Modric 'ashamed' of Croatia's 'catastrophic night'
Croatia captain Luka Modric expressed deep shame following his team's 7-0 Nations League defeat to England. The veteran midfielder described the performance as a catastrophic night, marking a low point in his 20-year international career.
Why it matters
The match highlights a significant shift in European football power dynamics and reflects the emotional toll of high-stakes international competition on veteran athletes.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Luka Modric won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after helping Croatia finish as runners-up
Croatia captain Luka Modric said he felt "ashamed" of his side's performance in Saturday's 7-0 defeat at home to England in the Nations League.
It was the first time in 20 years as an international that the AC Milan midfielder said he had felt such emotion, describing it as a "catastrophic night".
Modric, 41, was making his 205th appearance for his country after recently agreeing to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic.
"You can't play football like that... we looked like we had four or five players less," said the former Real Madrid player, who helped Croatia to second-place and third-place finishes at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups during a storied career.
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