Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal have exchanged shirts in a gesture that goes far beyond a simple hug between friends. The match was not trivial for any of them. Surprising as it may seem, the right back was playing his first match in a European Championship and, in addition, he celebrated with Spain’s third goal. On the other hand, barring a miracle, it was also the first match of the last great continental tournament for the ’10’. Elastic bands that will surely have great sentimental value for them, but what better way to share it with a partner…
Dani Carvajal passed through the mixed zone and, in exclusive statements to Relevo, announced: “I wanted to keep it, because it was my first goal with the national team, but Luka asked me to change it and I took it“. By the way, Modric also exchanged the other shirt he used, in this case, with Nico Williams.
The Croatian star also went through the mixed zone, although he did not have the same appearance as Carvajal, mainly due to the defeat. In words to this medium, he seemed crestfallen although with enough energy to turn the situation around in the remainder of the first phase: “It was a very strange match. We were not bad and it was tied, but the first two goals They kill us. And then we haven’t had any luck either, we didn’t have anything. We have two games left and we are going to fight“.
He also spoke in Croatian media: “It happens, it’s football. The Spanish did not surprise us. We knew that they wanted to have possession and keep the ball, the problem is that we were not aggressive and we stayed close to the players. It is very difficult to play against teams like that. But I’m sure we will show quality and character again.”
On this occasion, Modric did not have his best day. He played only 65 minutes, left exhausted and his coach decided to give him a break, already aware that it was impossible to change the direction of the game. He only came into contact with the ball 44 times, was 35/39 in deliveries, did not shoot, lost six possessions and committed two fouls.. The worst thing is that something went unnoticed.
He will have the opportunity to make amends next Wednesday, in the confrontation against Albania. The competition system allows errors of this magnitude, although Modric and his team have hardly any margin left. In addition, they need to do math and fight for every goal. Only in this way will they be able to secure the pass as one of the best third parties. Although, of course, they are still in the fight to qualify even as leaders.
