Luka Modric is set to reach another personal landmark when he plays for Croatia against Panama on Tuesday night but the wider implication of a vital game for the nation’s World Cup hopes will be at the forefront of the veteran midfielder’s mind.
Modric will make his 200th appearance for Croatia when he takes the field in Toronto, becoming just the fourth player to win that number of caps all-time, following on from Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait) and Lionel Messi (Argentina).
The 40-year-old is widely expected to retire after the tournament with reports suggesting a return to Real Madrid in an off-field sporting capacity will be his next move.
More pressing is his desire to help Croatia to their first win of the World Cup after they lost their opening Group L game to England last Wednesday.
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup means all is not lost for Croatia and with winnable games against Panama and Ghana to come the 2018 runners-up still have hope.
Modric will be the centre of attention, though, with his milestone moment recognised by several team-mates.
Midfielder Petar Sucic said: “It’s difficult to reach this level, and even harder to stay there. That shows how special Luka is. We can only admire him and take our hats off to him.”
Striker Andrej Kramaric added: “[200 is] a truly incredible number. It’s hard to find the words. It’s a remarkable story. Thank you, captain, thank you, Luka.”
Panama will be desperate to spoil the party, especially after squandering a point late on in their opening game against Ghana.
The Central Americans were heading for a respectable draw only to succumb to Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute goal.
Team news for Panama v Croatia
Panama have no injury worries and could line-up with the same team that faced Ghana.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is expected to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation that will see Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic start alongside Modric.
Predicted line-ups for Panama v Croatia
Panama: Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman; Martinez, Waterman, Rodriguez
Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic; Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Susic, Pasalic; Musa
Where to watch Panama v Croatia: TV and online streams
Panama versus Croatia kicks off on Tuesday at midnight UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream via the iPlayer.
Click HERE for a full World Cup TV guide
Stats for Panama v Croatia
- Croatia have lost three of their last four games
- Panama have won just two of their last eight games
- Panama have not played European opposition since a goalless draw in a friendly with Serbia in 2021
- These two teams have never met previously
- Croatia’s last meeting with a CONCACAF side was a 4-1 win over Canada at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Prediction for Panama v Croatia
Croatia were overpowered by England in the end but showed enough in the first half to suggest they can take at least four points from their last two pool games.
They ought to be too strong for Panama.
Prediction: Panama 1-2 Croatia
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