Croatia's golden generation has reached its final curtain call on the world stage, with Luka Modric set to face off against an old rival in one of the biggest matches of his illustrious career. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he's outshone and outmanoeuvred more often than not, stands in their way as they clash at the World Cup.
The stage is set for what could be the last hurrah for two of international football's most enduring figures, who have defied Father Time with remarkable consistency. Their careers have been a tale of parallel paths, often crossing over in the quest for greatness. The fact that both Modric and Ronaldo made their international debuts on 1st March 2006 is a testament to their unyielding dedication – Modric scoring his first goal in Croatia's 3-2 win against Argentina, while Ronaldo netted twice in Portugal's 3-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia.
Their contrasting styles have become the stuff of legend. Ronaldo's goalscoring prowess has left defenders grasping at air, while Modric's mastery of midfield has made him a conductor orchestrating the beat of attack and defence alike. Their paths first crossed in the 2008-09 Carling Cup final, where Ronaldo's Manchester United outgunned Modric's Tottenham in a penalty shootout. It was just the beginning of a series of high-stakes showdowns that would test their mettle against each other.
Their most memorable partnership came during Ronaldo's six-year reign at Real Madrid, where Modric became his trusted midfield sidekick. Together, they forged an unstoppable force, claiming four Champions League titles and reaching the semi-finals in their other two campaigns. The 2017 Champions League final will forever be etched in their memories – a moment of magic that saw Modric set up Ronaldo for Madrid's third goal against Juventus.
When Croatia take on Portugal at Toronto's stadium, it will mark the fifth time these titans have clashed on the world stage. But here's the catch: Portugal has historically held the upper hand, having emerged victorious in all four previous encounters against Modric's Croatia. As both players approach the twilight of their illustrious careers – Ronaldo now 41 and Modric 40 – this match carries significant weight, potentially serving as the last chapter in their intertwined footballing sagas.