Croatia once again proved to be a neutral fan’s favourite on Saturday evening, as the 2018 World Cup runners-up and two-time bronze medallists secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana to finish second behind England in Group L.
As has so often been the case, Luka Modrić was at the heart of Croatia’s performance, marking his 200th appearance for the national side — the Kockasti — with yet another piece of footballing history.
The veteran playmaker, widely regarded as one of the most skilful midfielders of his generation, provided an assist from a corner kick that led to Nikola Vlašić’s decisive headed goal. The contribution added yet another highlight to an already illustrious career filled with accolades and honours.
That perfectly delivered set-piece — converted by the Torino midfielder — also saw the star from Zadar become the oldest player ever to register an assist at a World Cup, doing so at the age of 40 years and 291 days.
Despite Croatia’s earlier heavy defeat to group leaders England, the team’s vast experience and leadership, epitomised by Modrić, ensure that they remain a force capable of making an impact as the tournament progresses this summer.
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