Exclusive: Modric calls for Croatia calm after demolishing Argentina

Luka Modric scored a wonder goal as Croatia hammered Argentina 3-0

Luka Modric insisted that Croatia must “keep two feet on the floor” after their 3-0 win over Argentina, but admitted feeling a sense of “euphoria” after the stunning victory.

Croatia sealed progression to the last 16 as they brushed a below-par Argentina aside with ease in Nizhny Novgorod, meaning a draw against Iceland in their final Group D match, regardless of what happens in the other group games, will see them top the group.

Willy Caballero’s mistake gifted Croatia the opener, emphatically capitalised upon by Ante Rebic, before a thunderbolt from Modric and a Ivan Rakitic tapin ensured a famous victory for Zlatko Dalic’s side.

“We know that if you are going to beat Argentina, you have to play the perfect match’” Modric said after the match. “We are very happy with our performance, especially second half.

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“In the first half they had more possession but we did not allow them to have all the space to create any big chances. They created some from our mistakes, but is normal that one of the best teams in the world will create chances. In the second half everything went our way.

“We do not have to think about this [being dark horses for the World Cup]. Now we have entered some kind of euphoria but we have to stay calm, continue what we are doing, and stay with two feet on the floor. We must think about the next opponent and not talk about crazy things. We have to be calm.

“We have a great squad, a great team, and great belief about us and hopefully we will continue to play the same way.”

Modric’s goal ended Argentina’s hopes of getting back into the match in the 80th minute, shifting the ball onto his right foot before firing an unstoppable effort past Caballero from 25 yards – a strike that particularly pleased the Real Madrid midfielder.

“For sure it will go down as one of my favourites,” Modric added. Certainly for the national team it is one of the best goals I have scored.

“But, for me, what is most important is the victory.”