Tireless Modric leading by example
Croatia's squad features only a few of the players which led them to the World Cup final in 2018, runners-up to France, but Luka Modric is defying time to be one of those few constants.
The 37-year-old Real Madrid midfielder worked tirelessly across the full 90 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Belgium on Thursday to book Croatia's place in the last 16, where they face Japan on Monday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The captain leads by example, showing the younger players what is possible and how much effort achieving it takes.
If the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, with five Champions League titles to his name, still toils selflessly in midfield, there can be no excuses for anyone else not to follow suit.
Croatia defender Josip Juranovic believes Modric is setting an example to the squad's younger players to fend off World Cup fatigue. "I can't wait for the game to start. When you see people like Luka Modric running and dying on the pitch, it gives us younger players extra energy to run," the Celtic defender told a press conference Saturday.
Croatia finished second in Group F and Juranovic, 27, played 90 minutes in all three games, while Modric also played 90 minutes against Morocco in the goalless opener, and 86 against Canada, in the team's thumping 4-1 win.
In the Belgium and Morocco games, Modric was awarded man of the match.
Even though some of his contributions are subtle, and thankless at times, they have been rewarded in Qatar, not that his teammates need any reminders of his quality.
Modric is among the tournament's best passers, driving Croatia up the pitch with clever balls, while maintaining his defensive discipline.
He has made several important interceptions, presses well and is also capable of deciding when to drop deeper alongside Marcelo Brozovic.
Perhaps what helps keep Modric running, fighting and competing at an elite level is his mindset. "Whatever we've been through during the 2018 World Cup was an unforgettable experience but we need to put it aside and focus on what is ahead of us," said Modric before the World Cup.