Nations League: the stainless Modric at the gates of a first trophy with Croatia

A perfectly executed penalty at the end of extra time, followed by an exit punctuated by a resounding ovation from the corner where the Croatian supporters were gathered, Luka Modric can come out with his head held high. After this prestigious victory against the Netherlands in Rotterdam (2-4) in the semi-final of the 2023 Nations League, here is number 10 and his teammates one step away from the grail, a first international trophy for the Dalmatian nation.

This Croatian success once again bears the seal of its emblematic captain Luka Modric. At 37, the man with 166 selections still reigns over the midfield. This Wednesday evening in the Rotterdam cauldron, he initially struggled. In the first act, the maestro was unable to bring the balls forward. It was only in the second period that he recovered. Better than that, he has metamorphosed, being involved in the four goals of his team.

It was he who first caused the penalty converted by Andrej Kramaric (55th). Then, from outside the right, he launched Ivan Perisic, behind the second goal scored by Mario Pasalic (72nd). In overtime, when the legs are logically the heaviest, it was he who shifted Bruno Petkovic (98th). To crown his recital, he therefore converted the penalty of 4-2 (116th), reducing to nothing at the same time the last Dutch hopes.

This new high-flying performance hardly impresses his teammates, aware of the infinite talent of the 2018 Ballon d'Or. "For us, it's normal to see him play like that. He is our captain and it is a privilege to play with him. He is an exceptional player to see, he knows no limits” raved Mario Pasalic, evening scorer at the microphone of the L’Equipe channel. In the opposing camp also we saluted his excellent match. "Luka is a great player and it's a joy to watch him play" admitted Frenkie De Jong, yet a player of FC Barcelona, ​​rival of Real Madrid.

The player comes out of a grueling season with the Spanish club and is about to play against … his 64th game of the season. His regularity and his ability to chain meetings are stunning, he who will celebrate his 38th birthday next September. In the mixed zone after the match, a Dutch journalist even ironically expressed doubts as to the Croatian's true age. "No problem, if you want, I'll show you my passport after the interview," joked Luka Modric.

As he nears the end, the Zadar native keeps the fun going. “The fans give me so much love and respect. That's why I like to play even at this age." Although the competition is fierce at Real Madrid with the presence of the French Aurélien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the midfield, the Croatian, always performing well, retains the confidence of his coach, Carlo Ancelotti. He should stay an additional season in Spain but the offensives from Saudi Arabia could end up seducing him.

In selection also the legend is always essential. When he seriously questioned his international future after the 2022 World Cup, he decided to continue, to the delight of his family and his coach Zlatko Dalic. “If Modric stops the selection, he will be missed by the whole world. I hope he won't take this decision,” declared the coach after the Vatreni semi-final in Qatar, the third at this level since 1998. His prayer was heard and now the country with 3.9 million nhabitants have never been so close to lifting their first international trophy. Luka Modric in a dream.