Modrić and Perišić set a new record against Portugal and wrote the history of European football
In the match between Croatia and Portugal at Poljud, which ended 1:1, Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić wrote history. With this result, Croatia secured a place in the final of the League of Nations as the second-placed team in the group, but the match was also marked by a special record of two legends.
Modrić and Perišić played their 119th game together for the national team, making them the tandem with the most appearances together in the history of European football. With this, they broke the record of Estonians Marko Kristal and Martin Reim, who together played 118 games for their national team between 1992 and 2005.
Their joint story has been going on for 13 years, and both have left an indelible mark on Croatian football. Luka Modrić, with 184 appearances, is the absolute record holder for the number of matches for the national team, while Perišić is second on that list with 140 appearances.
When it comes to goals, with 33 goals, Perišić is in second place in the ranking of the best scorers in Croatia, alongside Marija Mandžukićwhile in front of them is the only one Davor Šuker with 45 goals. Luka Modrić, although a midfielder, ranks sixth with 27 goals.
This record is not just a number – it is a confirmation of their incredible contribution and perseverance in the Croatian jersey. Modrić and Perišić are not only footballers, but symbols of a golden era of Croatian football.
