Croatia midfield delivers calmness and control amid the chaos
2 years ago

Croatia midfield delivers calmness and control amid the chaos

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Winner of the Golden Ball four years ago as the tournament’s best player, the legs don’t quite carry him as they once used to now, but the mind still ticks, always calculating and assessing, constantly pondering and planning the next move. It wasn’t perfect, substitute Romelu Lukaku could have converted as many as four opportunities which would have knocked them out, but set against them, Belgium’s opposite numbers were a pale shadow. Axel Witsel, the only constant amid Martinez’s many rolls of the dice, was anonymous once more, the combative, energetic midfielder of old – one of so many among this group – seemingly irreparably worn down and weakened by the passage of time.

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History of this topic

What we learned from the Euro 2024 group stage – Ronaldo, Hala Madrid and big-man denial
5 months, 4 weeks ago

What we learned from the Euro 2024 group stage – Ronaldo, Hala Madrid and big-man denial

New York Times  

Our team of reporters has been at the European Championship for the entire group stage and the very lucky ones will be there for the knockouts, too. Cristiano Ronaldo’s pulling power is as strong as ever In Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday, I was struck by the enormous number of fans holding cardboard signs with messages pleading for someone — anyone — …

Euro 2024: Zaccagni's stoppage-time stunner against Croatia sends Italy through to last 16
6 months ago

Euro 2024: Zaccagni's stoppage-time stunner against Croatia sends Italy through to last 16

The Hindu  

Luka Modric’s 55th minute seemed to send Croatia into the next round but Mattia Zaccagni’s late equaliser ensured defending champions Italy will play Switzerland in the round of 16 Mattia Zaccagni curled home a 98th minute equaliser as defending champions Italy booked a last-16 spot at Euro 2024 on Monday with a 1-1 draw against Croatia, whose tournament hopes were …

Euro 2024: 'Raised the bar too high' - Luka Modric, Croatia still hope to make an impact
6 months, 1 week ago

Euro 2024: 'Raised the bar too high' - Luka Modric, Croatia still hope to make an impact

Firstpost  

Croatia face a tough assignment in Germany having been placed in the same group as reigning champions Italy as well as Spain and Albania. AP Croatia head into Euro 2024 with cautious optimism despite a tough draw, and despite still being heavily reliant on the 38-year-old Luka Modric as he nears the end of his remarkable career. “We raised the …

Modric set for international swan song
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Modric set for international swan song

China Daily  

Real Madrid's Luka Modric celebrates with a Croatia flag after winning his sixth Champions League on June 1 in London. For Euro 2024, Modric will be returning to Germany, where he played in his first big tournament with the national team at the 2006 World Cup, just months after his Croatia debut. In 2018, Modric won the Ballon d'Or, soccer's …

Watch: Croatia fans' stunning gesture for visibly emotional Luka Modric after Nations League final loss goes viral
1 year, 6 months ago

Watch: Croatia fans' stunning gesture for visibly emotional Luka Modric after Nations League final loss goes viral

Hindustan Times  

Croatia were beaten in heartbreaking fashion by Spain in the UEFA Nations League final at De Juip in Rotterdam, falling in the penalty shootout after a spirited performance during regulation play. Luka Modric has been Croatia’s best player and talisman for much of his career Following the decisive penalty by Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, his club teammate and Croatia’s …

Croatia’s experience might provide edge in Nations League final: Perisic
1 year, 6 months ago

Croatia’s experience might provide edge in Nations League final: Perisic

The Hindu  

Croatia’s experience might prove key when it goes up against a youthful Spain in Sunday’s Nations League final in the Netherlands, midfielder Ivan Perisic said on the eve of the game. But we’re still talking about Spain, who are always going to turn out a great national side.” Spain reached the final with a last gasp winner against Italy in …

Watch: How Luka Modric's assist and last-minute penalty masterclass sent Croatia into UEFA Nations League final
1 year, 6 months ago

Watch: How Luka Modric's assist and last-minute penalty masterclass sent Croatia into UEFA Nations League final

Hindustan Times  

Croatia and Netherlands put on a thrilling rollercoaster of a match at De Kuip in Rotterdam, taking their UEFA Nations League semifinal all the way to extra-time before one team pulled clear and booked a spot in the final with a 4-2 victory. Having already had gone ahead in extra-time through a fantastic bottom corner finish by striker Bruno Petkovic, …

Luka Modric gives update on Croatia future after playing last World Cup game
2 years ago

Luka Modric gives update on Croatia future after playing last World Cup game

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Luka Modric has confirmed that his final World …

Croatia vs Morocco, Key battles: FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, Qatar 2022
2 years ago

Croatia vs Morocco, Key battles: FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, Qatar 2022

The Hindu  

The FIFA World Cup knockouts can be cruel games. Here are three key battles expected in the match: Sofiane Boufal vs Luka Modric Sofiane Boufal has been one of Morocco’s architects of attacking along the flanks, be it the darting runs along the left, or dribbling past defenders. Croatia’s Luka Modric, left, and Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal challenge for the ball …

Croatia hopeful Luka Modric won’t retire after World Cup
2 years ago

Croatia hopeful Luka Modric won’t retire after World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic is hopeful the …

Croatia vs Argentina: ‘No limits’ for Zlatko Dalic in pursuit of the ‘extraordinary’ at World Cup
2 years ago

Croatia vs Argentina: ‘No limits’ for Zlatko Dalic in pursuit of the ‘extraordinary’ at World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Indeed, perhaps it is the presence of Argentina in Tuesday’s semi-final that …

FIFA World Cup: We've demonstrated strength of character, says Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic ahead of semi-final
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup: We've demonstrated strength of character, says Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic ahead of semi-final

India Today  

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has said that they have demonstrated strength of character throughout the course of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Speaking ahead of their clash, Dalic said he trusts his players who have demonstrated a high level of quality and strength of character. I do trust my players they have demonstrated a high level of quality, strength …

FIFA World Cup: Croatia’s masterful midfield trio key to WC dream
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup: Croatia’s masterful midfield trio key to WC dream

The Hindu  

Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was rightly hailed after his team’s stunning World Cup quarterfinal win over Brazil, but their midfield trio were also crucial. “I said several times that Croatia has the best midfield in the world,” proud coach Zlatko Dalic told a press conference after Friday’s game. “Brozovic, Modric and Kovacic -- if they are in the game I …

Croatia World Cup 2022 squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more
2 years ago

Croatia World Cup 2022 squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy One of the game’s great midfield talents of …

‘Only Croatia can do this’ — breaking down the comeback that stunned Brazil
2 years ago

‘Only Croatia can do this’ — breaking down the comeback that stunned Brazil

New York Times  

Croatia celebrated “one of the greatest wins” after coming from 1-0 down in extra-time to beat Brazil on penalties in the World Cup quarter-final. We suffered a very painful defeat and we could have won.” The Athletic has spoken to those involve, drawn on tactical analysis and watched the drama that unfolded at Doha’s Education City Stadium to explain how …

Japan and Croatia provide reminder of the risk and the reluctance of knockout World Cup football
2 years ago

Japan and Croatia provide reminder of the risk and the reluctance of knockout World Cup football

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Which made Monday’s first game, the 1-1 draw between Japan and Croatia, …

Mateo Kovacic: The heir to Luka Modric trying to fuel a Croatia World Cup repeat
2 years, 1 month ago

Mateo Kovacic: The heir to Luka Modric trying to fuel a Croatia World Cup repeat

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy If surprise 2018 runners-up Croatia take the World …

FIFA World Cup 2022: Pressure off unfancied Croatia as they begin against Morocco
2 years, 1 month ago

FIFA World Cup 2022: Pressure off unfancied Croatia as they begin against Morocco

The Hindu  

Croatia have won their last five matches and lost once in 16 months, but the 2018 runners-up, led by midfield conjuror Luka Modric, will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on November 23 with little fanfare and few predicting glory. They also topped their Nations League group ahead of World Cup holders France, Denmark and Austria, and head into …

World Cup finalist Croatia bringing rebuilt team to Qatar
2 years, 1 month ago

World Cup finalist Croatia bringing rebuilt team to Qatar

Associated Press  

Was Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final a one-off? Wins over World Cup champion France, Denmark and Austria in the Nations League this year show Croatia is getting back on track following a period of underwhelming results after 2018. NEW BLOOD The veterans on the team have combined well with younger players like 20-year-old Leipzig center back Joško …

EURO 2020 Cup CRO vs SPN Preview: Spirited Spain takes on Croatia in last-16 meeting
3 years, 5 months ago

EURO 2020 Cup CRO vs SPN Preview: Spirited Spain takes on Croatia in last-16 meeting

The Hindu  

Spain has finally clicked into gear after a sloppy start at Euro 2020 but will face its sternest test yet in the last 16 from Croatia, led by a sensational Luka Modric. The champagne football certainly flowed in Spain's 5-0 win over Slovakia as coach Luis Enrique had promised after dull draws with Sweden and Poland but his side had …

We have to make Spain anxious, says Croatia's Livakovic
3 years, 6 months ago

We have to make Spain anxious, says Croatia's Livakovic

Hindustan Times  

Croatia will need to keep possession as much as possible to unsettle Spain in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash in Copenhagen on Monday if they are to advance to the quarter-finals, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic said. Soccer Football - Euro 2020 - Group D - Croatia v Scotland - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - June 22, 2021 Croatia's Dominik Livakovic …

Euro 2020: Croatia's Livakovic says his team has to make Spain anxious
3 years, 6 months ago

Euro 2020: Croatia's Livakovic says his team has to make Spain anxious

The Hindu  

Croatia will need to keep possession as much as possible to unsettle Spain in its Euro 2020 last-16 clash in Copenhagen on Monday if it is to advance to the quarter-final, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic said. "The knockout stage is like a new tournament altogether and although Spain are an outstanding team full of top quality players, I am sure they …

Euro 2020: Dalic delighted as Croatia steps up to reach last 16
3 years, 6 months ago

Euro 2020: Dalic delighted as Croatia steps up to reach last 16

The Hindu  

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic was overjoyed to have steered his side into the Euro 2020 knockout stages after second-half goals from Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic helped it to a 3-1 Group D win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday. "Congratulations to the lads for an effervescent performance that propelled us into the knockout rounds and we will now …

Euro 2020: Croatia's Luka Modric masterclass shows up Scotland's shortcomings
3 years, 6 months ago

Euro 2020: Croatia's Luka Modric masterclass shows up Scotland's shortcomings

Firstpost  

Modric, 35, playing in his 62nd game of the season for club and country, received the ball on the edge of the box and fired into the top corner with the outside of his right foot. After a 23-year wait to qualify for a major tournament, Scotland’s Euro 2020 experience lasted just eight days after a 3-1 defeat to Croatia …

Highlights, Euro 2020, Croatia vs Scotland: Luka Modric inspires Croatia to victory
3 years, 6 months ago

Highlights, Euro 2020, Croatia vs Scotland: Luka Modric inspires Croatia to victory

Firstpost  

Follow all the live action from the Group D match between Croatia and Scotland on Firstpost.com’s LIVE blog. Team Report: Stuart Armstrong replaced Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for coronavirus, in Scotland’s only change as they aim to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time at Euro 2020 against Croatia on Tuesday. Southampton midfielder Armstrong …

Euro squad: Luka Modric to lead Croatia, focus on Petkovic
3 years, 7 months ago

Euro squad: Luka Modric to lead Croatia, focus on Petkovic

The Hindu  

Striker Bruno Petkovic is expected to fill Mario Mandzukic's big boots at Euro 2020 as Croatia aims to reach the last 16 at the June 11-July 11 tournament, coach Zlatko Dalic said as he named his 26-man squad on Monday. There were no surprises in Dalic's squad as a bulk of those who spearheaded that World Cup campaign was named …

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