Croatia captain
The upcoming match in Split represents a significant test for Slaven Bilic’s side, who are looking to recover from the heavy loss. Modric, who earned his 205th international cap during the England fixture, emphasized that while losing is a part of the sport, the manner of the recent defeat was particularly difficult to accept. He expressed a desire for a positive reaction from the home crowd, noting that the players are hurting more than anyone else following the result.
Facing the World Champions
The challenge facing Croatia does not get any easier as they prepare to host a Spanish side currently unbeaten in 41 matches. Spain enters the fixture in strong form, having secured three wins from three games in the group, including a 4-1 victory over Croatia in Seville earlier in the international break. Modric acknowledged the quality of the opposition, describing Spain as the best team in the world and stressing the need for his side to be aggressive and disciplined to avoid giving them space.
The atmosphere at the stadium is expected to be markedly different from the previous outing. The match against England was played behind closed doors as part of a one-match punishment for fan racism, with only 6,000 children aged 14 and under permitted to attend. Manager Slaven Bilic, currently in his second stint leading the national team, views the clash against the world champions as an immediate opportunity for redemption, stating that while the England result will not be forgotten, the team must react to the adversity.
Future Uncertainties
Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, the 41-year-old Modric also addressed speculation regarding his international future. The former Real Madrid star stated that he is taking his career one game at a time and has not yet determined how much longer he will continue to represent his country. He emphasized that his priority is to remain in an environment where he feels happy and can contribute effectively, whether on or off the pitch, leaving the door open for his future involvement with the national squad.
