Croatia’s defeat left much more than an adverse result. On the pitch there was the feeling that an era had come to an end: that of Luka Modrić, the footballer who for more than a decade was the heart, the compass and the competitive soul of the Balkan team in the World Cups.
Croatia fought until the end in an intense match, marked by tension, referee decisions and constant VAR reviews, which once again placed technology at the center of the controversy.
However, beyond the score, the story of the night revolved around a man who led his country to the elite of world football and who now seems to have played his last World Cup.
Modrić, captain and undisputed leader, tried to lead his team, as he did on numerous occasions. With experience, leadership and quality, he sought to keep alive a team that never stopped competing. But this time the outcome was different. The clock advanced and the possibility of continuing dreaming faded little by little.
The controversy also took center stage. An action reviewed by the VAR generated debate among players, members of the coaching staff and fans. After the meeting, criticism of the video arbitration system resurfaced, considering that the technology is not always applied uniformly. “That penalty, if it had been the other way around, the VAR would never have intervened. At first, when the VAR was introduced, I said I didn’t like it. Then, over time, it’s good for some things, but they use it incorrectly or selectively, or depending on the size of the team. The VAR should intervene if it’s a 200% error.” Luka expressed.
The statements reflect the frustration of a team that considered that some decisions could influence the development of the match. However, the result was already defined and Croatia had to accept a painful farewell.
Beyond the elimination, Modrić’s legacy remains intact. Finalist in the 2018 World Cup, third place in 2022 and protagonist of some of the most brilliant pages in the history of Croatian football, the midfielder leaves an indelible mark. His elegance in playing, his vision and his ability to lead different generations made him an unrepeatable figure.
The night ended with gestures of respect from the stands and from the rivals themselves. It was the recognition of a footballer who transcended statistics and titles to become a symbol of his country.
Croatia was defeated, but the biggest impact of the day was the possible World Cup farewell of Luka Modrić. A goodbye that marks the closing of a golden era and leaves international football without one of its great teachers in the greatest event of this sport.