Luka Modric and Croatia’s incredible World Cup journey met an end last night. Croatia was always the less likely to advance to the finals. They have punched above their weight this whole tournament.
The stage was set for a feisty semi-final clash between the finalists of World Cup 2014 and 2018. Argentina played the final in 2014, only to be beaten by the Germans. In 2018, Croatia played out of their skin and reached the final, but ultimately fell short against France and lost 3-0.
Croatia knocked the tournament favorite, Brazil, out of the quarterfinal tie to face Argentina. Lionel Messi’s Argentina has been absolutely flawless barring that 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia. Croatia’s stern defense and Argentina’s attacking flurry were up against each other in this clash. Croatia’s defensive line got absolutely destroyed by Messi’s genius.
Former UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov sent a one-word consolation message for Luka Modric. Khabib has a record for the highest number of days to retain the UFC title, starting from April 2018 to March 2021.
Khabib Nurmagomedov sends a one-word message to Luka Modric
Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a picture of the Croatian captain Luka Modric, following Croatia’s loss against Argentina. It is a one-word tribute to the genius of the veteran Croatian, addressing him for the status he has achieved, ‘Legend’.
Khabib didn’t keep any secret about his love for soccer. He even expressed his desire to play soccer professionally. Khabib is a very good friend of Cristiano Ronaldo and he had a dream to play for his favorite club Real Madrid. There were rumors about him signing for the third-tier Russian team Legion Dynamo. Khabib, later on, said he has a close relationship with the club but he didn’t sign a contract with them.
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In 2021 Khabib said, “To play football on a professional level is a childhood dream. Of course, I have such a wish. Football is the king of sports after all.” He also added, “Who haven’t I discussed this with? I’ve spoken even with the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, with the owner of PSG, and even with Cristiano Ronaldo.” Khabib also expressed his desire to play for Spartak Moscow.
Was 2022 Modric’s last World Cup?
The biggest question that is dwelling in the soccer fans’ minds is about Modric’s future in international football. The 37-year-old has performed exceptionally well both in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. Reaching the final and semi-final stages respectively in both the World Cups with the Croatian team is an unreal feat.
Luka Modric no boqueó antes de tiempo y nuestra gente lo aplaudió cuando salía. Los croatas no picaron el partido y los futbolistas argentinos los respetaron luego. No son acciones, son reacciones. El respeto se paga con respeto. Las provocaciones se cobran con otro sabor… pic.twitter.com/CWGIkE0RXu
— LA TACONETA ORIGINAL (@Taconeta_tw) December 13, 2022
He will be 39 by the next Euros and 41 by the next World Cup. It is very unlikely for the outfield players to play for such a long time. But Modric’s longevity and zero declines in quality and form may just take him to another major tournament leading this Croatian team.
