Modric and Rakitic: Probably the two most emblematic footballers of CroatiaвЂ™s fairy-tale march to a World Cup final 15 months ago, and not only because they had been for so long commanders in the midfields of two of the game'sВ most decorated clubs. Scotland's European Championship struggles an unwanted reminder of a calamitous past Rakitic has, like Modric, started just one league match this season for the Spanish champions, and as he arrived for national team duty this week, he acknowledged: 'I don't know what's ahead.' Over in Barcelona, Modric's compatriot, Ivan Rakitic, also celebrated a four-goal fiesta last weekend, though as a minor participant in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Sevilla, a 70th-minute substitute. It had been a while since the Bernabeu celebrated moment of 'Ballon d'Or class' from the Croatian voted as the best male player on earth for 2018. He made a conspicuous error to give away a goal in the humbling 2-2 draw against Bruges in the Champions League. He was sent off in the opening league match - a brutal decision - and with suspension and injury issues, has not featured in the starting XI in La Liga since. For most of this season, Modric has been the most understated of Ballon d'Or holders. 'Modric should shoot more from that range,' suggested Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. 'Now that's Ballon d'Or class,' purred one commentator. For Madridistas the identity of the scorer was appreciated as much as the impact on the scoreline. Few better goals than Luka Modric's, a rising thunderbolt from 25 yards at the Bernabeu, were struck anywhere last weekend.

Croatia v Hungary, Thursday, 10.45pm, UAEДЄfter the roar of approval, the hint of relief.

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