Croatia are into the final stages of the World Cup in Qatar after holding off Belgium. In the last 16 they will play against japan for a place in the quarterfinals. It was a tough and tense match against Belgium and after the game the captain and midfield ace, Luka Modric, was awarded the Man of the Match.

Modric stated after the match that “We are overjoyed to be in the round of 16. I think we deserved it, especially with the way we played in the last two games. We left everything on the pitch, from the first to the last player. And the headquarters and the entire team that is in Doha. We all live for this. We achieved our first goal, passing the group. Now let's move on. We showed that we are a top team and that we can play against anyone."

He was also asked if he were to give the trophy for the best player in the match with Belgium to one of his teammates, who would he give it to.

"I think the whole team deserved this trophy. How we played, how we fought and died for each other, how we represented Croatia... I think any player deserves this trophy."

Photo - HNS