Modric was unable to dictate play as much as he normally would
Modric said it was important to respect opponents in Qatar, including Morocco, describing the players as phenomenal and highly motivated.
They also topped their Nations League group ahead of World Cup holders France, Denmark and Austria, and head into the tournament on the back of a winning streak that culminated in a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their final warm-up friendly.
Croatia thrives on being considered underdogs and warned that the 2018 World Cup runners-up have what it takes to reach the final again.
There was however still some drama. Croatia were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute when Andrej Kramaric's toe was clipped by Yannick Carrasco and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia played at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.
anada's hopes of getting back into the contest were dashed when a curling cross from Perisic on the left was controlled by Kramaric, who shifted the ball onto his left foot and dispatched it low into the bottom corner in the 70th minute.
Carlos Alcaraz crashed to a humbling 6-3 7-6(4) defeat by Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan in the third round of the Italian Open.
Images from the FIFA World Cup Quarter-final match between Croatia and Brazil on Friday.
Images from the FIFA World Cup Group F match between Morocco and Croatia on Wednesday.
Images from the FIFA World Cup match between Croatia and Japan on Monday.
Images from the FIFA World Cup third place playoff match between Croatia and Morocco on Saturday.
Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalic said as he prepares his side for Thursday's decisive Group F showdown.
World Cup winner Argentina topped the FIFA rankings on Thursday for the first time in six years.
Mihaila late show for Romania stuns Swiss in thrilling draw
'The Museum of Broken Relationships is a poignant celebration of modern love... for anyone who has ever loved and lost.'
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is determined to give it his best shot in Paris to win the elusive Olympic gold medal.
"That is why we should see this match (against Egypt) mainly as a wake-up call. It was also useful in giving some players much-needed minutes."
The 17-year-old Indian defeated Zane Raye Rhodes Richards of the US 10-4 on points in the bronze medal contest.
Emraan is in Paris... Samir is in Maldives... Priyanka wishes Dr Chopra from LA...
Just where are the stars travelling? We find out.
Holders France failed to qualify for the final four of the Nations League when they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Croatia
A disbelieving Magda Linette continued her dream run at the Australian Open on Wednesday with a stunning victory over former world number one Karolina Pliskova to move into the semi-finals.
Harry Kane said his World Cup penalty miss that condemned England to a quarter-final exit will stay with him for the rest of his life.
A new chapter in the celebrated rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will unfurl on Thursday when they meet in an exhibition match as the Portugal forward gears up for his first game in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Nassr.
Evans, who recovered from illness to be part of the $15 million prize money event, showed his battling qualities to overcome Ramos-Vinolas
Glimpses from Sunday's Nations League matches.
Qatari Abdulrahman Al Jassim was appointed to referee the third-place match between Croatia and Morocco at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
Some of Argentina's most passionate fans can be found in towns and cities across football-crazy Kerala.
This is Argentina's 6th final and their second shot at the trophy in the last two attempts. They were beaten by Germany in the 2014 final.
A reshuffled France drew 1-1 away to Croatia in their second Nations League game on Monday, four days after an opening defeat by Denmark.
Reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest.
Proud Morocco want to build African legacy after World Cup run, says Regragui
A round-up of Friday's action in the UEFA Nations League.
Morocco change the mood for African football with exploits in Qatar
Having become the first African team into the semis, Morocco now face Croatia in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Croatia's defeat meant this could be the end of the road for Luka Modric as far as his international career is concerned.
'I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final'
'We were aware that if we didn't win it would be more complicated.'
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