Modric plays 200th game for Croatia

Amid all the talk about Messi and Ronaldo, Luka Modric played his 200th game for Croatia, leading them to a 1-0 victory over Panama at the World Cup in Toronto.

Modric won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, leading Croatia to the final against France. He also helped Croatia win bronze (over Morocco) at the 2022 World Cup with victories over Japan and Brazil before losing the semi to Argentina, who then beat France in the final. But Modric, who is a quiet and contemplative field general, is still overshadowed by the brilliance of Messi and Ronaldo.

In Toronto, Modric orchestrated the play between the light and shadows cast upon BMO Field near Lake Ontario.

Panama outplayed Croatia in the first half and forced Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic to tip Jose Luis Rodriguez’s header onto the crossbar.

Croatia inserted Ante Budimir who tapped home Josip Stanisic’s low cross at the 54th minute and then threw himself onto the field before Croatian supporters.

Minutes later, Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera kept Panama in the game by stopping Marco Pasalic.

But Panama’s late pressure wasn’t enough to break through Croatia’s defense.

Panama’s Cristian Rodriguez was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.

Croatian fans, many who live among the diaspora of 250,000 Croatians in Canada, celebrated the victory and Modric’s 200th cap for Croatia.

Modric had a huge game against Ghana in Philadelphia. He blocked two consecutive shots in the penalty area in the second half and his corner kick set up the go-ahead goal.