Real Madrid star Luka Modric is expected to captain his Croatia national team from the start in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Malta at the National Stadium, according to Croatian media.
The 2018 Ballon D’Or winner was in doubt for this game due to a virus that forced to him to miss Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano, last weekend.
In the build-up for this game, coach Zlatko Dalic had said that should Modric recover in time for this game, he would definitely be in the starting formation as he does not want any complacency from his team despite facing 173rd-ranked Malta.
He is expected to be partnered by Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic in a two-man midfield behind the attacking quarter which is expected to include Ivan Perisic, also of Inter, and Mario Pasalic of Atalanta.
Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric is tipped to start as the sole forward in the 4-2-3-1.
Croatia’s expected starting formation:
D. Livakovic; B. Sosa, J. Guardiol, D. Caleta-Car, J. Juranovic; M. Brozovic, L. Modric; I. Perisic, M. Pasalic, L. Majer; A. Kramaric.
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 weeks agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 month agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoSaudi Arabia formally launches bid for 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia formally launched its bid to host the 2034 World Cup on Friday,...
By AFP