Talk with Modric saved Croatian goalkeeper career

* Argentina - Croatia: 2:00 pm on December 14, on MetaSports.

The conversation between Modric and Livakovic is revealed in the documentary called "Captain" of FIFA. Modric is one of six captains appearing in this film, alongside Thiago Silva (Brazil), Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Andre Blake (Jamaica), Hassan Maatouk (Lebanon) and Brian Kaltack (Vanuatu).

"In these moments, the most important thing is for teammates to feel supported and to have someone behind them. The goalkeeper's situation is quite special. They are lonely," Modric said in the comment section received. inserted in the movie.

Livakovic was first called up to the Croatia national team in a friendly match against Moldova in May 2016. He made his national team debut against Chile in the 2017 China Cup friendly, where Croatia lost 1-4 in a penalty shootout. Livakovic was a member of the Croatian team that reached the 2018 World Cup final, but only served as a substitute for Danijel Subasic and did not play a minute.

It was not until June 2019 that Livakovic was first started for Croatia in the match against Wales in the third round of Euro 2020 qualifying. But despite having the number one position in the wooden frame, this 1995-born goalkeeper still lacks. stability. He made many mistakes in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and made Croatia wait until the end of November 14, 2021 to win tickets to Qatar with a 1-0 victory over Russia at home.

Modric's conversation with Livakovic took place during the final gathering of the Croatian team in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

"I wouldn't talk to you, if I wasn't interested. But I don't see you improving. Maybe you're under too much pressure? You're creating uncertainty and that affects the team as a whole. ", Modric opened up to Livakovic.

At that time, Livakovic was often demoralized, making many mistakes in matches. Therefore, Modric encourages his juniors to be good goalkeepers, but to put aside their fears.

"Why can't you make mistakes? I feel like your problem is fear of making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Name one person who never makes mistakes. I didn't come here out of fear. It only makes things worse," the 37-year-old midfielder said.

According to Marca, Livakovic's career took a different turn after talking with Modric. In 2022, this goalkeeper has continuously improved to shine brightly at the World Cup in Qatar. He saved three Japanese penalties in the round of 16, equaling his compatriot Subasic in 2018 and Portugal's Ricardo in 2006.

In the quarter-final against Brazil, Livakovic made 11 saves - breaking the record of a Croatian goalkeeper at the World Cup, helping Croatia keep the score 1-1 after 120 minutes. In the gunfight, he blocked Rodrygo's first kick, creating a good psychological momentum for his teammates to successfully shoot all four first rounds and win 4-2. This performance helped goalkeeper Dinamo Zagreb receive the "Player of the Match" award for the second time in a row.

Today, Livakovic and his teammates will meet Argentina in the semi-finals at Lusail Stadium.