Opinion: Why Croatia deserves to win the Nations League
A victory in the final against Spain would allow Modric to lift a trophy for his country
Name the European country that has played the best soccer over the last decade?
There are a few contenders. Certainly, one could argue it’s France. Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup. They followed that up by losing at last year’s World Cup final to Argentina.
Then there’s Italy. The Azzurri won the pandemic-delayed European Championship in 2021 in grand style.
At the same time, so many teams have performed below expectations. Belgium and Germany quickly come to mind.
But the team that’s been the most consistent over the past two World Cup cycles, while also playing an entertaining style has been Croatia. Led by playmaker Luka Modric, Croatia has stunned many with their performances.
Croatia, to the surprise of most, reached the 2018 World Cup final. They followed that up by proving Russia 2018 was no fluke and finished third at the World Cup last December.
Modric and his teammates could finally win a trophy on Sunday when they take on Spain in the UEFA Nations League final. A win would cap off a stellar career for the 37-year-old Modric, who plays his club soccer for Real Madrid, has been among the best players on the planet in recent years.
Croatia and Modric once again showed their zeal and ability to win big games with a 4-2 victory this past Wednesday against the Netherlands in the Nations League semifinals.
Modric, wearing the captain’s armband and nearing the end of what has been a stellar career, won a penalty kick for his side for the opening goal and converted from the spot in extra time to wrap up the win.
Aside from Modric, Croatia has produced an extraordinary amount of talented players over the last decade. They include players like strikers Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic. That’s a feat made even more incredible given that Croatia only has a population of 3.9 million.
Modric could very well retire this summer. His contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the month. Modric has said he will make a decision following Sunday’s final.
“He can be the one to help us win the gold medal,” Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic told reporters after the match. “Luka will decide for himself after the finals — but with him we are way better, we have far more quality.”
While no team is owed anything, a victory against Spain would, according to Dalic, be “a great reward.”
“I think we have deserved it,” he added. “We have been a team of constant quality for the past six years.”
Dalic told reporters on Saturday that the final could go either way.
“The chances are 50-50. This is a big match,” he said. “Both teams will probably have a different approach from the semifinal. I will tell my boys they need to enjoy the final and from that happiness and enjoyment to try to do something big.”
Croatia have done big things. A win against Spain would give them tangible proof.