Luka Modric made history overnight as he reached a major milestone with the Croatian national team at the World Cup.
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During a 1-0 win over Panama, Modric played for 81 minutes before being replaced by former Milan player Mario Pasalic. The fact that he had 90 touches showed once again how Zlatko Dalic’s side rely so much on him in the build-up phase.
After Budimir’s winner, Modric was hoisted into the sky at full-time by his team-mates for having reached 200 appearances for the Croatian national team. He is one of four players to have achieved this feat at international level together with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bader Al-Mutawass.
Modric registered 1 key pass, 1 big chance created, 69/79 passes completed (87%), 3/6 long balls completed, 33 carries, 2 clearances, 4 recoveries and 4/5 ground duels won. It was another all-round performance, with Croatia now set for a big final game against Ghana.
As a reminder, reports on Tuesday claimed that Gerry Cardinale and Ruben Amorim are doing everything they can to convince Modric to do a second year at San Siro. There is even the idea of the 40-year-old having more of a part-time role, starting less and perhaps coming off the bench more.
After the World Cup, Modric will decide, but for now we must all appreciate a legend at his final tournament.