DOHA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Croatia midfielder Luka Modric gave one of the examples of sportsmanship in the FIFA World Cup on Friday night after helping his side knock Brazil out of the tournament.
The 37-year-old was outstanding for Croatia in the game and then buried his penalty in the shootout that came after 120 minutes of football.
Croatia won the shootout 4-2 after Brazil's Rodrygo saw his penalty saved and Marquinhos sent his against the woodwork.
Modric and Rodrygo share a dressing room at Real Madrid and one of the images of the night was of the veteran consoling the 21-year-old after his miss, taking his head in his hands and looking him in the eye.
"This will make you stronger. Everyone makes mistakes: I love you man, 'animo'" Modric is reported to have told Rodrygo.
Croatia now looks ahead to their semifinal against Argentina as they aim for their second World Cup final in four years. ■
