Here’s the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-02 09:24:00.
TORONTO — As Portugal gears up to face Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-32 match, midfielder Vitinha highlighted the legendary status of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo. “I hope tomorrow [Modric] will be a little sadder than I am,” he remarked, as both players are poised to play likely their final World Cup matches.
At 41 and 40 years old, respectively, Modric and Ronaldo have a combined total of 47 World Cup appearances and six Ballon d’Or awards, with Ronaldo winning five between 2008 and 2018. Their time together at Real Madrid from 2012 to 2018 culminated in four Champions League titles.
“I’ve had the privilege of sharing a dressing room and daily life with Cristiano,” Vitinha added, expressing a desire to spend more time with Modric as well. “But tomorrow, one of those journeys has to come to an end, and I hope it’s Luka Modric’s.”
Veteran Impact
“We’re speaking of players who are beyond public opinion,” stressed Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez, praising Modric’s unwavering performance at his age. “Age is just a number; what matters is their performance and the example they set.”
While both stars have had noteworthy moments in the tournament, their impact has understandably declined due to their age. Ronaldo has played all 270 minutes for Portugal, scoring twice but lacking in creating chances for teammates. Meanwhile, Modric has contributed one assist and created five chances in 229 minutes but ranked low in ball recoveries and duels among midfielders.
The outcome of the match is likely to rely on the supporting cast, with Portugal boasting a talented midfield lineup of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and others. Croatia, however, is balanced with experienced players and young talents like Petar Sucic.
Anticipating the Battle
“That will certainly be a huge battle,” Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic noted. “Where the match will probably be decided,” he added, underscoring the importance of midfield control. While Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia, Martinez insisted that the team’s preparation sets them up for success moving into the knockout stages.
“The key battle will be in that part of the field,” Dalic reiterated, emphasizing both teams’ understanding of each other’s styles. As this momentous clash unfolds, the legacy of Modric looms large, with Martinez stating, “Luka Modric is an example for millions of young athletes who love football.”
FAQs
Will this be Luka Modric’s last World Cup?
Many speculate that the 2026 tournament may be Modric’s final appearance on the world stage.
How have Ronaldo and Modric performed in this World Cup?
Ronaldo has scored twice, while Modric has one assist and created five chances; both are showing signs of diminished impact.
Key Facts
- Category:
- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-02 09:24:00
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Tags: #Icons #Modric #Ronaldo #battle #avoid #World #Cup #sendoff
Tags: #Icons #Modric #Ronaldo #battle #avoid #World #Cup #sendoff
