FIFA WC 2018: England must watch out for Luka Modric

Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with his children after winning the quarter-final against Russia on Saturday. Pic/Ap/PTI

When the original has been sent packing in the Last 16 stage of the tournament, the new one has been instrumental in leading his team into the semis.

Luka Modric wears No. 10 for his club Real Madrid too. El Clasico often features him against Lionel Messi. He wins some, he loses some. But when it mattered the most, in a group league match against Messi, Modric's Croatia was much stronger, winning 3-0 and Modric himself a brilliant goal!

Now, after two consecutive shootouts in the knockout phase of the World Cup, Croatia beat Denmark and the hosts Russia to set a date with England at the Luzhniki stadium on July 11. Modric was more than happy. "We are extremely happy and proud that we had reached the semi-finals of the World Cup after 20 years.

"Hopefully, we can take a step further than our superstars in 1998. We have a great team. Hopefully, we can make that extra step," he said. Modric was instrumental in Real Madrid winning the Champions League for the third time in a row earlier this year. If he can take Croatia to the World Cup final, he will be a genuine candidate for both the Golden Ball and the Ballon d'Or.

But the Croatian captain is not interested. "Individual awards are not that important for me. I want to achieve something for the national team and bring a medal home," he said.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2018: England reach semis for the first time in 28 years

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