Low-key star shines

IN an era in which profile tends to override substance, it’s not surprising that it has taken Croatia superstar Luka Modric until his 30s to be fully appreciated.

Sharing a Real Madrid changeroom with Cristiano Ronaldo and other big personalities has played a part for the low-key Modric, who doesn’t project a sports star image but possesses a physical and mental resilience that eclipses most.

Now he sits on the verge of orchestrating one of the great World Cup fairytales.

A Croatia World Cup win would leave Modric — two months shy of his 33rd birthday — in pole position to win the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament, and the coveted Ballon d’Or, which Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have hogged for the past 10 years.

“Everyone’s asking me about this, but honestly I’m not burdened by it all. The success of the national team is most important,’’ Modric said.

“We’ve already done something extraordinary — regardless of what happens in the final. But we will regret not making this final step.

“I honestly think we’ve got it in us.”

Modric praised the effect of coach Zlatko Dalic, whose popularity with the players was evident at the final whistle of the semi-final won over England when right-back Sime Vrsaljko tackled him to the ground.

“The coach deserves a lot of credit,’’ Modric said.