Croatia captain Luka Modric has admitted feeling “ashamed” after his side suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat to England in the Nations League on Saturday.
The 41-year-old midfielder described the heavy loss in Rijeka as a “catastrophic night”, saying it was the first time in his 20-year international career that he had experienced such an emotion after a match.
Modric, who made his 205th appearance for Croatia, criticized his team’s lack of aggression, togetherness and competitiveness during the defeat.
“You can’t play football like that… we looked like we had four or five players less,” the AC Milan midfielder said.
“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness and togetherness.
“I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.”
Croatia had started Slaven Bilic’s second spell as manager with a 2-1 away victory over the Czech Republic, before suffering a 4-1 defeat against world champions Spain.
Despite the setback, Croatia remained level on points with England ahead of Saturday’s encounter and had an opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for the Nations League quarter-finals.
However, England dominated from the outset, taking a 5-0 lead before Modric was substituted in the 57th minute. Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka also found the net.
Saka added another goal after Modric’s departure, before Morgan Rogers completed the rout.
Modric acknowledged that England were currently the better side but said Croatia’s manner of defeat was unacceptable.
“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now,” he said.
“But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable. It was a catastrophic night for Croatia.”
Croatia, who reached the World Cup final in 2018 and finished third in 2022, will now look to recover when they host Spain in Split on Tuesday.
The team will subsequently face England away on November 12 before concluding their Nations League campaign against the Czech Republic on November 15.
Modric urged his teammates to remain united and restore the fighting spirit that has characterised Croatia’s recent international success.
“We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us,” he said.
“We have to show our true colours, that there is defiance and pride in us, desire, willingness and togetherness. These things cannot be lost overnight.”
(BBC Sports)
