legacy for his national team. Panama exit the tournament after failing to register a point.
The favourites dominate the headlines, but World Cups are often defined by the teams nobody expected. We look at four dark horses for 2026, Morocco, Croatia, Uruguay and Japan, and why each could go further than the bookmakers suggest.