They are disrespectful – Modric hit back at English media
Luka Modric hit back at the media after Croatia advanced to their first World Cup final with a 2-1 semi-final win over England .
The Real Madrid midfielder played a key role in the second half as Croatia came from behind to win with goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic turning their fortunes and setting up a final with France.
Much was made of Croatia’s gruelling run to the semi-final with their previous two games going to penalties, but Modric, 32, said the team used talk about them being tired as a motivation.
“Their journalists and pundits on television were talking prior to this match about us being tired, being the walking dead,” he told beIN SPORTS .
“Those words from them gave us even more eagerness to prove them wrong. They should be more humble and respectful.
“When you play a semi-final, it is impossible to be tired. You know how much is at stake. We showed that. Apart from against Argentina, that was our best game.”
Croatia also made the semi-finals in 1998, when they lost to eventual winners France, and Modric says his team deserved to go one better and reach Sunday’s decider.