How Modric and Croatia continue to defy the odds
The child displaced by war who won six Champions League titles and a Ballon d'Or - how Luka Modric and England's opponents Croatia continue to defy the odds.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I was freaking out. Of course, I didn't know he was going to become the Luka Modric down the road."
— Romeo Jozak , Athlete
"He did say 'do you know you and the army [Modric spent a year doing national service] are the only ones that cut my hair'."
— Romeo Jozak , Athlete
"[But] some had relatives killed in the war and those things stay inside of you."
— Romeo Jozak , Athlete
Key People
Locations
All Coverage
The child displaced by war who won six Champions League titles and a Ballon d'Or - how Luka Modric and England's opponents Croatia continue to defy the odds.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Madueke starts for England, Modric captains Croatia - Reuters
Madueke starts for England, Modric captains Croatia Reuters
June 17, 2026 at 06:57 PMEngland hit four in World Cup opener against Croatia
England make a winning start to their World Cup 2026 campaign, beating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling match in Dallas.
June 17, 2026 at 10:56 PMKane draws level with Lineker as England outgun Croatia - Reuters
Kane draws level with Lineker as England outgun Croatia Reuters
June 17, 2026 at 10:14 PM'If we lose, we lose in our way' - how Tuchel inspired England at half-time
England players were on the receiving end of a half-time reproach from manager Thomas Tuchel as their World Cup campaign got off to a victorious start against Croatia.
June 17, 2026 at 11:15 PMManzambi double propels Switzerland to win against Bosnia
Substitute Johan Manzambi scores twice in a thrilling final 20 minutes, as Switzerland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 to edge towards a place in the World Cup round of 32.
June 18, 2026 at 10:08 PMBellingham 'put noise aside' ahead of England win over Croatia
England's Jude Bellingham says he "put the noise aside" to focus on their World Cup opener against Croatia and is pleased to have contributed a goal in a 4-2 win.
June 17, 2026 at 11:02 PM