A story that never ends?
You may have seen Luka Modric’s post-match photos. Modric’s expression after a superb performance in Croatia’s late draw with Italy, which ultimately cruelly denied his country the chance to finish second in Group B and qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 Empty, like the squire in a medieval tapestry. Reality. One eye on the past and one eye on the future.
For better or worse, Modric has experienced more than just the depths of Shangri-La and the relentless noise of those metal toilet doors clanking. His childhood was ruined by the Croatian War and the murder of his grandfather, Luka, who gave him his name. The pair had a close relationship, with rare early footage showing a young Modric, aged no older than five or six, herding sheep in the mountains near his grandfather’s home and proudly posing with a rifle in the snow. The war, the death of my grandfather and the subsequent flight to safety as a refugee were “things that marked my life”. Modric’s improbable rise at Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid overcame military service and perjury charges (later dismissed by a Croatian court in 2018) to win six major trophies , reaching the 2018 World Cup final and winning the Ballon d’Or at the age of 33 seemed unfathomable.
It’s good to be praised and cheered by opponents and rivals, and Monday’s post-match press conference was notable for the touching tribute paid to Modric by an Italian journalist following his final international appearance. “I want to thank you for everything you’ve shown, not just tonight but for your career,” Francisco Repiz said. “Once again you signed as a top player and despite missing a penalty, scored a goal. I would like to ask you to never quit your career because you are one of the best players I have ever reviewed.
Will Modric play for Croatia again? At 38 years old but still playing for the best club in the world, there is no reason to think that a man with almost no physical talent (strength, height, speed) can play in his 40s and compete in the 2026 World Cup. His right foot is still like a plush bean bag, and his mind is as sharp as a professional Tetris player, expertly sorting out the problems and angles he encounters into piles. “I want to keep playing football forever, but maybe one day I will have to hang up my boots,” Modric responded to Repis. “I’m going to keep playing, I don’t know how much longer.”
Croatia are not out yet but will need a series of unlikely results in this week’s games to make themselves one of the four best third-placed teams. If this is where Modric ends up in his famous red and white plaid shirt, it’s still a good way to go out, even if it feels like a defeat.
Live broadcast on big websites
Join Scott Murray for the latest updates from France 2-0 Poland at 5pm BST, while Barry Glendening will also be in attendance as Netherlands 2-2 Austria. John Brewin will cover Denmark 2-1 Serbia and Rob Smyth will cover England 1-0 Slovenia at 8pm BST.
Quote of the day
We were all soaked and it was like being in the Ally Pally pub” – Danny Murphy is the latest victim as fans threw whole pints of tin into the air during a European Cup goal. This time it was Luka Modric who left the BBC co-commentator soaked.
Euro Daily Express 2024
I’m delighted that you awarded the June 24 award-free letter to Justin Kavanagh. His literary masterpiece is the funniest and most wonderful (yet true) letter I have read in years. Thank you for the laughter—and the truth”—
Justin KavanaghGeorge Affeldt.
That’s interesting, Justin, but I think we probably know more about the Stonehenge formation than we do about the current midfield! ——David Sheldrake.
Re: Monday’s European Food & Drink b@ntz. Many years ago I was on holiday in the mountains of northwest Romania, not far from the Hungarian border. Upon arriving at our remote guesthouse, we were greeted by the affable older gentleman who owned the hotel with a glass of homemade palinka. Its intensity was dizzying, burning my throat on the way down. I smiled and gave him a thumbs up because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. That day I carried my son on my back and went down the mountain and back again. It was hot and when I came back I was salivating at the thought of a cold beer at the bar. When I walked in the door, red-faced and sweaty, the old man greeted me with a large glass of palinka. Despite my upset stomach, I had to look down and smile. So palinka is better than whiskey? perhaps. Better than a cold pint on a hot day? Absolutely not” – Eoin Balfe.
Sunderland’s new appointments (Beyond Euro – full email version, June 24) mean they now have Kirill and Regis as chief prosecutor and manager respectively. Can they become cult heroes like their namesakes at West Brom and Coventry? ——Derek Hall.
Write to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s non-prize winning letter is… Deryck Hall (although his letter has nothing to do with the Euro). You can view the terms and conditions of our competitions here.
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