Just after the end of the penalty shootout in which Croatia defeated Brazil to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup on Friday night, Croatia’s Luka Modrić consoled his Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo Goes.
“Come on, this will make you stronger. Everyone makes mistakes. You’ll get stronger. I love you,” Modrić told Rodrygo, who missed the first of Brazil’s penalties, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Modrić and Rodrygo have a close relationship, to the point that the former calls the latter “son” and Rodrygo calls the veteran midfielder “dad”.
Neymar scored his 77th goal at senior level for Brazil midway through extra-time to open the scoring at Education City Stadium.
Bruno Petkovic equalised in the 117th minute for Croatia, who won 4-2 on penalties.
PSG forward Neymar suggested after the match he may have played his final game for the Seleção, though he will hold off from making an official decision.
Modrić, 37, is the leader of a Croatia side that has advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament and will face Argentina next.
GSFN | Kieran Quaile
