Modrić vs Ronaldo, Portugal await Croatia in Toronto

Portugal on Thursday: Modrić vs Ronaldo, one last time

Croatia face Portugal in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday in Toronto (1) (2). Two 40-year-olds. Two careers that defined an era. One of Luka Modrić or Cristiano Ronaldo will play their final World Cup match. Your team booked this spot with a 2–1 win over Ghana, Petar Sucic scoring early. Now it gets real.

Bernardo Silva: Modrić is the role model

Bernardo Silva did not hold back. The Portugal midfielder called Modrić "a great role model on and off the pitch" ahead of Thursday's clash (1). High praise from a player who has shared a dressing room with some of the best. Modrić, at 40, still draws that kind of respect.

A Croatia player lit the fuse

One of your own went there. A Croatia international told the press that Cristiano Ronaldo is "not the best footballer" and added, "we've seen it's Messi" (4). No name was attached by the source, but the quote lands hours before the biggest match of the tournament. Portugal's dressing room will have seen it.