Overview
- Modric delivered a corner that Nikola Vlasic headed in for the 83rd-minute winner in Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday, a goal that sent Croatia through as Group L runners-up.
- Opta recorded Modric, at 40 years and 291 days, as the oldest player to provide an assist at a World Cup in data kept since 1966.
- Modric also made a stoppage-time defensive block to deny Ghana a late equaliser and finished the match with team highs for chances created and touches.
- Croatia are set to play their round-of-32 match in Toronto, most reports saying the likely opponent is Portugal, and coach Zlatko Dalic praised Modric’s energy and leadership ahead of the knockout game.
- Off the field Modric’s one-year AC Milan deal ends this month, transfer and retirement talk has grown, and he has denied any contact with Jose Mourinho about a Real Madrid return.