All eyes on Luka Modric: In the final of the Nations League on Sunday evening (June 17th, 2023, 8.45 p.m., live ticker at sportschau.de) the first major title with Croatia beckons. The superstar has so far left his future in the national team open.
Modric has known the questions for quite a while now. Whenever Croatia’s football star appears before the press, his future is the focus. This was also the case after the spectacular 4-2 win in the Nations League semifinals against hosts the Netherlands, in which the 37-year-old midfield virtuoso scored a goal, prepared one and took a penalty.
“My future doesn’t matter”
Modric is always uncomfortable with the questions. “My future is not important. We are here to win a title”, said the Real Madrid professional. It would be the first major triumph for Croatia’s ‘golden generation’. In 2018 Modric and Co. became vice world champions in Russia, last year at the World Cup in Qatar the Croatians finished third. But so far it has not been enough for the really big hit.
That should change on Sunday in the Nations League final in Rotterdam against Spain. “It would be great for our country”said coach Zlatko Dalic. “I think the boys deserve it.”
15,000 Croats in De Kuip
The Croatians can once again rely on their supporters. In the semi-final against the Netherlands, more than 15,000 Croatians were in the De Kuip stadium, celebrating Modric in particular with chants. “Our fans are phenomenal. It felt like we were playing at home”said Modric. And what’s next for him after that? Again, Modric didn’t answer. “I’m only thinking about the final, we’ll see everything else afterwards.”
Title lull – Spain has been waiting for eleven years
But Spain definitely doesn’t want to stand in line for a possible Modric coronation. Midfielder Rodri clarifies with regard to the competition, which is often considered relatively worthless: “It’s historic for us. The final is a great opportunity for us, it’s been many years without a title, we have to seize this opportunity.”
The Spaniards have been waiting for a trophy for eleven years, and after the disappointing World Cup in Qatar, reaching the final in the Nations League under new coach Luis de la Fuente comes at just the right time.
“Opportunity to seize”
Winning the silver trophy, which weighs 7.5 kilos and is 71 centimeters high, should be more than just a consolation prize. Rodri: “There are opportunities that you have to seize.”