Luka Modric Selected For Croatia's Upcoming Nations League Fixtures

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Zlatko Dalic has included Luka Modric in Croatia's 24-man squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Modric, who has earned 178 caps for his country, will join Manchester City players Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic to face Portugal and Poland. Speculation about the 39-year-old midfielder's future with the national team arose after their group stage exit at Euro 2024.

Despite the retirement of Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic from international football post-Euro 2024, Dalic confirmed that Modric remains a key part of his plans. "The Nations League will be a good platform for us to create a team that will start qualifying for the 2026 World Cup next year," said head coach Dalic. "Compared to this year's Euro, we lost two senators, Vida and Brozovic, but we are all happy that the captain is still with us - Luka is our great strength on and off the field."

Modric's goal against Italy at Euro 2024 made him the oldest player to score in the finals at 38 years and 289 days old. The former Ballon d'Or winner has played in both of Real Madrid's games this season as a substitute, helping them secure his 27th major honour with their Super Cup win against Atalanta.

Dalic emphasised the importance of using the Nations League as a stepping stone towards World Cup qualification. He stated that despite losing experienced players like Vida and Brozovic, having Modric in the squad provides significant strength both on and off the pitch.

Here they are! Head coach @DalicZlatko presents #Croatia squad as the new #NationsLeague season is about to kick off! #UNL #Family #Vatreni pic.twitter.com/XllbfvmV4n

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) August 19, 2024

The inclusion of Modric alongside younger talents like Gvardiol and Kovacic indicates Dalic's strategy of blending experience with youth. This approach aims to ensure Croatia remains competitive in upcoming international fixtures while preparing for future tournaments.

Modric’s continued involvement with Croatia’s national team highlights his enduring influence and leadership qualities. His presence is expected to inspire both seasoned players and newcomers as they aim for success in the Nations League and beyond.

The Croatian squad's preparation for these matches will be crucial as they look to build momentum ahead of World Cup qualifiers. The blend of experienced veterans like Modric with emerging talents could provide a balanced team capable of achieving their goals.

The decision to retain Modric in the squad underscores his value to Croatian football. His experience and skill continue to be assets as Croatia navigates through international competitions.

Croatia's performance in these upcoming matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The team's ability to integrate new players while relying on seasoned veterans like Modric will be key to their success.

Dalic’s confidence in Modric reflects a broader strategy aimed at maintaining continuity while fostering new talent within the national team setup. This balance is crucial for sustained success on the international stage.

The upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures offer an opportunity for Croatia to test their squad dynamics and strategies against strong opponents like Portugal and Poland. These matches will serve as important benchmarks for assessing the team's readiness for future challenges.

Croatia’s journey towards World Cup qualification begins with these foundational steps in the Nations League. The integration of experienced leaders like Modric with promising young players sets a positive tone for their campaign.