Match at De Kuip kicks off at 7.45pm (BST)Joselu hits late winner to send Spain past Italy and into finalShare your thoughts with Daniel via email or on Twitter
There are certain words and phrases that you rarely hear in and around football these days – “dubbin”, “hospital pass” and “integrity” say. And “schemer”, which the Cambridge dictionary defines as “someone who makes clever, secret plans, often to deceive others”, which in our context also encompasses imagination, dexterity and control – usually by someone physically diminutive.
Which subtle segue brings us to Luka Modric, the schemer’s schemer and perhaps the last of his type, a gorgeously inventive sprite with chammy feet, double-jointed hips and Mozart’s mind. This might be the last time we see him in the international game, but what a run it’s been, taking in a World Cup final, a World Cup third place … and tonight. Can Croatia finally take a debut title?
About Author
More Stories
Triple M host Marty Sheargold departs after being condemned for comparing Matildas to ‘year 10 girls’
Innes Fitzgerald, ‘Greta Thunberg of sport’, in first senior athletics squad
Moving the Goalposts | How can women’s football hold on to its unique selling point amid rising abuse?