Croatian midfielder Luka Modric expressed his desire to continue playing for his country despite their likely elimination from the European Championship after a 1-1 draw with Italy. Modric, the Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, scored a goal before Italy equalized in stoppage time. Despite the disappointment, Modric hinted at playing for a little longer, having debuted for Croatia in 2006.
The draw against Italy left Croatia in third place in Group B with two points, putting them in a difficult position to advance to the knockout stage. Modric, who has played 178 international matches, acknowledged that there may come a time when he has to retire from international football. However, he expressed his desire to continue playing for as long as possible.
Modric and Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic both lamented the cruel nature of football after conceding a late goal to Italy. Dalic criticized the eight minutes of added time, suggesting it was unnecessary, and acknowledged that his players became nervous towards the end of the game. Despite the disappointment, Modric emphasized the need to bounce back and continue fighting for Croatia.
The Croatian team put up a brave battle until the final whistle, but ultimately fell short against Italy due to a late goal. Modric acknowledged the emotional toll of such defeats but emphasized the need to move on and continue fighting. Coach Dalic also accepted defeat as part of football and acknowledged the team’s need to regroup and move forward. The team is now faced with the task of reflecting on their performance and preparing for future challenges.
For Modric, the loss against Italy was a harsh reminder of the highs and lows of football. While the team fought valiantly until the end, the late goal proved to be a cruel blow. Despite the disappointment, Modric remains committed to representing Croatia and continuing his international career. The team will now have to focus on the positives from their performances and work towards improving in future competitions.
In conclusion, the Croatian team’s performance against Italy in the European Championship was a mix of determination and disappointment. Modric’s commitment to continuing his international career despite the challenges reflects his passion for representing his country. The team will need to regroup, learn from their experiences, and strive for better results in future competitions. The journey continues for Modric and Croatia as they look to overcome setbacks and achieve success on the international stage.