Sports Desk: Luka Modric has been included in Croatia’s 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with the veteran midfielder set to appear in his fifth World Cup tournament. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic announced the squad on Monday, placing his trust in a group rich in international experience. Despite suffering a cheekbone injury last month, the 40-year-old Croatian captain is expected to recover in time for Croatia’s opening Group L clash against England on June 17. Croatia will also face Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
Modric remains one of the most decorated footballers of his generation. He won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the long-standing dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Since making his international debut in 2006, Modric has become Croatia’s most capped player with 196 appearances and could achieve the remarkable 200-match milestone during the tournament. Croatia’s squad also features several experienced stars, including goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, defender Josko Gvardiol, midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic, along with forward Ivan Perisic, who has scored in each of the last three World Cups. Under Dalic, Croatia enjoyed remarkable success in recent tournaments, finishing runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup after losing to France in the final and securing third place at the 2022 edition.
Also Read: BCCI Set to Announce India Squads for Afghanistan Series
The defensive lineup includes Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic and Luka Vuskovic. The midfield unit features Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro and Toni Fruk, while the attacking options include Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa and Igor Matanovic. Dalic also named seven standby players, including Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic and Luka Stojkovic, as Croatia prepares for another strong World Cup campaign.
