Роналду болон Модрич: 2026 оны Дэлхийн аваргад гялалзсан ахмад туршлагатнууд

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez says Selecao captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia’s Luka Modric remain “very important” in their 40s as the countries prepare to meet in the last 32 of the World Cup 2026 in Toronto on Friday.

Ronaldo scored twice against Uzbekistan during the group stage and is the oldest outfield participant at the finals at 41, while Modric – at 40 years and 291 days of age – became the oldest player to record an assist at the World Cup as Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to finish second in Group L.

“For those who want to talk about age, age is just a number,” reiterated Martinez, who emphasised the strength of Portugal’s squad rather than talking about Ronaldo when he was asked whether Goncalo Ramos should replace the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the first question of the coach’s pre-match press conference.

“It is what they do and the importance they have, with the example they set in the dressing room.

“Luka Modric is over 40 years old and the number of games he continues to play is very important. It is the same as our captain.”

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo and Modric ‘special’

Martinez has repeatedly defended Ronaldo since the start of the finals, with particularly intense scrutiny on the Al-Nassr striker before he ended a five-game wait for a World Cup goal on matchday two.

“We are talking about players who are above public opinion,” suggested Martinez, explaining the quality he believes sets the pair apart.

“They are above public opinion because their longevity makes them special. The longevity within the game for our captain and Luka Modric makes them icons of football.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric stats

Ronaldo has not played with any midfielder more than Modric, sharing a pitch 222 times together at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018.

Modric won the Champions League six times with Los Blancos, who were European champions four times when Ronaldo was on his way to becoming their all-time top scorer.

In 2018, Modric became the only player between 2008 and 2023 apart from Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo is his country’s record 143-goal scorer and has by far the most caps ever in men’s international football, winning 231.

Modric has 201 caps, making him one of four players on more than 200 alongside Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa and Argentina’s Messi, who both have 202.

World Cup 2026: Portugal ‘hungry’ vs Croatia

Martinez again praised the mentality of his players and said new Real Madrid signing Bernardo Silva, who left Manchester City at the end of last season, will return.

“We couldn’t risk him against Colombia because a yellow card would have [incurred a ban],” explained the Spaniard.

“Now we are in a situation where we start the second [stage of the] World Cup with all the players very hungry, with immense desire.

“I can say they are prepared because we had three matches that were important at that level. I can evaluate now the attitude, the commitment, the work of the players, which is exemplary.”

The Selecao finished second in Group K, drawing 1-1 with DR Congo and 0-0 with Colombia either side of that 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Portugal vs Croatia: Ronaldo ‘can finish it all’ at World Cup

Croatia also lost 4-2 to England and beat Panama 1-0, while Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo and 0-0 with Colombia.

“Portugal’s greatest quality is their technical football, their possession of the ball,” observed Vatreni coach Zlatko Dalic.

“They are truly high-quality there and can create a lot. They are a team that always aims for possession, possessing top-level technique.

“They can tire you out with their passing and ball retention. Their players feature at the best European clubs, winning European titles.

“When you look at them, that team has no weak spots in its line-up. It’s a compact team with depth and quality – and they have Ronaldo, who can finish it all and score at any moment.

“They are a complete team and a truly difficult task awaits us – the hardest possible job after the group stage.”

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