Modric dreaming of a Croatian fairy tale

New life has been breathed into Croatia after their penalty shoot-out win over Denmark. One player more than most, their talisman, who finally exorcised the ghosts of UEFA EURO 2008 in Vienna ten years ago.

Luka Modric is a worldrenowned footballing magician, capable of staggering on-lookers with his technical talent. But his magic touch wavered during their round-of-16 game. The pressure weighing on this special generation was huge, and particularly on him.

“Since 2008 we have never gone beyond this first knockout game and it was very important for us to get that monkey off our back,” Modric told FIFA, who missed the opening penalty in their shootout defeat to Turkey a decade ago.

“We have secured a great result after many years of trying and that means a lot to me. I’ve been in this team since 2008 and we have experienced several unlucky defeats in that time, particularly against Turkey and Portugal [at EURO 2016]. We needed some luck this time and I think we deserved it”

“I was calm and focused. I embraced the responsibility as a captain and I had to do it. As a result I was very emotional after the game. I wanted this Croatia to confirm their talent, to take that step further. The game was not an enjoyable one, but our goal was achieved”.

While Luka has enjoyed being a part of this World Cup, he has another, bigger, dream.

“To be at this World Cup is a great privilege. Playing for my team is a great honour and a pleasure, but to win the World Cup with Croatia is almost unthinkable, like the most beautiful fairy tale! It would be incredible to lift the trophy as captain.”