Modric in the News

The Age posted an article “Croatia Squad Penpix” featuring the 25 players selected for EURO 2008.

This is what they have to say about Luka Modric:

Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur). Midfielder. Born 9.9.85. Caps 24. Goals 3.
Croatia’s bid to reach the last eight relies heavily on his tireless running, incisive runs and passing. The driving force of the team’s engine room was signed by Spurs in April for a fee of 21 million euros ($32.69 million) after six excellent seasons with Dinamo Zagreb, where he scored 25 goals in 87 appearances.

The International Herald Tribune also posted a great article today on Croatia’s chances in the European Cup. They are tipping to see Croatia and Germany promote from Group B and Croatian players Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Ivica Olic making a major impact.

Croatia and Modric gearing up for EURO 2008

With the European Championship 2008 now less than three weeks away, all teams are preparing for the start of the tournament. Also Croatia is hopeful of doing well, and it’s placing its hopes on playmaker Luka Modric for that. Slaven Bilic, coach of the national team said: “When he plays, Croatia is at its best!” So far, Modric played 24 matches for the national team and scoring 3 goals. It doesn’t sound like much, but his real strength is giving assists and dictating the play.

Modric was also quoted saying: “I know all eyes are on me right now, but I believe we could achieve a good result only through team play, and not some individual heroics.”

Croatia is fielding a team of which the main strength is its midfield where the talented duo Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar can do magic on the ball.

Last sunday, the first seven players of the Croatian national team gathered together for training on the Adriatic coast, in the town of Rovinj to start preparing for Euro 2008. The first in line were Vedran Corluka, Nikola Kalinic, Manuel Pamic, Anas Sharbini, Ognjen Vukojevic, Niko Covac and of course also Luka Modric. “Stipe Pletikosa and Ivica Olic will arrive on Monday, while the others will show up by Wednesday” Bilic told the press. The coach also said that they will start with training once to twice per day, and focusing on physical readiness. He also added that the first match against hosts Austria will be the key one. Also in light of a good preparation, on Saturday they will play a match against Moldova in Rijeka and another one against Hungary on the last day of May, in Budapest.

For some more information on Croatia’s chances and their team for Euro 2008, read this excellent article.

Modric selected for EURO 2008 squad

Today, Slaven Bilic, coach of the Croatian national team announced his selection for the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland. Not really surprising, Luka Modric is also part of the team.
“It’s a mixed team, composed of older, but also younger players,” said Bilic, who also extended his contract with the national team by two years through to 2010.
Croatia is part of the tough Group B with Germany, Austria and Poland as competitors.

The Croatian selection for EURO 2008:

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Spartak Moscow), Vedran Runje (Lens), Mario Galinovic (Panathinaikos).

Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Manchester City), Dario Simic (AC Milan), Robert Kovac (Borussia Dortmind), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Dario Knezevic (Livorno), Hrvoje Vejic (Tomsk).

Midfielders: Danijel Pranjic (Heerenveen), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donesk), Niko Kovac (Red Bull Salzburg), Luka Modric (Tottenham), Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth), Jerko Leko (AS Monaco), Ivan Rakitic (Schalke), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dinamo Bucharest), Nikola Pokrivac (AS Monaco), Manuel Pamic (Red Bull Salzburg), Anas Sharbini (Rijeka).

Forwards: Mladen Petric (Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olic (Hamburger SV), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Igor Budan (Parma), Nikola Kalinic (Hajduk Split)

Video: Luka Modric in Action against Russia

Here is some good high quality footage from the Euro 2008 qualification match against Russia in December 2007. Modric displaying his excellent technique and a great shot at goal around the 30 seconds mark, shame it didn’t go in!

Click here to view