(foto: Getty Images)
Croatia secured a 1-0 victory over Poland in Osijek's second round of the Nations League. This marked Croatia’s first win in the group after defeating Portugal in the opening match.
In the other match of the group, Portugal came from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 with an 88th-minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The key moment came in the 52nd minute when Luka Modrić brilliantly curled a free kick over the wall to give Croatia the win. In addition to his goal, Modrić played a phenomenal game and, according to many fans, was the best player on the pitch. This incredible performance came just hours before his 39th birthday, and the Croatian captain received praise from across the football world, including several high-profile figures and media outlets.
Romano, English media, and Spanish fans all hail Modrić
“Luka Modrić scores from a free kick! It happens just a few hours before his 39th birthday… and it’s his 27th goal for Croatia in 180 appearances. Luka also becomes the second player in European history with 180 national team caps, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 213… Luka lasts forever,” wrote Fabrizio Romano, accompanied by a goat emoji to signify Modrić as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Romano also added magician emojis, as the Italian transfer expert is a known Modrić fan.
Bleacher Report from England commented, “Luka Modrić scores a free kick just before his 39th birthday. Class,” with a wine glass emoji.
GiveMeSport wrote, “Luka Modrić scores a beautiful free kick.”
beIN Sports tweeted, “Modrić’s goal broke Poland. Class is eternal.”
BBC noted, “Luka Modrić is turning 39 years old and still scoring for his national team.”
Hundreds of users and pages shared the video of the stunning goal, with many coming from Spain, particularly fan pages of Real Madrid, marveling at their midfield maestro.