The Real Madrid midfielder helped his nation win the World Cup in 2018 and now, with a quarterfinal matchup against Brazil on Friday, there is a desire to repeat that feat. It also might not be his final attempt at winning a significant international prize.
He is still just as crucial to Croatia at the age of 37. Being the driving force behind his team’s offensive strategy, his impact is equally important off the field, serving as a father figure to the next round of young players.
He is seen encouraging Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and Dinamo Zagreb players in Fifa’s documentary series Captains.
“Why can’t you make mistakes?” Croatian captain Modric questions Livakovic in a hotel lobby. Everybody makes them. My opinion is that your problem is that you are reluctant to make them.”
Livakovic saved three penalties in the shootout to help Croatia advance to the quarterfinals after playing a crucial role in the match against Japan on Monday.