"I hope this is not Modric's last World Cup"

Centre-back Josko Gvardiol is one of the big names at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Croatia are still in with a chance of reaching the last 8, where they will face Japan led by veteran midfielder Luka Modric.
"When you arrive at the national team and you see with you a midfield where Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic are playing, everything is easier. You don't think negatively or fear anyone. I hope this won't be Luka's last World Cup, but I also hope this is the year we can use him to do something great," said the defender.
The RB Leipzig centre-back could play at left-back against the Japanese side due to Borna Sosa's injury problems. Gvardiol is confident that he will not have to go to penalties to settle the Round of 16 clash, but he is not hiding. "I would trust the more experienced players who are better shooters to take penalties, but if it comes to it and I have to take the responsibility, I would do it," he said.
The centre-back highlights Japanese football's strengths. He knows several members of the Asian team because they play in the Bundesliga, just like him. "I know them well. They fight for 90 minutes and don't give up until the end," he said.