Portugal vs Croatia: Vitinha fired up for Modric ahead of the clash

02.07.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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Croatia

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On Thursday night into Friday, Portugal and Croatia will battle it out for a spot in the Round of 16 at this 2026 World Cup.

This high-stakes encounter promises an exciting midfield duel between Vitinha and his "idol" Luka Modric.

"Modric is an idol for me, a role model. I’ve had the chance to play against him and swap shirts, but I don’t like to say whether I resemble him or not. I leave that to others. (...) Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, they are two massive icons in world football. They are both legends. One of them will end his World Cup story tomorrow, and I hope it will be Modric," declared the PSG midfielder in a press conference.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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Croatia

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