Netherlands 2-4 Croatia: Luka Modric shines in Nations League semi-final thriller as hosts beaten in extra-time | Football News

Extra-time objectives from Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric noticed Croatia defeat the Netherlands in their Nations League semi-final. Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic had turned the tie after Donyell Malen’s opener earlier than Noa Lang 96th-minute equaliser

Luka Modric sealed an extra-time win for Croatia as they upset hosts Netherlands to safe an exciting 4-2 win in their Nations League semi-final.

The Netherlands had scored a 96th-minute equaliser via Noa Lang to take the tie to extra-time earlier than Bruno Petkovic restored Croatia’s lead with a surprising aim. But it was becoming that Luka Modric, 37, had the ultimate say from the spot after one other age-defying masterclass.

Donyell Malen’s low end had given the house aspect the sting in a primary half of few probabilities as Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands aspect put themselves in a great place to progress to the ultimate again at De Kuip on Sunday. But that was as good as it bought for his disjointed crew.

Cody Gakpo’s error inside his personal field modified issues. His free contact misplaced possession and he then introduced down the veteran Modric on the event of his 165th cap. Andrej Kramaric’s coolly taken spot-kick levelled issues up and Croatia had momentum.

They took the lead in the 72nd minute when the difficult Luka Ivanusec engineered area in the left channel and when the cross got here in, Virgil van Dijk didn’t do sufficient to forestall Mario Palasic turning the ball residence. That gave the impression to be it with Croatia in management.

But Lang conjured an equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage-time to ship the group wild and there was some hope that their power would carry them via. Croatia, with Modric to the fore, had different concepts and took the lead once more because of a superb aim by Petkovic.

He rolled Frenkie de Jong and whipped his shot previous Van Dijk and into the nook of the web. There was no comeback this time. A wild problem on Petkovic from Tyrell Malacia conceded a second penalty and Modric did the remaining. Deserved winners. The star of the present.

Player of the match: Luka Modric

UEFA’s technical panel had a simple resolution with their participant of the match award for this one. “A fantastic overall performance. He is the true leader of this team. He controlled the rhythm of play and his football intelligence is amazing.”

That man is Modric. One extra magical evening for the maestro. He took a short while to settle however as soon as he did he was in a position to take management of this contest. The Netherlands had been as soon as the masters of the passing sport however they may not come near him right here.

Modric is near the top now, certainly. At the World Cup in Qatar, he was wonderful however he did tire – hooked in extra-time in opposition to Japan, for instance, with progress in the steadiness. No signal of that in Rotterdam. He helped make the distinction in extra-time.

Quite a lot of passes stood out. One with the skin of his proper boot. Another together with his instep that carved an angle via the opposition defence, drawing gasps from the group. He was allowed his bow seconds earlier than the ultimate whistle and obtained an ovation.

His worldwide future past this competitors is unsure but when Sunday’s last again in this similar stadium is to be the top of the highway it may show a becoming finale. Croatia have by no means gained a global match. Thanks to Modric, they’re one sport away once more.

What’s subsequent?

Croatia will play both Spain or Italy, who face one another on Thursday at 7.45pm, in Sunday’s last. Kick-off 7.45pm.

The Netherlands face the loser of the opposite semi-final in a third-place play-off on Sunday at 2pm.