Two of international football's most enduring stars, Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, are set to meet on the pitch for what could be the final time when Croatia faces Portugal in the last 32 of the World Cup. Modric, 40, will earn his 202nd cap for Croatia, while Ronaldo, 41, will make his 232nd appearance for Portugal.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The match, hosted in Toronto, marks the fifth international meeting between the two nations, with Portugal having won all four previous encounters. Croatia will look to break that streak against a Portuguese side led by Ronaldo, who has been a dominant force in international football for over two decades.
Modric made his debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006, in a 3-2 victory over Argentina, a match in which Lionel Messi scored his first international goal. On the same evening, Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Since then, both players have amassed over 200 caps, joining an elite group that includes only four men in football history.
Parallel Careers
Ronaldo had already won 29 caps when Modric debuted, but the gap has only widened by one cap over 20 years. Their commitment to international football has been remarkable, with both players consistently answering their countries' call. Their cumulative appearances have grown at nearly identical rates, underscoring their longevity and dedication.
Their club paths first crossed in the 2008-09 Carling Cup final, where Manchester United defeated Tottenham Hotspur on penalties. Later, they faced off in the 2010-11 Champions League quarter-finals after Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid. They became teammates at Real Madrid for six seasons, winning the Champions League four times together. One of their most memorable moments came in the 2017 final, when Modric set up Ronaldo for a goal that put Madrid 3-1 up against Juventus.
A Shared Legacy
Modric and Ronaldo have shared the pitch 222 times, making Modric the central midfielder with whom Ronaldo has played most frequently. Their reunion at the World Cup is a testament to their enduring quality and dedication to the sport.
According to Andrew Beasley, 'Their shared commitment to international football is to be applauded.' Whether Croatia can finally defeat Portugal or not, this match will be remembered as a significant moment in the careers of two football legends.
