Former Žilina figure often played against Modrić: You'd think that…

The match between Portugal and Croatia was one of the biggest clashes in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Even before the opening whistle, it was clear that for one of football's global icons, this would likely be their farewell to the national jersey.

Captains and icons born in 1985, former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, faced each other. Although the Croatians took the lead, they were ultimately left heartbroken after conceding a goal in the fourth minute of injury time, losing 1-2.

"Perhaps it's no longer Real Madrid level, but I believe Luka showed at this tournament that he can still keep up and could easily play at a European level for another two or three years. Even if not at the absolute pinnacle," says Peter Lérant, who is intimately familiar with Croatian football, to ŠPORT.sk.

Luka Modrić likely played his last match at a World Cup and in the Croatian national team jersey. He and his teammates celebrated wildly after equalizing in the 13th minute of injury time against Portugal, which would have meant extra time, but VAR disallowed the goal. A cruel end, wouldn't you say?

"Absolutely. Croatia had several chances, and decisions – much like Ronaldo's disallowed goal – came down to mere inches. That match truly deserved extra time. Perhaps even penalties, where the luckier team would win. Although neither of these teams lived up to their favorite status at this tournament, and their performances weren't dazzling, their head-to-head match was good.

There was great sadness on the Croatian side. They had won medals at previous World Cups, but it's also important to consider that their team has undergone a significant generational change, with essentially only Modrić, Kovačić, and Perišić remaining from the 'golden generation.' So, it's probably expected that such a small country won't achieve major success at every championship."

In Modrić's case, 'likely his last match' is mentioned. Do you think this is his definitive end?

"Probably so. He's one of those players who hasn't yet sorted out his club future for the new season, so I don't know if he himself wanted to see how he'd perform at the World Cup before deciding whether to continue at the highest level….

Even before he signed with AC Milan, there was talk of him returning to Dinamo Zagreb. So, we'll see how he processes the emotion of this elimination and if he still has the drive. At this age, it's mostly about feeling and needing to find new internal motivation. I'm curious to see what he decides.

While he no longer has the same explosive athleticism as he once did, and plays more intelligently and on experience, he's still a great player, which he showed at this tournament. Especially in the previous match against Panama, where he was one of the most dedicated players and everyone praised him."

At the current championship, he also faced criticism, especially after the first match against England.

"It always depends on who you're up against in that position. You can't cheat age, and if you're facing teams that play direct football, closing down spaces isn't at the same level, or it's much more demanding.

In Luka's case, it might no longer be Real Madrid level, a club that always aims for the highest goals, but I believe he showed at this tournament that he can still keep up and could easily play at a European level for another two or three years. Even if not at the absolute pinnacle."

He spent 13 seasons at Real Madrid, and for the vast majority, he was a key player. He won the Ballon d'Or and led his country to 2nd and 3rd place at the World Cup. Is he the greatest Croatian footballer of all time?

"Probably. Although Croatia also had a player like Davor Šuker in the past, who shot them to their first bronze at the World Cup and also played for Real, albeit not for as long, Luka has maintained his top-level performance for a long time and is one of the greatest legends. I wouldn't dare say he's the absolute greatest, because as I said, there are several players who achieved great results, but he certainly belongs in the top three."

You played against him several times during your time in Rijeka and Gorica. What are your memories of that?

"Yes, that was during the period when he was at Dinamo Zagreb, or on loan at Inter Zaprešić. I must have played against him about ten times. We also played against Dinamo later when I was in Slovenia.

Even though he was still young, you could already see his talent and that he was a world-class player. You'd think you could dispossess him, but he had incredibly quick feet. So, it was no surprise that he moved to Tottenham and from there to Real."

You mentioned that a very strong generation of Croatians is coming to an end. Despite being a country with a population of less than 4 million, it continues to produce excellent footballers. The national team is currently 13th in the FIFA rankings, even after dropping two places. How is this possible?

"Balkan countries have always been sports-oriented, whether it's football, basketball, handball, etc. In this regard, it's always at a high level there. Perhaps it stems from the culture and the fact that the Balkans were never particularly wealthy. People, just like here, spent a lot of time outdoors and engaged in various activities and games.

Besides being rooted in tradition, their great self-confidence also plays a role. Sometimes perhaps greater than their actual skill.

Whether Serbs or Croats, they also succeed in the coaching world, so they probably have good training… On the other hand, I know the local environment and haven't seen anything there that would be very different from, say, us. So, I would emphasize their self-confidence and overall successes. Because they were already successful as Yugoslavia, they always believed in themselves, which in their case goes hand in hand with emotion and energy. It's something that stays with them."

Can you imagine Luka Modrić as a coach after his playing career ends? Or in another football role?

"I think so, because he was always a leader with leadership qualities and led by example in terms of his approach. Even now, especially in the aforementioned match against Panama, he excelled with his selflessness, throwing himself into shots, making sliding tackles… He was truly inspiring. He belongs to the type who not only talks the talk but also walks the walk on the pitch.

He would certainly be a good coach, although I don't know if he has that ambition. Great coaches like Pep Guardiola or Luis Enrique also excel due to their charisma. Modrić also has the prerequisites, and I can imagine him in that role."