As expected, the Croatian Cowboys’ 2023 World Championships ended today after a 43-32 win against Bahrain, which unfortunately leaves them trailing both Denmark and Egypt in the final group standings, with only two teams advancing. Croatia put up an admirable fight after their opening day 9-goal loss to Egypt, but were always going to need a minor miracle to advance given the circumstances; and were officially eliminated with Denmark’s 30-25 victory over Egypt.
The unfortunate reality is that while Croatia are certainly still one of the top eight teams in the world, they have underperformed in the past few years in major tournaments and seem to be entering a phase where they likely won’t be competing for medals for a few years. Croatia can still leave with their head held high though after going toe-to-toe and tying 2x reigning World Champions, Denmark, who are certainly still the favorite heading into the quarterfinals. We have to hope that the next generation is ready soon given that Croatia will be a co-host of the 2025 World Championships in only two years.
So, where does today’s elimination leave Croatian handball moving forward? Croatia are already well on their way to qualifying for next year’s Euros, topping their group currently, with home and away matches coming up in March against the Netherlands. As insignificant as finishing 9th overall in a World Championships is, it does mean that with today’s win, Croatia in all likelihood will have qualified for the 2024 Olympics qualifying tournament (presuming one of the teams that finished 1st-8th wins next year’s Euros and Egypt wins the 2024 African Cup, which if either were to not occur, it would be a major surprise). After unexpectedly missing the 2020 Olympics, expectations will be high that Croatia can at least qualify for the 2024 version in Paris.
There are rumors running around about luka will join Ronaldo In Saudi Arabia
Or at least not extending contract in Madrid
If it’s true crappy he couldn’t retire there
But may as well get paid last year or two. Even tho he doesn’t need the money. Why not. His great grandchildren will thank him
And he can still stay in good shake while not killing himself and give us a half a game at euros potentially
He’s always said he wanted to retire at Madrid, but I’ve also seen the rumors that he won’t extend, which are coupled with his simultaneous benching…I think Real know they need to freshen up their midfield and I’m not sure Luka wants to stay on to be a bench player, so wouldn’t be surprised to see him go. I would hope it wouldn’t be to Saudi Arabia though.
Tomorrow is the Nations League Draw – let’s see who Croatia pull out of the hat.
Where should He go? MLS?
I feel he likes it in Spain tho
Family is settled there
But maybe the states would be attractive being the new world and all
He’s still got lots to give. Maybe Madrid needs to move on and I think while luka doesn’t mind taking that bit of a secondary role for Croatia
His day to day hunger to play is obviously still there
His goal that he just did in training thats been circulating shows his obvious skill set and his absolute joy to play and compete still
He should team up with Rakitić at Sevilla! If Rakitić and Jesus Navas can still start there, then Luka Modrić certainly can.
If he’s being offered 200 million Euro per season…and this Saudi team is giving him a guaranteed deal for 2 or 3 years…then he’d be a fool not to take it.
He’s at the end of his career. He’s done everything and proven everything.
He’s currently making something like 17 million Euros per year (after so many years of being underpaid) and he’s still making almost 10 million less than bums like Eden Hazard.
If he can snag a tax-free 9 figure amount from these desperate Arabs, then he should do it. He could do so much for his hometown and with money like that, by re-investing it back into Croatia.
He may be a millionaire but he was underpaid for a decade, with most of his cash was taxed away…and the money he did make probably won’t make much of a difference outside of his life and his family around him.
Half a billion dollars of tax-free money, however, could do so much in the hands of a selfless character like Modric. It’s almost irresponsible for him to not take this contract (if offered).
I agree. He should go to Saudi Arabia. Take the money while he still can. He will start slowing down rather quickly now. It’s already starting to happen a bit.
I know it hurts to hear this but time will win this game.
Luka do whatever your heart tells you to. You owe nobody nothing.
What needs to happen is sack the coach Horvat and find a new coach ASAP. Horvat has been a disaster, failing at last year’s EURO and also failing to get us to Tokyo Olympics. Maybe it is time for his assistant coach and legend Ivano Balic to take over.