CAPTAIN
CROATIA
Although Croatia are in the Russia 2018 Final largely because of their intelligent team play and determination, we take a close look at their captain and leader: Luka Modric…
His stats in Russia so far...
Modric has been the general and playmaker in Croatia’s unbeaten run to their first Final. His performances have many calling for him to win the adidas Golden Ball and even The Best FIFA Men's Player award.
An unlikely star because of his small size and a youth impacted by the Yugoslavian civil war, Modric has risen through the club ranks and won many trophies with Real Madrid.
Although he has been a regular for his national team since debuting in 2006, his impact at major international tournaments has been limited. Until now...
He is proving himself to be the best midfield player in the world
Croatia defender Dejan Lovren
After a perfect record in the group stage, Croatia’s knockout rounds have been tough: two penalty shootouts, an extra time win over England, and in all three matches they were behind only to fight their way back.
Many have worried about Croatia’s fitness, but Modric hit back at that after the England win, saying: "We dominated the game physically, mentally, in all aspects"
What am I going to tell my players right before the start of the Final? We’ll see. I have not thought about it. But I do not need to say anything to them. They know what kind of game it will be!
Luka Modric
CAN CROATIA
STOP FRANCE?
Follow all of the action on FIFA.com's exclusive Live Blog for the Final and see if Luka Modric and Croatia can win their first FIFA World Cup...
FINAL LIVE BLOG