Title: Will the ‘MVP’ of the 2018 World Cup, Luka Modrić, Repeat His Heroics for Croatia?
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a tournament for the ages, with many unforgettable moments and performances. One of the standout players of the tournament was Luka Modrić, the Croatian midfielder who led his team to the final and won the coveted Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. As the 2022 World Cup approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: can Modrić repeat his heroics for Croatia?
Modrić’s 2018 World Cup was nothing short of phenomenal. He scored six goals, including a stunning strike against Argentina in the round of 16, and provided three assists. His vision, creativity, and control on the pitch were unmatched, and he was the driving force behind Croatia’s unexpected run to the final. His performances earned him widespread acclaim, and he became the first player from a nation other than Brazil, Germany, or Spain to win the Golden Ball award.
Since the 2018 World Cup, Modrić has continued to excel for both club and country. He has won numerous titles with Real Madrid, including four Champions League trophies, and has been named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year twice. For Croatia, he has remained an integral part of the team, leading them to the Nations League finals in 2019 and scoring crucial goals in qualifying campaigns.
However, Modrić is now 36 years old, and his playing career is slowly coming to an end. He has already announced that the 2022 World Cup will be his last, and it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his high level of performance for one final tournament.
Despite his advancing age, Modrić remains an influential figure on the pitch. His experience, leadership, and tactical awareness are still unmatched, and he is likely to play a key role in Croatia’s World Cup campaign. However, he will need to be supported by his teammates, particularly in midfield, where Croatia has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
Croatia’s squad has undergone significant changes since the 2018 World Cup, with several key players retiring or moving to other clubs. The team’s new coach, Zlatko Dalić, has been working to rebuild the squad and develop a new style of play. While Modrić remains the team’s talisman, he will need to adapt to new teammates and a different system if Croatia is to succeed in Qatar.
In conclusion, while it is uncertain whether Modrić can repeat his heroics from the 2018 World Cup, he remains a vital part of Croatia’s team and will undoubtedly play a key role in their World Cup campaign. His experience, leadership, and skill on the pitch are still unmatched, and he will be a crucial factor in determining Croatia’s success in Qatar. As the team prepares for the tournament, Modrić’s presence will be a source of inspiration and motivation for his teammates, and he will be looking to make one final statement on the biggest stage in football.
