Modric living up to icon status: 'Plays as if he were 20 years old'

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Croatia's Luka Modric wears a shirt honouring his 200th appearance for the country after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match between Panama and Croatia Toronto Stadium. Chris Young/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa

With a performance reminiscent of his prime, Croatian football icon Luka Modric stunned even his own team-mates and once again lived up to his legendary status back home.

In the 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday, the 40-year-old secured second place in Group L for his team and a spot in the World Cup round of 32 with an outstanding performance.

Awaiting them now is Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I swear to you. It's as if he's turned back the clock by 10 years. That was one of the best performances I've ever seen him put on in the national team jersey," team-mate Nikola Vlasic.

After a precise corner from Modric, Vlasic headed the ball into the goal to secure the win for his team.

According to the data experts Opta, Modric is the oldest player ever to record a World Cup assist.

Modric not only set up the winning goal, but also dominated the field throughout the entire match.

The 2018 Player of the Year didn't shy away from any tackle and time and again cleared up dangerous situations in his own penalty area.

"He plays as if he were 20 years old. He was incredible today. He's our leader and our best player. He can play as long as he wants. He'll stay at the top of his game," said Petar Sucic, who scored Croatia's first goal.

Modric hasn't yet said whether this fifth World Cup appearance will also be his last. For coach Zlatko Dalic, however, it seems certain that Croatia will have to move on without their exceptional player in the future.

"He's aware that this is his last World Cup, and he's trying to give it his all and bid farewell to the World Cup in the best way possible. And I hope he stays healthy and plays for Croatia for as long as possible," Dalic said.

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