Croatia captain
The upcoming fixture in Split offers
Seeking Redemption Against the World Champions
Reflecting on the heavy loss to England, Modric acknowledged the pain felt by the squad. The match was played under unusual circumstances, with Croatia serving a one-match ban for fan racism, resulting in a stadium populated only by a small group of children and a limited number of away supporters. The atmosphere is expected to be significantly different on Tuesday as the team looks to move past the disappointment.
Modric, who earned his 205th cap against England, emphasized the need for a disciplined and aggressive approach against the Spanish side. Having already suffered a 4-1 defeat to Spain in Seville earlier in the international break, Croatia faces a formidable task against a team that has secured three wins from three matches in the group. Despite the challenge, manager Slaven Bilic remains focused on the potential for redemption, describing the match as the best possible opportunity for his players to respond to the recent setback.
A Test of Character and Future Ambitions
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed the significance of Croatia’s recent thrashing, labeling the result an accident that does not accurately represent the talent within the Croatian ranks. He warned that such a heavy defeat could serve as a powerful motivator for the hosts. Spain’s confidence is bolstered by the form of teenage winger
For midfielder Dani Olmo, the return to Croatia holds personal significance. Having developed as a youth player at Dinamo Zagreb after leaving Barcelona at age 16, Olmo reflected on the difficulty and growth associated with that career move. Meanwhile, questions regarding Modric’s own international future remain, though the 41-year-old insisted he is currently taking things one game at a time. He maintained that his primary focus remains on contributing to the team whenever called upon, regardless of his long-term plans.
