'Modric RUNS the show!' Croatia beat Holland and qualify to the Nations League final | ESPN FC

ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti and Don Hutchison look back at the exciting action from Rotterdam where Croatia beat their Dutch hosts 4-2 in extra-time to make it to the UEFA Nations League final. Don is impressed with Luka Modric's performance and amazed by an 'incredibly physically fit' Croatian side.
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[@pp-bb6jj]

Would like to see Croatia winning the finals. They deserved it. 🇭🇷

[@ruskopolje]

Hrvatska osvaja

[@markmusic5303]

You've seen it all... Almost there. Next time we do it.

[@Phantomzor]

Modric is a legend of the game

[@ruskopolje]

Hrvatska osvaja

[@strange_game_2972]

​@@ruskopolje Mora! Ajmo hrvatska!

[@nocommentary470]

Modric is unreal. Defending, speed, accuracy, vision. He still has all of that at 38. No denying he's one of the greatest ever in his position.

[@IASP17]

possibly the greatest? I say this only because Im looking at his longevity. how good he still is and he is close to 40.

[@wavyyylikethesea5273]

@@IASP17 he's top 2 and not number 2

[@biljanabosnjak5542]

Proud to be Croat 🇭🇷❤🇭🇷

[@biljanabosnjak5542]

@Mario Baloteli malo nas je al' nas ima😀💪🇭🇷🙏

[@biljanabosnjak5542]

@Mario Baloteli samo 💪🇭🇷, al ' poderat ću tepih 😂. Mislim da ću gledati nešto drugo a kad sin počne vrištati onda natrag u db. Brunči me izluđuje 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️ otkad ga znam. Laganica a kad zagusti eto ga u punom sjaju. Uhhhh izvukla bi mu uši na vrh glave i svezala u mašnu!

[@biljanabosnjak5542]

@Mario Baloteli amen 🙏

[@tonino5268]

After a game like this respect for Nations league will rise

[@ruskopolje]

Hrvatska osvaja to

[@Marlonbrando1225]

Yes, Argentina victims fighting for scraps will definitely increase ratings.

[@blouh2o744]

@@Marlonbrando1225 ..... Argentina buy WC 2022 whit saudi money,we all know that

[@Marlonbrando1225]

@@blouh2o744 Yeah that's what losers repeat. Except most losers still know the difference between Saudi and Qatar. But in any case they all got dominated in the pitch. Even France. So suck it up and respect the world champions!

[@novemberajax9234]

@@Marlonbrando1225 Argentina socks.

[@dm10107]

Modric is the best midfielder of all time🇭🇷 Who else has done the things he is doing at 37? The answer is no one.

[@xixo4798]

KDB showed him in the semi finals in UCL who‘s the best midfielder of this generation. 🤫🤫

[@ricky-zs5pn]

​@@xixo4798 nah

[@xixo4798]

@@ricky-zs5pn he was once a great midfielder but he must extremely overhyped but since he plays for Madrid it‘s no surprise to me.

[@klif4755]

​@@xixo4798 1

[@xixo4798]

@@klif4755 how about comparing 30 modric with 30 KDB? It‘s not even close.

[@daniel72122]

Most of this lazy punditry is about how poor Netherlands were and NOT about how GREAT Croatia were. Everytime

[@HrvojeBan]

I hope that after the final they will comment how poor Spain were and how they lost the game to Croatia!

[@daniel72122]

@@HrvojeBan they will for sure

[@seanmarevic4399]

If modric was spanish or brazilian would be talked about as one of the greatest of all time

[@donaldmoss3326]

CROATIA the masterclass bar none! Modric, Dalic what to say? But why not analyzing a brilliant Croatia squad?😊

[@fajter3548]

CROATIA IS A FOOTBALLING POWERHOUSE!!! 🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷

[@scarfejs_]

*Sports

[@hellothere9763]

Not yet, but we'll get there

[@t.albertobarbosa9615]

​@@hellothere9763They are at this point.

[@Miguel-nm4tn]

Why? How many tournaments did Croatia win at any level??? U17 / U19 / U20 or U21 and AA

[@Miguel-nm4tn]

0.00 nothing!!

[@DearLeaderJoeDragiVoa]

It's time for Croatia to finally win the final :)

[@ivansevo427]

Petkovic is just ridiculous talent. I am Hajduk Split fan but love him so much

[@marinmamic896]

almost as good as livaja ;)

[@mrkidos4035]

Magical Croatia ❤

[@tylau99]

Messi is the GOAT but Modric had been the most consistent for the last 10 years. Unbelievable talent. He is the closest to Messi if there is any clone.

[@ekek29]

Messi is attacker and Luka is a midfielder, it is a difference. They are bout the best in their position.

[@anthrazit9474]

Messi is without any doubt the best player of all time. You can not compare anyone to him. It is unfair to everyone. But Modric is the closest. Without a doubt the best midfielder of his generation.

[@NoahBall08]

These guys are talking more about how the Netherlands lost to Croatia, rather than that Croatia won against the Netherlands… Both of the teams played well, Croatia was just so much better

[@SculptExpress-gv8jp]

Modrić is a giant ♥️ And such a nice man - true Olympian!

[@nevenmesic2856]

Brozovic is like a honey badger...never gives up and never gets tired...

[@markmusic5303]

Broke WC running record - twice.

[@nikoa97]

​@@markmusic5303 While smoking cigarettes. Even more crazy hahahah.

[@markmusic5303]

@@nikoa97 After eating 2 kilos of sandwich just before the game, even more crazy haha

[@peterhansenbanzan512]

He rest by running

[@saintman4468]

This title doesnt hold weight like european or world tournament but still its important and it wll become important like European tournament..every game is important and reachin finals is no joke and Croatia almost reached 3 finals in 8yrs..thats some great coincidence😂

[@DC-fo8yq]

Less than 5 years

[@juliat1796]

he’s not leaving real madrid

[@powderskier5547]

He definately is the little general and a world class player

[@crazycrocrazycro4568]

Go Croatia!

[@model101t800]

Dutch didn't play bad at all, first half they were even a bit better but this is a new team under construction with a new line up. And against this Croatie, a draw in regular time was the maximum possible. It was a wonderful battle and a great match to watch People just forget how good this Croatian team is, I think they will also win this Nations league.

[@ToMbA_La_BoMbA]

In the first halt, they first shots at Cro goal was in 36 min!

[@mariostekic]

CROATIA AND THE LEGEND MODRIC (SOON 38Y) 💪⚽😎

[@thosesoccerboys]

I like Gab, but he basically called Petkovic a donkey at the World Cup. THIS is what Petkovic can actually do.

[@hellothere9763]

He can be both great and donkey.

[@thosesoccerboys]

@@hellothere9763 The point is Gab was implying that Petkovic is just a big oaf who runs around without a first touch/skill. When in reality his touch/skill & overall technique are his best attributes. His problem is that he's not always fully engaged. When he's locked in he's very, very good.

[@hellothere9763]

@@thosesoccerboys that is true. He definitely doesnt lack skills. His problem is running off the ball plus he is slow

[@dajkula]

He is a donkey, this is the first time he shot the ball outside the box in years.

[@ToniCroX]

He is a great donkey. Sometimes you just need a great donkey haha

[@Carlospezz]

Bravo Croacia ✌️

[@dowbklempaca1399]

There will be times when Croatia will be weaker than they are now. But they will always fight to the end, the last two world cups showed that. Sometimes they will win, sometimes they will lose. But they will always keep fighting until the last whistle blow of the referee. This is the spirit of that team. They might win or lose against Spain, margins will decide I think. But Croatia will never be an easy opponent - as this is the spirit of that team.

[@tombaur8316]

thats in theyr genes, history and mentality. croats were often fought in the last 1.300 years since theyr arrival in todays croatia by many big and strong enemies, like mongols, hungarians, bulgarians, venetians, ottomans, habsburg, nazi germans, italian fascists, serbs... but they always fought to the last and beat them all and they are still there.

[@12angryrealists]

Come on Gab. You're having a laugh if you think the Dutch deserved their 1st goal against the run of play.

[@ivanmacukic3598]

Luka "Ostani tu......❤

[@podunkman2709]

I love to watch Croatia team in action

[@MajeticLuka]

What an amazing game! I hope we can win trophy 🏆 this year! But let the best team win. ❤️

[@igorch69]

🇭🇷💪🇭🇷

[@markp5651]

Modric imo is the Goat with iniesta at the #2 spot now. Man played like 5 more years than him at the top level. Thats not normal. But Luka isnt normal.

[@RedMan-yx2pz]

Iniesta still has more champions league games than modric and played the same amount of seasons in the top 5 leagues

[@markp5651]

@@RedMan-yx2pz Iniesta was a starter for barca for about 12 years. Modric has been a starter for totenham and RM for about 16 years and still counting. No comparison. Also he has more champions league titles with less years of play which makes him more prolific.

[@francisxavierderyzunuo1427]

Noticed how he said “ oh it’s the nation’s league no one cares. Mostly said by counties who haven’t won it. i.e England”.😂😂😂

[@ezraezra2928]

Croatia won the silverware finally before England and Belgium did so 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Roman-yv3ye]

Croatia Finished above England and Belgium in 2018 and 2022 World Cup too

[@xi6493]

❤❤❤

[@batmanfanizationreborn6055]

🇭🇷❤️💪

[@MotoLife94]

Ajmo!!🇭🇷🇭🇷

[@allthingscroatia]

AJMO HRVATSKA!! BRAVO DECKI

[@razbigranicu]

It's a shame Juls isn't on to roast the Dutch guy 😆

[@michaelagyepong1539]

VVD’s job is to stand there and look pretty

[@novemberajax9234]

Spain has no chance.

[@matthewmaayen1088]

Ofc ned was bad look who the coach is

[@thebird9766]

ZDS

[@ner30_dbk35]

Nigel Powers : There are only two things I can't stand in this world: People who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and the Dutch. 😁

[@gordanhatesjiujitsu]

😂😂

[@lilwilj]

Haha that's pretty funny! A Dutch guy.

[@oLogicalYT]

VVD has been so disappointing this season and average

[@tobiassluijter8855]

Van dijk was horrible again. As a dutch fan i wished he would be benched. Botman should always start over him

[@model101t800]

Balen dat de Ligt uitviel, die moet er gewoon staan, van Dijk is al een jaar uit vorm en idd Botman had beter geweest

[@stampedmetalsword8099]

37+ year old's playing like they're in their twenties? That's what you guys said? Probably PEDs sorry.

[@Ikuraga]

Genes and proper focused training

[@jackmadaima4681]

Where everyone uses PEDs, yes it is very impressive

[@kovi3255]

@@jackmadaima4681 haha PEDs? Even if that was true then if "everyone" is on PEDs then the playing field is equal, so what is his advantage then? Skill, experience, talent, football IQ.

[@tino0936]

You misspelled discipline and work ethics.

[@rivarwayne8179]

I dont get the nations league 😅 I thought its just friendlies that UEFA trying to make money of so they made a tournament out of those friendlies.

[@ToMbA_La_BoMbA]

The winner gets about 11 million, the finalist about 9 million and the third about 6 million. And all group winners, if they finish third in the qualifying group for the European Championship in Germany 2024., they have another chance to qualify for the EURO. Through two playoff games against weaker teams. And this is a much better model than playing friendlies when the teams get together two days before the game and go out with the 'B team' against the 50th team on the FIFA ranking.

[@rivarwayne8179]

@@ToMbA_La_BoMbA nah man I saw an explanation yesterday. UEFA just tried to get away from the friendliest and put a tournament there and made it unnecessary complicated. The title means nothing.

[@freedomprophet2891]

@Rivar Wayne did you read what the man told you or you just decided to spout out American b..s..t no matter what. If so, just say it. We get it. You got football that is played with hands and I don't know s..t about it. But at least I don't act I do.

[@rivarwayne8179]

@@freedomprophet2891 I live in germany you moron and yes I read it but already looked up what the nations league is and it was to replace friendlies so UEFA can make more money with a tournaments nobody cares about

[@xixo4798]

KDB is clear for 5 years>>>>>>

[@ayushrajatvlogs]

Can't even carry Belgium out of Group stage

[@xixo4798]

@@ayushrajatvlogs meanwhile Modric getting carried by either the keeper, rakitic or perisic.

[@ayushrajatvlogs]

@@xixo4798 I am talking about 2018 WC , Even he was the golden ball winner Something KBD would never be in his lifetime

[@markmusic5303]

​@@xixo4798 Modrić is the one carrying the ball to other players and not the opposite. Dude...

[@xixo4798]

@@ayushrajatvlogs 2018 is the world where France encountered both. They humiliated Croatia, they barely made it to the finals, were it not for Lukaku‘s disasterclass. I mean KDB created endless chances but the receivers couldn‘t convert. Just admit you‘re a hater and can‘t start a logical discussion.

[@xixo4798]

KDB turned him into an amateur in UCL for the God knows how many times again.

[@crotiger5639]

Ok mister plastic fan. Do you realize that Modric and De Bruyne are not playing same position at all and that they play in totally different systems on top of all. Ofc not because you made of plastic and there is even high chance you are bot. I respect De Bruyne but you sir are just ignorant man which got buttheart by Modric or Croatia or even Real Madrid probably so you want to believe 1 game where whole teams play bad and have bad tactics can make for someones career. Modric even played injured that match same as De Bruyne in final and watch his performance in final and you will understand. Plastic fans are worst one for sure in football.

[@kaktustustus1244]

Yeah KDB is better because he beat Modrić who is 37 in one match playing with one of the best teams ever against a poor Madrid side

[@natg9441]

you do realize KDB is probably gonna be retired at 37 right? I mean even Messi gave it up at 35 and went to the MLS. Modric has won 5 UCL's and is still at near his peak, and he won the Ballon d'Or at 32. KDB has only won 1 UCL and he is already struggling with injuries at 31.

[@12angryrealists]

😂 5 champions league titles in 11 seasons FFS. Grow a brain.

[@ItsJesssee]

KDB literally can’t carry a Belguim team that has way better players than Croatia 💀

[@jimbojimbo6873]

When this Croatian team dies there’s genuinely no decent players coming through

[@marleykirton]

Gvardiol? Livakovic is still 28 which is young for a GK. But yeah, 2026 is the last WC for this generation, and that's without Modric who would be 40, although I could see him coming out of retirement just to go 😂

[@hellothere9763]

You can't be serious. We have more talent then ever, just that coach doesn't play them.

[@tonino5268]

Livakovic Sosa sutalo gvardiol juranovic/stanisic (all got a lot of time) Kovacic still has time in him Majer Ivanusec Beljo And everything else in just to fill in

[@marleykirton]

@@tonino5268 I didn't want to mention Kovacic or Brozovic because they will be 33/34 at the next world cup and firmly part of the strong Croatian side of the past few years. Realistically the only players who probably won't make it to USA are Modric and Perisic, everyone else is still young enough.

[@tonino5268]

@@marleykirton true bro Croatia has most talented defence prospects in the world Add Vuskovic also in the mix Baturina also So much for no future for Croatia 😂😂

[@Ludydobry]

God of football