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Croatia's cruel blow leaves Modric's international future uncertain

Croatia 1-1 Italy: Modric thankful for tribute from Italian journalist

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig

In more than two decades as a professional footballer, Luka Modric has experienced it all.

He has enjoyed the sport's highs and suffered its lows, and he felt both of those against Italy in Leipzig on Monday night.

When Croatia needed him most, the 38-year-old stepped up, recovering quickly from the disappointment of seeing a penalty saved to put his side ahead just moments later.

That goal had them going through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 before, with Modric now off the pitch, Italy broke their hearts with a 98th-minute equaliser that instead sent the defending champions through.

Two points in Group B was unlikely to be enough for Croatia to progress as one of the best third-placed teams, and the look on Modric's face when the full-time whistle was blown suggested he knew it was over. Results elsewhere on Tuesday confirmed Croatia's exit.

"I don't know what to tell you, football is sometimes cruel," said Modric.

Given all the mercurial Real Madrid midfielder has done on the football pitch over the years, it left those watching fearing it could be the last time they see him at an international tournament.

"It is hard to watch as we're wondering is this Luka Modric's last game for Croatia">