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EUROS 2024: Croatia's Heartbreak Casts Doubt on Modric's Future
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After a 1-1 end to a breathtaking duel between Croatia and Italy, the dust settled and put a precarious question in importance: will Luka Modric be seen again in the tri-colour pan-Slavic uniform? Dubbed as the nation’s greatest player, a Ballon d'Or winner, and the Cruyff of Croatia, this might be the heartache that ends it for the star.
At 38, Modric stepped up for Croatia, quickly recovering from a saved penalty to score and put his team ahead. However, after he left the pitch, Italy shattered Croatia's dreams with a 98th-minute equalizer, sending the defending champions through instead.
With only two points in Group B, Croatia's chances of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams are slim. Modric's expression at the final whistle suggested he knew their journey was likely over.
"Football is sometimes cruel," Modric said.
The match left many wondering if they had seen the last of the mercurial Real Madrid midfielder in an international tournament.
"Is this Luka Modric's last game for Croatia?" questioned former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney on BBC One. "He has been such a great player."
Ex-England defender Micah Richards added: "He has everything you want from a midfielder - character, skill, flair. It's sad because it looked like he was going to be the hero, and now it’s gone."
Modric's International Future in Doubt
Modric, who turns 39 in September, would be in his 40s by the next World Cup in 2026. While rare, it isn't unheard of for outfield players to continue at that age. Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Pepe, 41, are still playing for Portugal.
The question now is whether this disappointing end will extinguish or ignite Modric's desire to continue playing.
"I'd like to keep playing forever, but there will probably be a time I'll have to hang up my boots," Modric said. "I'll keep playing on; I don't know for how much longer."
Former England striker Alan Shearer fears Modric may end his international career. "Highly likely," Shearer said on BBC One. "What a player, what a guy. You have to feel for him."
Controversial Additional Time
Croatia's coach, Zlatko Dalic, shared Modric's pain and questioned the eight minutes of added time. "It really hurts," Dalic said. "You can't have eight minutes of added time after that game. It's nonsense."
Croatia, who reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the semis in 2022, now face questions about their future as many of their star players, including Modric, are nearing the end of their careers.
For now, Croatia waits for confirmation of their fate as the remaining group games are played.
"I hold my hands up if we haven't made it through," Dalic said. "I simply want to thank my players for everything they've done. It didn't work out, and that's the way it is."