In the early hours of Tuesday morning (25th), Croatia will face a crucial Europa League Group B clash with Italy. If they fail to win, Croatia will face elimination from the tournament, where they could lose three of their key players - the experienced Modić, Bilec and Dumacoveda. Captain Modić has vowed to "do everything we can" to win.
Croatia currently has only one point, and a draw would give them only two points. The prospect of advancing to third place in the group is a worrying one. Veteran midfielder Modi Li, wing forward Bileksi and 35-year-old center Duma Govinda will all be celebrating their international farewells, and their ages of 38, 35 and 35 signify that their international careers are coming to an end.
In fact, these three players are at the end of their careers. As the third captain, Duma Govinda did not play in either of the group stage matches this year, and the call-up by leader Daljevic may have been more out of emotional support to help stabilize the troops. Vice-captain Bilecik joined the Croatian team in January and is expected to hang up his boots next season. Last season, Modi Li lost his starting position in Real Madrid, after a one-year contract extension, I believe that next season he will be fully committed to the "Galaxy" battle, but the national team may be difficult to take care of the game.
After Croatia's draw with Albania, Modi Cali was depressed and sat on the pitch. He seemed to realize that his national team career was coming to an end. Faced with the challenge of Italy, he had no choice but to "burn the last drop of oil", suggesting that if he went out, he might say goodbye to the national team.
