With his goal against Italy, Luka Modrić could once again have been the big figure for Croatia. However, the 38-year-old became a tragic figure after conceding a late goal. The pictures that say it all.
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- Croatia draw 1-1 in their final group game against Italy - their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 are now only theoretical.
- Luka Modrić was voted player of the match, but cannot celebrate the award for obvious reasons.
- At the post-match media conference, an Italian journalist caused Modrić to become emotional.
Luka Modrić once again put in a great performance against Italy. Although the midfielder missed a penalty, he put Croatia ahead against Italy shortly afterwards. The 1:0 would have been enough to secure Croatia's qualification for the round of 16. But Modrić had to watch from the bench as his team-mates conceded 1:1 in the 98th minute of the match. The chances of qualifying for the knockout phase are therefore vanishingly small.
Modrić was voted player of the match and received the corresponding trophy. The picture of the disillusioned Modrić went around the world.
Here are ten more pictures of Luka Modrić that will break every football fan's heart.
The touching moment at the media conference
At the media conference after the match, Luka Modrić, still dejected, was sitting at the microphone when an Italian journalist spoke up. "I want to thank you for everything you've shown, not just today but throughout your career (...) I want to ask you never to retire from football, because you're one of the most beautiful footballers to watch. Thank you!"
There was applause in the media room and Luka Modrić was also extremely touched: "Grazie! Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute. Deep from my heart. Thank you. I would also like to play forever, but there will probably come a time when I hang up my football boots. I will continue to play, but I don't know how much longer. Thank you very much for your words."
