10 players with the most to prove
By Harvey Cruz
There’s no greater opportunity for a player to shine than at the World Cup. Of the 736 players in Russia, these 10 have the most to prove.
The World Cup is almost upon us. The biggest sporting event in the world, an opportunity, if all goes well, for players to become household names or, if it doesn’t, national embarrassments. Some players, of course, are under more pressure than others.
The World Cup may no longer be the height of the game — that mantle has been taken by the Champions League — but it remains the biggest stage in the sport. A successful World Cup can launch, or justify, an entire career. These 10 players have the most to prove in Russia.
10. Luka Modric
One of the best midfielders of his generation, Luka Modric has won it all at club level, and enters the World Cup on the back of his third consecutive Champions League title. For his country, however, success has been harder to come by. A World Cup trophy would be asking too much given Croatia’s squad, but that doesn’t mean Modric can’t shine.
In Brazil in 2014, Modric captained a Croatia side tipped by many to make a decent run at the tournament. Instead, they fell to Brazil in the opener before a loss to Mexico in the final group match dumped them out of the tournament. Euro 2016 was an opportunity to make amends, but after beating Spain in the group stage, Croatia lost to Portugal in the first knockout round.
The World Cup may be Modric’s last chance to make an impression at a major tournament. Croatia were drawn in a tough group with Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria, but they have the talent to win it. Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic and Milan Badeji will line up alongside Modric in midfield, while Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic and Nikola Kalinic are great options in attack.
At 32 and with over 100 caps for his country, Modric will know the time to deliver is now. No one’s expecting Croatia to win the tournament, but such a talented generation of players should be capable of a run to the quarterfinals. If they’re to make it that far, they’ll need Modric to be at his wonderful best.