Modric finds penalty redemption in shootout drama
NIZHNIY NOVGOROD, Russia: Luka Modric was meant to be the man to win the match for Croatia against Denmark but he almost ended up costing his team a place in the last eight.
Billed beforehand as a clash between Modric and Christian Eriksen, his rival number 10 in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday, the Croatian skipper had the perfect chance to ensure he finished the winner in the 116th minute.
As an extremely tense game drew to a close, tied at 1-1 with seemingly no one capable of winning, an exquisite defencesplitting pass from Modric sent Ante Rebic goalwards.
Rebic rounded Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel but before he could score he was brought down by Mathias Jorgensen. Penalty to Croatia.
Here was Modric’s chance to complete the pre-match script.
He picked the ball up and waited patiently – before seeing his tame spot kick saved by Schmeichel.
Four minutes later the game ended and a penalty shootout was the only way to separate the two teams, Modric’s chance seemingly gone.
Croatia, and Modric, who had impressed so much in the group stages, stood on the verge of elimination, their fate to be determined by the lottery of a shootout.
After five penalties, Denmark led 2-1 and Modric again held the ball and wandered towards the penalty spot.
The tension in the stadium was palpable.
It is fair to guess that the 40,000 or so in the crowd were thinking the same thing – will he miss again?
No doubt the thought crossed his mind as Modric walked to the spot. — AFP