World Cup 2018: 5 Stars of the Quarterfinals

#1 Luka Modric

Ivan Rakitic

Croatia’s quarter-final tie with Russia was not an easy watch. It was low on quality, and it was more a case of two teams who were afraid to lose the game than two teams who were desperate to win it. Only when Domagoj Vida put Croatia ahead in extra time did Russia really come out and look to get a goal, and that’s when the game became exciting.

However, in a game with so little quality, it was Modric who provided it after a tough round of 16 game with Denmark. He had a penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel in extra-time but had the nerve to step up and score in the shootout.

He ran the show in the centre of the park against Russia, and it’s good to see a player of his quality finally getting the credit that he deserves. Once again, he had the nerve to step up in the shootout and score, but only just. He deserves the opportunity in a World Cup semi-final.