Luka Modric put on a sublime performance to help Croatia produce one of the high-scoring football scores of the weekend in the UEFA Nations League. Noa Lang’s 96th-minute equalizer for the Netherlands forced extra time before Bruno Petkovic’s magnificent strike gave Croatia the lead once more. However, it seemed appropriate that Luka Modric, 37, made the final decision on the pitch following yet another age-defying masterpiece. Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands team placed itself in an excellent position to go to the final again at De Kuip on Sunday after Donyell Malen’s low finish gave the host side the advantage in the first half of a few opportunities. But for his fractured squad, that was the best things could get.
Things were altered by Cody Gakpo’s blunder inside his own box. He then pulled down the seasoned Modric on the occasion of his 165th cap after his sloppy touch lost control. The game was evened up by Andrej Kramaric’s coolly executed penalty kick, and Croatia gained momentum. When the cross came in, Virgil van Dijk was unable to stop Mario Palasic from putting the ball home. They grabbed the lead in the 72nd minute after the cunning Luka Ivanusec created space in the left channel.
When Croatia assumed control, that appeared to be it. Although there was some optimism that they would prevail, Lang fashioned an equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time to electrify the fans. With Modric in the forefront, Croatia had different ideas and regained the lead due to a superb goal by Petkovic. To get his shot past Van Dijk and into the corner of the net, he rolled Frenkie de Jong. This time, there was no retaliation. Tyrell Malacia’s reckless challenge on Petkovic resulted in a second penalty, which Modric converted. Worthy winners. the main attraction.
The technical team of UEFA made an easy choice for Player of the Match in this instance. Modric is that person. The maestro will have one more night of enchantment. He needed some time to calm down, but once he did, he was able to seize the initiative in this competition. The Netherlands used to be the best at passing, but they fell short against him here. Modric must be getting close to the finish line now. He performed admirably at the World Cup in Qatar, although he did become tired; one example is when Japan was up a goal in extra time and advancement was on the line. That is not apparent in Rotterdam. He contributed much to the additional time.
