Zlatko Dalic has optimistic that at the 2024 European Championship, Luka Modric will represent Croatia.
When he led Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia four years ago, Modric earned the Ballon d’Or award. This year, the Real Madrid star had another strong tournament as Dalic’s team advanced to the quarterfinals in Qatar.
However, the 37-year-old was unable to motivate his team to a semi-final victory over Argentina on Tuesday, sparking rumors that he may hang up his international football boots.
Dalic is optimistic that Modric would remain on for at least another 18 months despite his refusal to comment on his future following the loss.
“I hope that he [Modric] will be there [at Euro 2024],” Dalic said. “I am looking forward to it.
“It is not certain that he will there be and he will personally decide how he feels. I personally feel that he will be, but it ultimately is his decision.”
Which #Croatia player(s) would you like to have on your team in a game of football tennis? ⚽️🎾#FIFAWorldCup #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/6uMpW1Pa5t
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) December 15, 2022
Morocco’s World Cup campaign, which saw them shock Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, captivated the attention of soccer fans around the globe.
They lost to France 2-0 in the semi-final on Wednesday, and manager Regragui is having a hard time getting pumped up for the third-place matchup.
“Morocco remind me of us four and a half years ago,” he said. “Nobody expected them to be this high, but they got to where they are with their quality and emotions.
“From game to game, they only grew and I think we are in for a much more difficult match than the one from the opening group.
“We have full and great respect for them. They show unity and are not afraid of anyone.”
“It is a little bit difficult,” he said. “It is very complicated for both teams. You are so disappointed; you have just lost a semi-final and then two days later you have to go back out there.
“It is like the booby prize. I’m sorry for speaking like this. I understand it should be important, I understand it is better to finish third than fourth, but, for me, my takeaway is just that we didn’t get to the final.
“Even if we did get to the final, and I finished second, I would be saying the same thing to you.
“We want to be as positive as possible, especially for our fans. Finishing third would be great for our image.”