Modric: No burden on golden generation

Luka Modric insists Croatia’s “golden generation” are under no extra pressure, even though it could be the last World Cup for several members of their talented squad.

At 32, Real Madrid midfielder Modric – the shining Croatian light of his generation – could well be about to embark on his final World Cup. Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic and Lokomotiv Moscow defender Vedran Corluka are also into their thirties, while Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic celebrates reaching that particularlandmarknextfebruary.

“This is not a burden, let’s see what happens after the World Cup,” Croatia captain Modric said when asked before today’s opener against Nigeria in Kaliningrad if the prospect of a final major tournament for several players was increasing the pressure on Croatia. “I hope the pressure you mention will not be an obstacle. Our first objective is to emerge from the group and I hope we will prove all those epithets right about this generation.”

Nigeria have had a difficult World Cup build-up with only two wins in their last eight games. But captain John Obi Mikel promised: “We are ready. The preparation has gone well and there has not been any issues or troubles.”