In his 178th appearance for the Croatia team, Luka Modric may be the last time appearing in a major tournament. Currently, only Sergio Ramos (180 matches) and Cristiano Ronaldo (209 matches and more) have played more matches for the national team than Lukita.
Modric's journey with the Croatian team is very memorable with a 2018 World Cup final, reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and a 2023 Nations League final. Although they have not won the most prestigious titles, with a not-so-strength football foundation, Modric and his teammates can be proud of three medals in 6 years.
These successes made the defeat to Italy even more difficult for Modric and 25,000 Croatian fans at Red Bull Arena. Croatia's fate has not been completely decided but it needs a miracle for them to enter the round of 16 with only 2 small points.
It will be difficult to find a more heartbreaking ending for the 38-year-old star when Croatia lost the advantage due to Mattia Zaccagni's equalizer in the 90+8 minute. Croatia was completely defeated by Spain and struggled against Albania. However, in the match against Italy, they seemed to have regained their best form at the right time.
Many players may lose their spirit after missing the golden opportunity from the penalty spot or at least lose focus. On the contrary, Modric quickly put aside his mistake, continued to follow the ball and knew that a cross was coming. Although Donnarumma was able to get behind behind Ante budimir's header, Modric was there, ready and seized the opportunity to score.
Lukita celebrated emotionally in front of thousands of Croatian fans. The Real Madrid star collapsed out of happiness and used his hand to cover his face to hide the tears when his teammates hugged him.
In contrast to that feeling of happiness, Modric and his teammates were stunned at the moment Zaccagni defeated Livakovic. The 38-year-old midfielder could only lean his back on the chair and shook his head in frustration. Immediately after that, despair turned into anger when he rushed at the referee when he was upset about the second half's extra time.
Modric was awarded the "Best Player of the Match". This was probably UEFA's decision before Zaccagni scored. That forced Modric to attend the awards ceremony and a series of interviews right after one of the most painful moments of his career.
Football is really too cruel. It's hard to find a way to describe the emotions of losing like this. I still want to continue playing but perhaps it is time to hang up my boots" - Modric shared.
Modric will return to Real Madrid after extending his contract with Los Blancos for another year. However, Lukita's international career could end if Croatia cannot pass the group stage.
