Football

Real Madrid has secured the services of midfield maestro Luka Modric for another three seasons, extending his contract until June 2025. The Croatian international, who joined the Spanish giants in 2012, has become an integral part of the club's success over the past decade.Modric, now 37, has played a pivotal role in Madrid's dominance in both domestic and European competitions. He has won an astonishing 26 titles with the club, including six Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles. His individual accolades include the Ballon d'Or, FIFA Player of the Year Award, and UEFA Player of the Year Award, all of which he received in 2018.Despite his advancing age, Modric remains a vital cog in Carlo Ancelotti's midfield. While he may not start as regularly as he once did, his experience and leadership qualities are invaluable to the team. With the retirement of Toni Kroos looming, Modric is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.Modric's exceptional vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game make him a formidable opponent. He is also renowned for his work ethic and determination, which have earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents alike.Off the field, Modric is a respected figure in the football world. He is the all-time record-holder for international caps with Croatia, having made 178 appearances for his country. He led Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, where he was named the Golden Ball winner as the tournament's outstanding player.Real Madrid's decision to extend Modric's contract is a testament to his enduring quality and the club's belief in his ability to continue contributing at the highest level. As he enters the twilight of his career, Modric will undoubtedly remain a key figure for both club and country.

Italy secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Croatia in a thrilling Group B clash at Euro 2024, sending them into the knockout stages. Mattia Zaccagni's stunning last-gasp strike in the 98th minute proved to be the decisive moment, breaking Croatian hearts and sending Italy through as runners-up behind Spain.Croatia, led by the legendary Luka Modric, had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Modric's penalty, making him the oldest goalscorer in the competition's history. However, Italy refused to give up and fought back valiantly.The match was a tense affair from the outset, with both teams knowing that a draw would be enough for Croatia to advance. Italy, on the other hand, needed a win to secure their place in the last 16.Croatia dominated the early exchanges, but Italy gradually grew into the game and created several chances. However, it was Croatia who broke the deadlock when Andrej Kramaric's effort was handled by Davide Frattesi in the penalty area. Modric stepped up and converted the spot-kick, giving Croatia the lead.Italy responded well to the setback and continued to press for an equalizer. They were rewarded for their persistence when Zaccagni unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner in the dying moments of the game.The goal sent Italy into raptures and left Croatia devastated. It was a cruel blow for the Croatians, who had played well throughout the match and deserved more from the game.Italy will now face Switzerland in the last 16, while Croatia's fate hangs in the balance. They are unlikely to qualify as one of the four best third-place teams, but they could still progress if other results go their way.

Croatia and Albania will face off in a crucial Euro 2024 Group B match on Wednesday, June 19, with both teams desperate for a victory after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures.Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, were humbled 3-0 by Spain in their first game, with Luka Modric failing to inspire his team. Albania, meanwhile, gave Italy a scare before eventually losing 2-1, with Nedim Bajrami scoring the fastest-ever goal in Euros history.With Spain and Italy already on three points each, Croatia and Albania know that a win is essential to keep their qualification hopes alive.When and Where:The Croatia vs Albania match will take place on Wednesday, June 19, at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany. The match will kick off at 6:30 PM IST.Telecast and Live Streaming:The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India. It will also be streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Key Players:* Croatia: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic* Albania: Nedim Bajrami, Elseid Hysaj, Thomas StrakoshaMatch Preview:Croatia will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Spain. Modric, who was below his best in that game, will need to step up and lead his team to victory.Albania, on the other hand, will be confident after their performance against Italy. They will be hoping to cause another upset and keep their qualification hopes alive.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a win.

Spain and Croatia, two European football powerhouses, will face off in a highly anticipated Group B encounter at the Euro 2024 in Berlin on Saturday.Spain, under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign with a victory over Croatia. De la Fuente has praised the talents of young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who have impressed with their performances for Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao respectively.Croatia, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their impressive run at major tournaments. Despite being considered underdogs, the team led by Luka Modric has consistently exceeded expectations. Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, remains a key figure for Croatia and will be looking to inspire his team to another memorable performance.The match will be played at the Olympiastadion Berlin, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 am IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Spain will be hoping to build on their recent success, having won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. Croatia, meanwhile, will be aiming to replicate their heroics from the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the final.Both teams have a wealth of experience and quality, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Spain will be looking to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, while Croatia will likely adopt a more counter-attacking approach.The outcome of the match could have a significant impact on the standings in Group B, which also includes Scotland and the Czech Republic. A victory for Spain would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, while a win for Croatia would give them a major boost in their quest to reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Spain's hopes of conquering Euro 2024 have received a significant boost with the resurgence of Pedri Gonzalez. The Barcelona playmaker's return to form could prove pivotal in their challenging opening encounter against Luka Modric's formidable Croatia.Pedri's presence adds a Clasico flavor to the heavyweight clash in Berlin on Saturday. The 38-year-old Modric remains the talisman for his country, and his midfield duel with Pedri promises to be a captivating spectacle.Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania form Group B, widely regarded as the tournament's most competitive quartet. However, a resurgent Pedri could provide La Roja with the edge they seek.Pedri played a crucial role in Spain's run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, but persistent hamstring injuries have hindered his progress since then. In the season's closing weeks and Spain's warm-up friendlies, Pedri has displayed encouraging signs of rediscovering his best form.Last week, he netted twice in an advanced role as Spain thrashed Northern Ireland 5-1 in their final warm-up match. This performance has sparked debate in Spain over Pedri's optimal position, but coach Luis de la Fuente believes he needs the Canary Islander to make a difference in the final third."We want him to play closer to the area, between the lines, taking advantage of the final ball. I think we can get a great deal from him," said De la Fuente, praising Pedri's resilience in overcoming his fitness struggles."I thank Pedri, he's an example of overcoming, effort, a school of values (in himself), he's important for everyone."De la Fuente has been a staunch supporter of Pedri, and the midfielder revealed that the coach would call him after every injury setback to offer encouragement. The coach believes Pedri's potential is limitless and urges him to continue improving."Pedri had to find himself, we don't know what his best version is because he's so good, he is infinite," added De la Fuente. "We coaches can give confidence to players, but it is the player who has to take the step forward."

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has expressed his admiration for Real Madrid and Croatia great Luka Modric, following Modric's heartfelt tribute to Chhetri's illustrious international career.On the eve of Chhetri's final India match against Kuwait, Modric sent a video message wishing him well. Chhetri, who retired as the fourth-highest international goalscorer of all time with 94 goals for India, was deeply touched by Modric's gesture."First of all, thank you for the amazing 19-20 years. I am a fan right from his Tottenham days," Chhetri said about Modric.Chhetri praised Modric's exceptional talent and humility, both on and off the pitch. "Not only is he a superstar on the pitch but also a nice and humble person," he said.Chhetri also hailed Modric's remarkable international career, which has seen him lead Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and win the 2018 Ballon d'Or. "What he has done for Croatia is outstanding," Chhetri said.Looking ahead to Euro 2024, Chhetri expressed his hope that Modric would remain injury-free and enjoy a successful tournament. "I just hope that he enjoys Euro 2024. I hope he doesn't have any injury or pain, I hope we can see as many minutes from him in the tournament," he said.Modric, who will turn 39 in September, may be playing in his final major international tournament at Euro 2024. Chhetri acknowledged this possibility, saying, "I am sure people like me and a lot of other fans are going to enjoy him playing for Croatia in a big tournament, probably for the last time."Modric's recent success with Real Madrid, where he won his sixth UEFA Champions League title, further cements his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Chhetri, who is now an expert panellist on Sony Sports Network's studio show Football Extraaa for UEFA EURO 2024, will be eagerly watching Modric's performance in the upcoming tournament.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has cautioned his players that the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund is the most "dangerous" match in football. The Italian, who has won the competition a record four times as a coach, emphasized that Los Blancos must approach the game with both excitement and trepidation.Despite being the record 14-time winners, Madrid are wary of the threat posed by the Bundesliga side. "A Champions League final is the most important game but also the most dangerous," Ancelotti said. "We have to enjoy being here, but knowing it can go wrong because we are close to the most important thing in football -- winning a Champions League -- but having the fear this can escape us."Madrid captain Nacho echoed Ancelotti's sentiments, admitting to feeling both confident and nervous. "We've got more nerves than in any other moment of the season," he said. "We're humans, it's a calm week for (some people) but for the players it's not. It's special, and that makes it not calm."Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, however, is approaching the match with a sense of parity. "Everyone thinks we are big favorites, but we don't think about it like that," he said. "It's 50-50, we're playing a big team that has had a magnificent season in the Champions League."Nacho, Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal could all reach six career Champions League wins with a victory over Dortmund, equaling the all-time record held by former Madrid great Paco Gento. "It was hard to imagine we'd get to this moment but we are here, very happy and enjoying this moment," said Modric. "I hope tomorrow we can take this step further, as a team and have six European Cups would be something big."Madrid's remarkable ability to turn games around in Europe was evident in their semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. "We prefer to take the lead if it's possible," said Modric. "But we've shown many times this year and before, that when things don't go well we fight until the end. We always find a way, we're capable of turning the game around. We keep having this mentality, this commitment and fight, but like I said, we'd prefer to take the lead."Ancelotti attributed Madrid's resilience to a combination of factors. "It's something special... it could be the history, the quality, the tradition, the character," he mused.The coach confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would start the final ahead of Andriy Lunin, resolving the main selection query ahead of the game. "Lunin had the flu and hasn't traveled with the team, tomorrow he will travel and will be on the bench -- Courtois will play tomorrow," said Ancelotti.