Modric won a penalty in Croatia’s opener, and personally delivered another penalty in extra time to seal the victory for Dalic’s side. With the Real Madrid star nearing the end of his stellar career, coach Dalic only hopes he can summon the player in the near future. Earlier, after leading Croatia to victory over Morrocco in the third place match at the World Cup in Qatar, Modric only said he wanted to “keep playing until at least the Nations League and then we’ll see”.

“He could be the one to help us win the gold medal,” coach Dalic said, before talking about Modric’s future. “Luka will decide for herself after the final, but with him in the squad we are so much better, we have a lot more quality.” Meanwhile, coach Ronald Koeman of the Netherlands also did not regret praising Modric: “Only one word: great! Sometimes there’s a player who plays so decisively and so well that I like to watch.”

Thousands of Croatian fans dressed in red and white chanted “Luka! Luka! Luka!” after the 37-year-old star scored from the penalty spot in the 116th minute on Wednesday. It was Modric’s 165th game for Croatia. “We couldn’t believe how many Croatian fans were in this stadium. That’s really extraordinary,” Modric said. “They give us great support and that’s what drives us and moves us forward.”

Croatia will play Sunday’s final against the winner of today’s semi-final 2 between Italy and Spain. While, also on Sunday, the Netherlands will play the third place match against the loser of the 2nd semi-final.