One last dance: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric share touching moment after World Cup classic

Croatian Luka Modric (10) and Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (7) are healthy (AP) The two celestial bodies orbited each other, a thousand cameras waiting with baited breath, pausing to merge. While Luka Modric, devastated after the crushing defeat that ended a sparkling two-decade-old international career, acknowledged the wishes of his Portuguese rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo shook hands as usual with a big sign of relief on his face. The snickometer, a microchip in the ball, the technology introduced at Qatar 2022 but not the most commonly used tool, just denied Croatia a late equalizer in the biggest draw of the round of 32 to help Portugal win a 2-1 thriller in Toronto.

Portugal vs Croatia

Ronaldo converted a penalty on the hour mark before being substituted and Goncalo Ramos’ injury-time header sent Portugal into a thrilling round of 16 meeting with old Iberian foes Spain, the European champions. But so far it was about Ronaldo and Modric. The ageless Croatian said before the World Cup that he would retire after the exhibition event. Katia Aveiro, the tireless Portuguese’s sister, has all but confirmed that it will be her brother’s “last dance”. As the shadows lengthened in Ontario, the two champions, once teammates, now rivals, finally said their goodbyes after all had been won and lost. A hug, a few words, a moment of mutual appreciation summed up all the years of hard work they had put together. Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 and Modric joined four years later. Together they formed a unit that won the legendary Spanish club four Champions League titles in five years.

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Modric was one of the main architects behind the incredible stardom that Ronaldo achieved during those years. The Croatian champion may not have always received his share of honours; the highlight came in 2018 when he beat Ronaldo to the Ballon d’Or after winning the Champions League and scripted a memorable World Cup campaign in which Croatia finished runners-up to France. At Juventus then, Ronaldo could believe that he deserved the award. But eight years later, on Thursday, bitterness, if any, appeared to be a thing of the past. For now, it was a time to bask in the soft light of what was left of the day. Modric, 40, typically played his part and pulled Croatia’s strings. He seemed desperate to take this Croatian golden generation, now in its twilight, a step further, from passing from deeper positions to whipping in crosses. But the ever-changing technology in sports had a final challenge. A moment that could have been a moment of genuine joy would now forever be etched in Modric’s mind as a scar that finally brought the curtains down on a brilliant career. As Josko Guardiol bundled the ball in, the cameras immediately caught Ronaldo sitting on the touchline. If the goal stood, he knew it would be very difficult for Portugal to pull it back in extra time. Croatia would have all the momentum in the world and Portugal would find it very difficult to match the relentless Croatians in midfield. The test will be tougher in the coming week, with the great Spain standing in the way. Martinez will have his plans to make the most of the old man, who usually saves his best, remember that amazing hat-trick in 2018?, against the Spaniards. And much of the football world (which may include old pal Modric) will be hoping Cristiano Ronaldo has one more dance.