Luka Modric and Croatia's Journey After Euro 2024

Luka Modric, the seasoned professional footballer with a career spanning over two decades, has encountered a spectrum of triumphs and setbacks on the pitch. In a pivotal match against Italy in Leipzig, these contrasting experiences were starkly evident. Despite missing a penalty initially, the 38-year-old Croatian midfielder quickly scored, briefly boosting his team’s Euro 2024 hopes. However, Italy’s 98th-minute equalizer dashed Croatia’s hopes, resulting in their premature exit from the tournament.

Modric’s emotive response post-match and the sentiments of pundits like Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards highlight this event’s impact. The question now looms whether this could mark the conclusion of Modric’s illustrious international career. At 39 years old by September, and as the oldest goalscorer in Euros history, Modric stands at a crossroads. While Cristiano Ronaldo at 39 and Pepe at 41 continue to defy age in Portugal’s squad, the future for Modric remains uncertain.

Speculation persists on whether this conclusion will quench Modric’s fire or ignite a renewed determination to continue. Luka Modric himself acknowledges the inevitability of retiring but remains resolute in his commitment to play on for as long as he can. The decision depends on physical capabilities, personal motivation and team dynamics, crucial for his international football future.

Croatia’s manager, Zlatko Dalic, questioned the excessive added time, citing its disproportionality to the game’s flow. As Croatia reflects on their exit, discussions will focus on team composition and the transition of aging stars like Modric. Croatia’s celebrated generation, known for defying odds and reaching World Cup finals, now transitions to rebuilding.

In conclusion, while the immediate disappointment is palpable, the enduring legacy of Modric and his peers in Croatian football is assured. Their contributions have left an indelible mark, setting benchmarks for future generations to emulate and surpass.