Luka Modric says he sees similarities between Croatia’s squad and Real Madrid

Luka Modric has claimed he sees signs of Real Madrid in Croatia’s 2022 World Cup squad.

The legendary midfielder put in another superb performance as his nation shocked Brazil on penalties in the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar.

Modric, who has won 160 caps for his country since his debut in 2006, remains a talismanic figure for his nation, who are on the verge of a second successive World Cup final.

Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties to reach their second successive World Cup semi-final

Zlatko Dalic’s side continue to overachieve in major tournaments and have repeatedly shown their endurance, with their penalty victory over Brazil coming after a spot kick win against Japan in the Round of 16.

It follows their run to the World Cup final in Russia in 2018 which included three successive knockout wins after either penalties or extra time.

Despite several stars in the Croatia squad being aged 30 or over, including Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Modric and Marcelo Brozovic, they continue to show quality and determination in equal measure.

And following their most recent exploits in a major tournament, Modric believes there are similarities between his club team, Real Madrid, and Croatia.

Luka Modric believes there are similarities in the mentalities between Croatia and Real Madrid

The 37-year-old has won five Champions League titles during his spell with Los Blancos, including last year when they undertook seemingly improbable comebacks in the knockout stages against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City, before they defeated Liverpool in the final. 

‘You could say we have the same DNA as Real Madrid because we always keep going until the end, and never give up,’ he told Spanish football TV show EL Chiringuito, as reported by La Sexta. 

‘Everyone looks at the big countries, as we are a small country, nobody takes us into account, but we don’t have a problem with that, as others are the favourites, and we are in the shadows.

The legendary midfielder also insisted that people continue to underestimate his national side

‘Of course we would like to finish (the matches) earlier, and not go to penalties, but we are willing to do everything we can to win.’

Croatia now face Argentina in the semi-final at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night, with a place in the final against either France or Morocco up for grabs.

Lionel Scaloni’s side endured their own dramatic win in the quarter-finals, defeating the Netherlands on penalties.

Their talisman Lionel Messi has been in fine form in this competition, netting four times and laying on two assists in just five games.

They face a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in the semi-final, but Modric insists they are ready

However, Modric, a Ballon d’Or winner in 2018 following his exploits in Russia four years ago, was optimistic for the challenge ahead and was confident he could lead his nation to the final.

He continued: ‘I want to play another semi-final against a big team, that’s what I want, not just against a player.

‘Of course Lionel Messi is very big, he’s their best player, and we’re going to have a lot of difficulty in trying to stop him, but we are prepared, and we are going to give it our all.

‘I hope it will be enough to reach the final.’