Luka Modric, who is potentially playing his last FIFA World Cup, was substituted against Argentina on Wednesday. Croatia lost 3-0 and the star mid-fielder, emotional, was applauded by fans of both teams.
If Croatia play Modric, 37, in the third place game, that would be his last game at the FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi’s Argentina advance to the final where they will play the winner of France vs Morocco.
In the 81st minute, when Argentina led 3-0, Modric was called off the field. Lovro Majer replaced him. As the Real Madrid star walked off, fans and players cheered for him.
Watch:
Against Argentina, Luka Modric recorded 87% passing accuracy on 92 touches. Here are his numbers:
92 touches
87% pass accuracy
67 passes completed
7/8 ground duels won
3/3 dribbles completed
2/2 long balls completed
2 key passes
Messi converted a penalty and had a hand in the other two goals by Julián Álvarez, leading Argentina to the win over Croatia.
“A lot is going through my head — it’s very emotional seeing all of this,” Messi said in a post-match interview on the field as he looked up at Argentina’s celebrating, scarf-waving supporters. “To see the fans — ‘the family’ — during the whole tournament was so incredible. We’re going to the final, which is what we wanted.”
Also read: Watch Lionel Messi’s reaction after Argentina beat Croatia, reach FIFA World Cup 2022 final
It was one game too far for Croatia, who had beaten Japan and Brazil on penalties in the knockout stage. Argentina maintained its record of never having lost in the World Cup semifinals and has reached the final for the sixth time.
