Luka Modric will reach another milestone when he plays for Croatia against Panama on Tuesday night but the wider outcome of the crucial game for the nation’s World Cup hopes will be at the forefront of the midfielder’s mind.
Modric will play his 200th game for Croatia when he plays in Toronto, becoming the fourth player to win the game in a long time, following Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait) and Lionel Messi (Argentina).
The 40-year-old is expected to retire after the tournament with reports suggesting that a return to Real Madrid on the sidelines will be his next move.
What is pressing him the most is his desire to help Croatia win the World Cup for the first time after losing their first Group L match against England last Wednesday.
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup means that Croatia are not yet lost and with games to win against Panama and Ghana the 2018 runners-up still have hope.
Modric will be the center of attention, however, with his historic moment recognized by many of his teammates.
Midfielder Petar Sucic said: “It’s hard to reach this level, and it’s even harder to stay there. That shows how important Luka is. We can praise him and take our hats off to him.”
Striker Andrej Kramaric added: “[200 is] a truly incredible number. It’s hard to find words. It’s an amazing story. Thank you, captain, thank you, Luka.”
Panama will be looking to spoil the team, especially after dropping a point heading into their first game against Ghana.
Central America was looking for a respectable game but lost to Caleb Yirenkyi’s goal in the 95th minute.
Panama v Croatia team news
Panama has no injury concerns and could play against Ghana.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is expected to revert to a 4-2-3-1 which will see Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic start alongside Modric.
Panama v Croatia predicted lineup
Panama: Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman; Martinez, Waterman, Rodriguez
Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Vuskovic; Guardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Susic, Pasalic; Don’t
Where to watch Panama v Croatia: TV and streaming online
Panama vs. Croatia kicks off on Tuesday at midnight UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream it on iPlayer.
Click HERE for the full World Cup TV guide
Panama v Croatia statistics
- Croatia have lost three of their last four matches
- Panama have won only two of their last eight games
- Panama have not played a European team since their friendly draw with Serbia in 2021
- The two teams have never met before
- Croatia’s last meeting with a CONCACAF team was a 4-1 win over Canada at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Panama v Croatia prediction
Croatia lost to England in the final but showed enough in the first half to suggest they can take at least four points from their final two pool games.
They should be very strong in Panama.
Prediction: Panama 1-2 Croatia
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