Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other at the World Cup when Croatia play Portugal in the last 32. It could be the final time the two stars share a pitch after careers that have run alongside each other for over 20 years.
Modric made his debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006 against Argentina. The same evening, Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal against Saudi Arabia. Both players have been constants at the top level ever since.
Ronaldo has 232 caps. Modric has 202 caps. They are among only four men to have reached 200 international appearances.
Their paths first crossed in the 2009 Carling Cup final. Modric played for Tottenham and Ronaldo for Manchester United. United won on penalties. They later became teammates at Real Madrid for six seasons. They won four Champions League titles together. They played 222 matches together, making Modric the midfielder Ronaldo has played with most.
They have met four times as international opponents. Portugal have won all four matches. Croatia will look to change that record. Regardless of the result, the match will be remembered far more than their first meetings in 2006.
Portugal vs Croatia: Who Won Last Time?
The last time Portugal and Croatia faced each other was in November 2024. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. It was a UEFA Nations League group stage game played in Split.
Portugal took the lead in the 33rd minute. Joao Felix scored after a long pass from Vitinha. Felix controlled the ball brilliantly with the outside of his right foot. He then fired a left-footed shot through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Croatia thought they had equalised just after the hour mark. Josko Gvardiol headed in from close range but the flag went up for offside. VAR confirmed the decision.
Gvardiol did score a few minutes later. He sneaked in at the back post to meet a cross from Kristijan Jakic. His volley bounced off the floor and squeezed past the goalkeeper at the near post.
The equaliser sparked Croatia into action. They controlled more possession and came close to taking the lead several times. Ante Budimir hit the post late in the game. But the match ended 1-1.
The draw was enough for Croatia to secure second place in the group and progress in the Nations League. Portugal had already qualified as group leaders. Gvardiol was named man of the match for his performance and his crucial equalising goal.
Roberto Martinez Sends Clear Cristiano Ronaldo Message Ahead of Portugal vs Croatia Clash
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said his team will approach the knockout stage like a “second World Cup” when they face Croatia in the round of 32.
Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia. They were held to draws by DR Congo and Colombia. They beat Uzbekistan 5-0.
Martinez said Croatia are a team Portugal know very well. He said both sides know each other’s strengths. He expects a competitive match.
Martinez faced criticism for playing Cristiano Ronaldo for the full 90 minutes against Colombia. Some Portuguese media raised concerns about Goncalo Ramos not getting enough game time. Martinez brushed off those concerns. He said all players are ready to play when called upon.
Much of the focus will be on Ronaldo, 41, and Luka Modric, 40. It is expected to be a final World Cup game for one of them. Martinez hailed both as icons of the sport. He said age is just a number and what matters is what they do on the pitch.
The game will carry emotional significance for Portugal. It will be played a day before the anniversary of the death of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash. Midfielder Vitinha said honouring Jota’s memory will be added motivation for the team.
FAQs
Q. When did Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo first become teammates?
A. Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo became teammates at Real Madrid in 2012.
Q. How many matches did they play together?
A. They played 222 matches together for Real Madrid.
Q. How many Champions League titles did they win together?
A. They won four UEFA Champions League titles together at Real Madrid.
Q. What was the result of the last Portugal vs Croatia match?
A. Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Nations League in November 2024.
Q. Who scored in that match?
A. João Félix scored for Portugal. Joško Gvardiol scored the equaliser for Croatia.
Q. How many international caps do they have?
A. Cristiano Ronaldo has 232 international caps. Luka Modrić has 202.
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