Luka Modrić Didn't Deserve Such a Farewell! Croatian Media React to Bitter World Cup Exit

While most acknowledged the opponent's quality and noted that the "Vatreni" had weaker moments during the match, virtually all major media outlets agreed on one thing – the decisive moments at the end were exceptionally cruel and controversial.

The sports daily Sportske novosti reacted most sharply, dedicating extensive coverage to the disallowed goal after the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Commentators described the match's conclusion as one of the most painful moments in the modern history of the Croatian national football team.

Among the most striking formulations were statements like "We will be talking about this moment for years to come" and "A cruel end for the Vatreni." The newspaper also admitted that the national team had ample opportunities to decide the match before the dramatic finale.

Jutarnji list adopted a more balanced tone, recalling that Portugal was the better team, especially in the first half. Nevertheless, it emphasized that Croatia was mere moments away from extra time, and details decided their progression.

Commentaries described the end of the match as a "cold shower in injury time" and reminded readers that "football can be incredibly cruel." Significant space was also given to Luka Modrić's farewell to the World Cup.

Večernji list also reacted emotionally, focusing more on the players themselves than on refereeing decisions. The periodical praised their fighting spirit and told fans that the national team deserved recognition despite their elimination.

Comments included phrases like "You are still our heroes" and "Luka Modrić did not deserve such a farewell." According to the authors, the Balkan team lost "with their heads held high," even though the result was extremely painful.

The news portal Index.hr was the most critical of the referees, meticulously analyzing all controversial situations in the match. The website quoted coach Zlatko Dalić, who stated he didn't want to make excuses: "We could have won earlier."

Index particularly highlighted that crucial situations were judged by technology with centimeter precision, which, according to commentators, further amplified the feeling of injustice among Croatian fans.

The television portal Gol.hr focused primarily on video analyses and explaining VAR decisions. Comments suggested that while the technology likely ruled according to the rules, for Croatian fans, it was one of the national team's most painful moments in recent years. The match was described as one of the tournament's most dramatic knockout battles.

Three main themes were common across most Croatian media. The first was the acknowledgment that Croatia did not play an ideal match and, especially in the beginning, was on the back foot. The second was a sharp discussion about referee decisions and the VAR system, which, according to several commentators, decided the fate of the match at the most sensitive possible moment. The third theme was the farewell to the legendary Luka Modrić, to whom the media dedicated numerous emotional messages and thanks for his exceptional contribution to Croatian football.

Despite the differing tones of individual editorial offices, the media agreed on one thing – the elimination by Portugal will not only be remembered as a loss but also as an exit that will be discussed in Croatia for a very long time.