Casemiro and Luka Modric, two pillars of Real Madrid’s unprecedented success in the Champions League, met in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday.

For only the second time in their glittering careers, the two faced off as opponents, months after their partnership was ended after the Brazilian joined Manchester United.

Alongside Toni Kroos in midfield, the star-studded trio won five Champions League titles and lifted three La Liga crowns as well as a raft of cup trophies at both domestic and club level.

Such is their respect for each other and indeed for the occasion, Modric and Casemiro swapped shirts at half-time at Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan.

The two exchanged jerseys after a tight opening 45 minutes as they were waking off the pitch.

The winner of the quarter-final between Croatia and tournament favourites Brazil will play either the Netherlands or Argentina in the final four as the World Cup approaches its business end.