40 year old Luka Modrić is set to make his fifth World Cup appearance as the Croatian National team officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup from their 3-1 victory over Faroe Islands. Modrić came on in the 62nd minute and was very vital for the Croatian side. He has made 193 appearances for the Croatian national team with 28 goals and 31 assists. They are now the third European team to qualify for the tournament.
Match Summary
Although a lot had changed since their 3-0 victory over Gibraltar las month, they still looked dangerous on the attack early in the game. Petar Sučić lost the first chance after Ivan Perišić sent in a superb cross.
Joško Gvardiol’s loss of possession in the 15th minute cost the home side to trail by one as Géza Turi made a run to the edge of the area and fired a shot that was deflected past Dominik Livaković.
Gvardiol was able to redeem himself in the 22nd minute from a looped header against the post by Jákup Andreasen. His left-footed strike drilled past Mattias Lamhauge leveling for the hosts.
Foroe made another incredible run at goal through Hanus Sørensen with Livaković stretching his left foot to deny them a second goal. Luka Modrić then began to cause trouble for the visitors with his first shot of the day coming from 20 yards almost beating the goalkeeper who just palmed it away.
Croatia were made to work hard to get the game in their possession as the second half progressed. Modrić again spewed life to his side, mounting pressure on the visitors. They got a well deserved lead shortly after Andrej Kramatić somehow missed a free-header from an unmarked position in the box. The second goal came from Petar Musa who made a lovely control and shot into the net.
Foroe then responded by putting 10 men behind the ball but this only invited more attacks, and Perišić came very close to extending their lead. Following that effort, he was able to outpace Viljormur Davidson and make a great cross which Nikola Vlašić volleyed home at the far end of the post.
The hosts then kept possession for the remainder of the game although Petar Knudsen and Andreasen made great efforts late on. This is Faroe’s fifth defeat in six away games and has ended their hopes of qualifying for next summer’s tournament.
Upcoming fixtures
Croatia will face Montenegro on Monday night with out any implications as they are already through to the next round.
Meanwhile, Faroe Islands will host Kazakhstan on Tuesday evening.
