Modric faces up to his final chance for World Cup glory

Croatia head into their World Cup last-16 match against Denmark spearheaded by evergreen midfielder Luka Modric, a player his teammate Ivan Rakitic has compared to Spain's Andres Iniesta.

Four years with Iniesta at Barcelona and 11 alongside Modric for Croatia leaves Rakitic in a privileged position to judge two of the finest playmakers of the modern era.

"It seems like both of them are from different planets and they came to play football with us mortals," Rakitic said.

"Both of them are among the best players ever in their positions. You try to enjoy it as much as you can, to learn from them."
"He would maybe even be a Ballon D'Or winner. But because we are a smaller country, he does get less attention than he deserves."
"He is the type of player you enjoy to challenge yourself against. For the national team, he is more attacking than he is for Madrid."