<p>Real Madrid's forwards have failed to fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric said on Monday (March 4).</p>

<p>The Croatian, speaking ahead of Real's Champions League last-16, second-leg clash with Ajax on Tuesday (March 5), said his team lacked consistency and goals this season.</p>

<p>Madrid failed to score in two Clasicos against Barcelona last week, being eliminated from the Copa del Rey and then falling 12 points behind the Catalan league leaders, leaving retaining the Champions League as their only realistic hope of glory.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, the European champions' all-time top scorer, left in July to join Juventus and Madrid signed young attackers Vinicius Junior and Mariano Diaz but, according to Modric, no one has stepped to replace the Portuguese.</p>

<p>"Some (players) had to step up and well, not score 50 goals but at least what we are missing. 20 goals. I'm not going to give names but two or three players should have scored 15 or 20 goals or 10 goals but we don't have that," Modric said.</p>

<p>Vinicius Junior has been Madrid's driving force over the past few weeks but the 18-year-old has scored only three goals this season.</p>

<p>Club record signing Bale has 13 goals from 33 appearances in all competitions, while top scorer Benzema has netted 20 from 42.</p>

<p>Madrid hold a 2-1 lead over Ajax from the first leg and coach Santiago Solari hopes the team can progress despite the ban on captain Sergio Ramos for getting himself deliberately booked in the first leg.</p>

<p>Asked about rumours linking Jose Mourinho with a return to his former club, Solari dismissed the rumours, jokingly saying Real Madrid have more wooers than Julia Roberts.</p>


Real Madrid's forwards have failed to fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric said on Monday (March 4). The Croatian, speaking ahead of Real's Champions League last-16, second-leg clash with Ajax on Tuesday (March 5), said his team lacked consistency and goals this season.

Real Madrid's forwards have failed to fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric said on Monday (March 4). The Croatian, speaking ahead of Real's Champions League last-16, second-leg clash with Ajax on Tuesday (March 5), said his team lacked consistency and goals this season. Madrid failed to score in two Clasicos against Barcelona last week, being eliminated from the Copa del Rey and then falling 12 points behind the Catalan league leaders, leaving retaining the Champions League as their only realistic hope of glory. Ronaldo, the European champions' all-time top scorer, left in July to join Juventus and Madrid signed young attackers Vinicius Junior and Mariano Diaz but, according to Modric, no one has stepped to replace the Portuguese. "Some (players) had to step up and well, not score 50 goals but at least what we are missing. 20 goals. I'm not going to give names but two or three players should have scored 15 or 20 goals or 10 goals but we don't have that," Modric said. Vinicius Junior has been Madrid's driving force over the past few weeks but the 18-year-old has scored only three goals this season. Club record signing Bale has 13 goals from 33 appearances in all competitions, while top scorer Benzema has netted 20 from 42. Madrid hold a 2-1 lead over Ajax from the first leg and coach Santiago Solari hopes the team can progress despite the ban on captain Sergio Ramos for getting himself deliberately booked in the first leg. Asked about rumours linking Jose Mourinho with a return to his former club, Solari dismissed the rumours, jokingly saying Real Madrid have more wooers than Julia Roberts.

Luka Modric says players have failed to fill Cristiano Ronaldo's boots

<p>Croatia captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=luka+modric">Luka Modric</a> was named Balkan Athlete of the Year on Thursday, becoming only the second football player to scoop the prize after Bulgaria's former European Footballer of the Year Hristo Stoichkov in 1994.</p>

<p>Ballon d'Or winner Modric won the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with his Spanish club Real Madrid as well as being instrumental in helping Croatia reach the World Cup final in Russia. He was awarded the tournament's Golden Ball Award.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old, who received 75 points in the 46th poll, organised by Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), beat Serbia's world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, who topped the annual poll five times in a row between 2011 and 2015.</p>

<p>Another tennis player, Romania's Simona Halep, who finished the year as women's world number one for the second consecutive season, came third in the poll, which is conducted by the state-run news agencies in nine Balkan countries.</p>


Croatia captain Luka Modric was named Balkan Athlete of the Year on Thursday, becoming only the second football player to scoop the prize after Bulgaria's former European Footballer of the Year Hristo Stoichkov in 1994.

Croatia captain Luka Modric was named Balkan Athlete of the Year on Thursday, becoming only the second football player to scoop the prize after Bulgaria's former European Footballer of the Year Hristo Stoichkov in 1994. Ballon d'Or winner Modric won the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with his Spanish club Real Madrid as well as being instrumental in helping Croatia reach the World Cup final in Russia. He was awarded the tournament's Golden Ball Award. The 33-year-old, who received 75 points in the 46th poll, organised by Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), beat Serbia's world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, who topped the annual poll five times in a row between 2011 and 2015. Another tennis player, Romania's Simona Halep, who finished the year as women's world number one for the second consecutive season, came third in the poll, which is conducted by the state-run news agencies in nine Balkan countries.

Luka Modric beats Novak Djokovic to win Balkan athlete of year

<p>Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.</p>

<p>Recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner Modric took one touch before thumping the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to break the deadlock in the 14th minute after Al Ain had missed two early chances to take a shock lead.</p>

<p>Madrid's home-grown midfielder Marcos Llorente doubled the European champions lead on the hour-mark with a superbly struck volley from outside the area.</p>

<p>Real captain Sergio Ramos grabbed his side's third goal with a powerful header from a corner before Al Ain, who shocked South American champions River Plate in the semi-finals, got a late consolation goal through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani.</p>

<p>Madrid substitute Vinicius Jr. burst through in stoppage an fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net.</p>

<p>Real have won the last three editions of the tournament, also lifting the trophy in 2014, and moved ahead of Barcelona as the team to have won it the most times.</p>


Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.

Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente. Recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner Modric took one touch before thumping the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to break the deadlock in the 14th minute after Al Ain had missed two early chances to take a shock lead. Madrid's home-grown midfielder Marcos Llorente doubled the European champions lead on the hour-mark with a superbly struck volley from outside the area. Real captain Sergio Ramos grabbed his side's third goal with a powerful header from a corner before Al Ain, who shocked South American champions River Plate in the semi-finals, got a late consolation goal through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani. Madrid substitute Vinicius Jr. burst through in stoppage an fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net. Real have won the last three editions of the tournament, also lifting the trophy in 2014, and moved ahead of Barcelona as the team to have won it the most times.

Real Madrid ease past Al Ain for fourth Club World Cup title

<p>Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final.</p>

<p>Croatia's star footballer then looked forward to building on the momentum and continued his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his leadership, Croatia reached the final of football World Cup for the first time in history, however, the team lost to France in the high-octane clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, more than 500,000 people gave captain Modric and his team a heroic welcome on their return to Croatia's capital city, Zagreb.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old Modric is described as a quick and creative playmaker. He believes in promoting goals and very rare shoots off-mark when he attempts to score.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With great vision, he tries to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort.</p>

<p>Modric is popular for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession.</p>

<p>Very few would know that Modric is able to play with both feet and with the help of his clever moves, he sets the tempo of the game.</p>

<p>Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2002, he was signed by his hometown club's youth team Dinamo Zagreb at age 16.</p>

<p>After three years, in 2005, he made his debut for Dinamo and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007</p>

<p>In 2008, he earned himself a massive opportunity when he was signed by Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million.</p>

<p>After the crucial move, Modric led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament.</p>

<p>In the summer of 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee and ever since he continued to flourish as a key player for the Spanish giants.</p>

<p>Luka Modric's journey from Croatian war child to the world's best footballer, a national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, is world appreciating.</p>

<p>In early years Modric was a child refugee. He flew the burned-out shell of a remote Croatian cottage where he spent part of his childhood.</p>

<p>Hidden in the folds of Velebit mountain, with the nearest neighbours several kilometres away, trees now grow inside the roofless ruin and a sign warns of "Mines - Keep out!"</p>

<p>The player's grandfather, also named Luka, lived in the house, lying on a mountain road winding through the Modrici hamlet.</p>

<p>His grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family fled to the coastal town of Zadar, some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away.</p>

<p>It was there that Modric, born in 1985, began his footballing odyssey, drawing attention for the first time to his budding abilities. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Modric left Zadar, where he remains a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 and then joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After a bidding war he was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2012.</p>


Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final.

Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final. Croatia's star footballer then looked forward to building on the momentum and continued his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018. In his leadership, Croatia reached the final of football World Cup for the first time in history, however, the team lost to France in the high-octane clash. Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, more than 500,000 people gave captain Modric and his team a heroic welcome on their return to Croatia's capital city, Zagreb. The 33-year-old Modric is described as a quick and creative playmaker. He believes in promoting goals and very rare shoots off-mark when he attempts to score. With great vision, he tries to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort. Modric is popular for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession. Very few would know that Modric is able to play with both feet and with the help of his clever moves, he sets the tempo of the game. Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year. In 2002, he was signed by his hometown club's youth team Dinamo Zagreb at age 16. After three years, in 2005, he made his debut for Dinamo and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007 In 2008, he earned himself a massive opportunity when he was signed by Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million. After the crucial move, Modric led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament. In the summer of 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee and ever since he continued to flourish as a key player for the Spanish giants. Luka Modric's journey from Croatian war child to the world's best footballer, a national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, is world appreciating. In early years Modric was a child refugee. He flew the burned-out shell of a remote Croatian cottage where he spent part of his childhood. Hidden in the folds of Velebit mountain, with the nearest neighbours several kilometres away, trees now grow inside the roofless ruin and a sign warns of "Mines - Keep out!" The player's grandfather, also named Luka, lived in the house, lying on a mountain road winding through the Modrici hamlet. His grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family fled to the coastal town of Zadar, some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away. It was there that Modric, born in 1985, began his footballing odyssey, drawing attention for the first time to his budding abilities. Modric left Zadar, where he remains a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 and then joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After a bidding war he was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2012.

From football World Cup to Ballon d'Or, year 2018 belongs to Luka Modric

<p>Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to fellow players and voters.</p>

<p>Croatian captain Modric, who broke Messi and Ronaldo's decade-long stranglehold on the prestigious prize last month, said in a newspaper interview on Saturday the pair's absence from the gala in Paris on Dec. 3 did not make sense.</p>

<p>"I cannot speak about why someone didn't turn up at an award ceremony, it's their choice. It doesn't make sense, does it? It seems these votes and awards are only significant when they win," the Real Madrid midfielder told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.</p>

<p>"It's unfair to fellow players and voters who have nominated them in the past 10 years, as well as to football and the fans. However, people will act the way they think they should."</p>

<p>Juventus forward Ronaldo came second in the 2018 Ballon d'Or vote behind his old Real team mate Modric, while Messi was fifth, a ranking met with some consternation at both the Argentine's club Barcelona and in the Catalan media.</p>

<p>Modric, who lifted a third successive Champions League title with Real last season and led Croatia to a first-ever World Cup final, said Ronaldo and Messi were still the best two players around but added that it did not mean they should always be named best player each season.</p>

<p>"In my opinion, things are very simple: Ronaldo and Messi are phenomenons who have been dominant in the past 10 years or so. They've been in a league of their own," Modric said.</p>

<p>"But we are talking about a season's accomplishments here and I guess it means something that votes by national team coaches, managers, football legends, journalists and fellow players have produced the same results."</p>

<p>The Croatian also offered the sarcastic suggestion: "If the debate is going to be about how good a particular player is, the only course of action is to award all trophies to Messi and Ronaldo until they retire and scrap the voting."</p>


Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to fellow players and voters.

Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for choosing not to attend this month's ceremony where he was given the award, saying their decision was unfair to fellow players and voters. Croatian captain Modric, who broke Messi and Ronaldo's decade-long stranglehold on the prestigious prize last month, said in a newspaper interview on Saturday the pair's absence from the gala in Paris on Dec. 3 did not make sense. "I cannot speak about why someone didn't turn up at an award ceremony, it's their choice. It doesn't make sense, does it? It seems these votes and awards are only significant when they win," the Real Madrid midfielder told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. "It's unfair to fellow players and voters who have nominated them in the past 10 years, as well as to football and the fans. However, people will act the way they think they should." Juventus forward Ronaldo came second in the 2018 Ballon d'Or vote behind his old Real team mate Modric, while Messi was fifth, a ranking met with some consternation at both the Argentine's club Barcelona and in the Catalan media. Modric, who lifted a third successive Champions League title with Real last season and led Croatia to a first-ever World Cup final, said Ronaldo and Messi were still the best two players around but added that it did not mean they should always be named best player each season. "In my opinion, things are very simple: Ronaldo and Messi are phenomenons who have been dominant in the past 10 years or so. They've been in a league of their own," Modric said. "But we are talking about a season's accomplishments here and I guess it means something that votes by national team coaches, managers, football legends, journalists and fellow players have produced the same results." The Croatian also offered the sarcastic suggestion: "If the debate is going to be about how good a particular player is, the only course of action is to award all trophies to Messi and Ronaldo until they retire and scrap the voting."

Luka Modric criticises Ballon d'Or gala snub by Messi, Ronaldo 63rd Ballon d'Or

<p>Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Luka Modric in the race for the Ballon d’Or.&nbsp;The news may have been a widely anticipated result but it has expectedly not gone down well with the Portuguese’s fans and his family members. &nbsp;</p>

<p>CR7's sister, Elma, reacted angrily to her brother’s Ballon d’Or snub and blamed the “the mafia and money” for the Juventus star being overlooked.</p>

<p>“Unfortunately this is the world we live in, rotten, with mafia and&nbsp;money. The power of God is a lot greater than all this rottenness. God takes his time but he doesn’t fail,” she wrote with an image of Ronaldo holding one of the five Ballon d’Or awards he has won in his illustrous career.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8L0lqnS-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Infelizmente isto é o Mundo k se vive 👎da podridão , máfia e do filha da puta do dinheiro 👎mas eu é mt gente irá ver muita coisa , justiça , e o poder de Deus é mt maior que essa podridão toda 🤟Deus tarda mas não falha 🙏</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elma_oficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Elma Aveiro</a> (@elma_oficial) on <time datetime="2018-12-03T21:32:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 3, 2018 at 1:32pm PST</time></p>
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<p>The younger sister, pop singer Katia Aveiro, also wrote something in favour of his brother “Best player in the world….for those who understand football of course.”</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8NYTYgVAi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Melhor jogador do mundo ..... para quem entende de futebol ,claro ...#tou preocupadacomofututodofutebol #melhordomundocr7 #cr7 #boladeouroédele #museucr7 #futeboléele #deusnocomando🙏</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katiaaveirooficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Katia Aveiro</a> (@katiaaveirooficial) on <time datetime="2018-12-03T21:46:09+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 3, 2018 at 1:46pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Ronaldo had been hoping to land a sixth Golden Ball of his stunning career at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday.</p>

<p>Ronaldo and arch-rival Lionel Messi have won the award five times each over the past 10 years. While the Juventus forward finished runner-up on Tuesday, Messi was not even in the top three.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Messi's Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde expressed surprise at the decision and called it abusurd.</p>


Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Luka Modric in the race for the Ballon d’Or. The news may have been a widely anticipated result but it has expectedly not gone down well with the Portuguese’s fans and his family members.

Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Luka Modric in the race for the Ballon d’Or. The news may have been a widely anticipated result but it has expectedly not gone down well with the Portuguese’s fans and his family members. CR7's sister, Elma, reacted angrily to her brother’s Ballon d’Or snub and blamed the “the mafia and money” for the Juventus star being overlooked. “Unfortunately this is the world we live in, rotten, with mafia and money. The power of God is a lot greater than all this rottenness. God takes his time but he doesn’t fail,” she wrote with an image of Ronaldo holding one of the five Ballon d’Or awards he has won in his illustrous career. View this post on Instagram Infelizmente isto é o Mundo k se vive 👎da podridão , máfia e do filha da puta do dinheiro 👎mas eu é mt gente irá ver muita coisa , justiça , e o poder de Deus é mt maior que essa podridão toda 🤟Deus tarda mas não falha 🙏 A post shared by Elma Aveiro (@elma_oficial) on Dec 3, 2018 at 1:32pm PST × The younger sister, pop singer Katia Aveiro, also wrote something in favour of his brother “Best player in the world….for those who understand football of course.” View this post on Instagram Melhor jogador do mundo ..... para quem entende de futebol ,claro ...#tou preocupadacomofututodofutebol #melhordomundocr7 #cr7 #boladeouroédele #museucr7 #futeboléele #deusnocomando🙏 A post shared by Katia Aveiro (@katiaaveirooficial) on Dec 3, 2018 at 1:46pm PST × Ronaldo had been hoping to land a sixth Golden Ball of his stunning career at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday. Ronaldo and arch-rival Lionel Messi have won the award five times each over the past 10 years. While the Juventus forward finished runner-up on Tuesday, Messi was not even in the top three. Messi's Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde expressed surprise at the decision and called it abusurd.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister blames ‘mafia & money’ for his Ballon d’Or snub

Luka Modric: Once a Croatian war child, now king of world football

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/expect-china-to-roll-back-retaliatory-farm-tariffs-quickly-white-house-181294">We expect China to roll back retaliatory farm tariffs 'quickly': White House</a></p>

<p>The United States expects China will remove retaliatory tariffs on US farm products "quickly" as part of the trade truce reached over the weekend, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Monday.</p>

<p>Beijing retaliated with steep duties on US crops in the trade war which has seen President Donald Trump hit $250 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs of 10-25 percent.</p>

<p>As a result, soybean exports to China have plunged, harming US farmers.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/luka-modric-wins-2018-ballon-dor-breaks-messi-ronaldo-dominance-181279">Luka Modric wins 2018 Ballon d'Or, breaks Messi-Ronaldo dominance</a></p>

<p>Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third.</p>

<p>Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prosecutors-to-arrest-ghosn-on-fresh-claim-prolonging-detention-report-181300">Japanese prosecutors to arrest Ghosn on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prosecutors-to-arrest-ghosn-on-fresh-claim-prolonging-detention-report-181300">fresh</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prosecutors-to-arrest-ghosn-on-fresh-claim-prolonging-detention-report-181300"> claim, prolonging detention: Report</a></p>

<p>Tokyo prosecutors plan to arrest Carlos Ghosn on a fresh claim of understating his income, the Sankei newspaper reported on Tuesday, in a move that could keep the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co in detention until the end of the year.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/washington-pays-respects-to-bush-as-he-lies-in-state-at-capitol-181285">Washington pays its last respects to George HW Bush as he lies in state at Capitol</a></p>

<p>Washington's political elite paid tribute to former US President George HW Bush as his body lay in state in the Capitol on Monday, evoking a bygone era of bipartisan civility in American politics.</p>

<p>Before a visibly moved Bush family and with hands on hearts, members of Bush's Cabinet, lawmakers, the vice president and Supreme Court justices honoured the 41st president as his flag-draped casket entered the soaring Capitol Rotunda for the first official ceremony.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-farmers-more-cautious-than-hopeful-after-china-trade-deal-181303">US farmers more cautious than hopeful after China trade deal</a></p>

<p>President Donald Trump says American farmers will see immediate benefits from the trade detente with Beijing, but farm belt representatives are still cautious about declaring victory.</p>


We expect China to roll back retaliatory farm tariffs 'quickly': White House The United States expects China will remove retaliatory tariffs on US farm products "quickly" as part of the trade truce reached over the weekend, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Monday.

We expect China to roll back retaliatory farm tariffs 'quickly': White House The United States expects China will remove retaliatory tariffs on US farm products "quickly" as part of the trade truce reached over the weekend, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Monday. Beijing retaliated with steep duties on US crops in the trade war which has seen President Donald Trump hit $250 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs of 10-25 percent. As a result, soybean exports to China have plunged, harming US farmers. Luka Modric wins 2018 Ballon d'Or, breaks Messi-Ronaldo dominance Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award. Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third. Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth. Japanese prosecutors to arrest Ghosn on fresh claim, prolonging detention: Report Tokyo prosecutors plan to arrest Carlos Ghosn on a fresh claim of understating his income, the Sankei newspaper reported on Tuesday, in a move that could keep the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co in detention until the end of the year. Washington pays its last respects to George HW Bush as he lies in state at Capitol Washington's political elite paid tribute to former US President George HW Bush as his body lay in state in the Capitol on Monday, evoking a bygone era of bipartisan civility in American politics. Before a visibly moved Bush family and with hands on hearts, members of Bush's Cabinet, lawmakers, the vice president and Supreme Court justices honoured the 41st president as his flag-draped casket entered the soaring Capitol Rotunda for the first official ceremony. US farmers more cautious than hopeful after China trade deal President Donald Trump says American farmers will see immediate benefits from the trade detente with Beijing, but farm belt representatives are still cautious about declaring victory.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=luka+modric">Luka Modric</a> was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third.</p>

<p>Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth.</p>

<p>Olympique Lyonnais' Norway striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or for women's football, having led her side to the Women's Champions League title, scoring in extra time in the 4-1 win over Vfl Wolfsburg in the final.</p>

<p>Modric, 33, helped Real Madrid win a third successive Champions League title in May and also captained Croatia to their first World Cup final, being named player of the tournament despite his side losing 4-2 to France.</p>

<p>"It's a unique feeling. I'm happy proud and honoured, I have a lot of emotions right now, it's hard to describe in words," said Modric, wearing a tuxedo as he collected the award from presenter and former France forward David Ginola after a glamorous ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris.</p>

<p>"It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players. I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or throughout history."</p>

<p><strong>Difficult Start</strong></p>

<p>Modric, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a reported $45.40 million, was criticised in his debut season at the Bernabeu and named the worst signing of the year in a poll by newspaper Marca.</p>

<p>But the diminutive playmaker began to demonstrate the quality he had shown at Spurs when Jose Mourinho deployed him in a deep lying role in Real's midfield rather than the attacking role he had been given at the start of that campaign.</p>

<p>Modric said the positional change, which was first suggested to him by Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, transformed his form.</p>

<p>“The change of position helped me a lot in my career. I used to play more offensively. When I dropped back, I was able to read the game better and show my creativity," added Modric.</p>

<p>He is the first Croatian to win the Ballon d'Or and also picked up FIFA's 'The Best' award in October.</p>

<p>The Ballon d'or, voted for by journalists and organised by French magazine France Football, has been dominated by Barcelona's Messi and Ronaldo, first when he was at Manchester United and subsequently with Real Madrid, since 2008.</p>

<p>The last player to lift the award apart from the Argentine and Portuguese, who have won it a joint-record five times each, was Kaka in 2007 when the Brazilian played for AC Milan.</p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956 and partnered with soccer's world governing body FIFA as 'The Best' award from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity again.</p>


Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award.

Real Madrid's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's decade-long hold on the prestigious award. Juventus forward and 2017 winner Ronaldo came second, while Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann came third. Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, who also collected the Kopa award for the best under-21 player, was fourth, with Barca forward Messi finishing fifth. Olympique Lyonnais' Norway striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or for women's football, having led her side to the Women's Champions League title, scoring in extra time in the 4-1 win over Vfl Wolfsburg in the final. Modric, 33, helped Real Madrid win a third successive Champions League title in May and also captained Croatia to their first World Cup final, being named player of the tournament despite his side losing 4-2 to France. "It's a unique feeling. I'm happy proud and honoured, I have a lot of emotions right now, it's hard to describe in words," said Modric, wearing a tuxedo as he collected the award from presenter and former France forward David Ginola after a glamorous ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris. "It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players. I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or throughout history." Difficult Start Modric, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a reported $45.40 million, was criticised in his debut season at the Bernabeu and named the worst signing of the year in a poll by newspaper Marca. But the diminutive playmaker began to demonstrate the quality he had shown at Spurs when Jose Mourinho deployed him in a deep lying role in Real's midfield rather than the attacking role he had been given at the start of that campaign. Modric said the positional change, which was first suggested to him by Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, transformed his form. “The change of position helped me a lot in my career. I used to play more offensively. When I dropped back, I was able to read the game better and show my creativity," added Modric. He is the first Croatian to win the Ballon d'Or and also picked up FIFA's 'The Best' award in October. The Ballon d'or, voted for by journalists and organised by French magazine France Football, has been dominated by Barcelona's Messi and Ronaldo, first when he was at Manchester United and subsequently with Real Madrid, since 2008. The last player to lift the award apart from the Argentine and Portuguese, who have won it a joint-record five times each, was Kaka in 2007 when the Brazilian played for AC Milan. The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956 and partnered with soccer's world governing body FIFA as 'The Best' award from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity again.

Luka Modric wins 2018 Ballon d'Or, breaks Messi-Ronaldo dominance

<p>Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football.</p>

<p>The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize.</p>

<p>Hegerberg spoke of her pride in winning the award and said she hoped it would motivate young female players.</p>

<p>"Being historical and the first woman to win the Ballon d'Or is a huge moment in my life," she added.</p>

<p>"I think this is a fantastic day for women's football in general. It's historical, it's a big step forward fro women's football to have this award and that's why you need to take a moment, really cherish it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I just hope that every youngster gets inspired by moments like this. They are the future."</p>

<p>Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was named the best men's player of 2018 at the prestigious awards organised by France Football magazine. They have existed since 1956 but had not previously had a women's football category.</p>


Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football. The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize.

Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Ballon d'Or award for the best player in women's football. The Olympique Lyonnais star, whose prolific form in front of goal helped the French club secure a third successive Champions League victory, edged out Danish forward Pernille Harder to claim the pretigious prize. Hegerberg spoke of her pride in winning the award and said she hoped it would motivate young female players. "Being historical and the first woman to win the Ballon d'Or is a huge moment in my life," she added. "I think this is a fantastic day for women's football in general. It's historical, it's a big step forward fro women's football to have this award and that's why you need to take a moment, really cherish it. "I just hope that every youngster gets inspired by moments like this. They are the future." Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was named the best men's player of 2018 at the prestigious awards organised by France Football magazine. They have existed since 1956 but had not previously had a women's football category.

Ada Hegerberg wins Ballon d'Or award for best player in women's football

<p>Real Madrid's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=luka+modric">Luka Modric</a>, FIFA's footballer of the year, will not face charges of giving false testimony in the criminal trial of his former boss at Dinamo Zagreb, who was convicted in June of evading tax and siphoning transfer fees from the club.</p>

<p>A Croatian appeals court rejected a request by prosecutors to have charges reinstated against the Croatian international midfielder that had been thrown out by a lower court.</p>

<p>"The (Zagreb county) court rejected the appeal by the state attorney and confirmed the first-instance decision that there was not a sufficient level of evidence to raise an indictment," the court's spokesman Kresimir Devcic told reporters.</p>

<p>Modric, crowned the Best FIFA Men's Player 2018, testified last year at the trial of a tax official and three former senior officials from Dinamo Zagreb, including its former chief executive Zdravko Mamic.</p>

<p>In June, Mamic was sentenced to six-and-a-half years jail for siphoning millions of dollars in transfer fees from the club, including part of the $16.5 million the club was paid when Modric moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008.</p>

<p>Despite his conviction, Mamic is at large and living in Bosnia.</p>

<p>Prosecutors accused Modric of giving false testimony at the trial about the dates when he signed annexes to his professional contracts which covered transfer fees.</p>

<p>In September Croatia's state attorney also charged another Croatia international, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, with the same offence as Modric. That case is still pending.</p>


Real Madrid's Luka Modric, FIFA's footballer of the year, will not face charges of giving false testimony in the criminal trial of his former boss at Dinamo Zagreb, who was convicted in June of evading tax and siphoning transfer fees from the club.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric, FIFA's footballer of the year, will not face charges of giving false testimony in the criminal trial of his former boss at Dinamo Zagreb, who was convicted in June of evading tax and siphoning transfer fees from the club. A Croatian appeals court rejected a request by prosecutors to have charges reinstated against the Croatian international midfielder that had been thrown out by a lower court. "The (Zagreb county) court rejected the appeal by the state attorney and confirmed the first-instance decision that there was not a sufficient level of evidence to raise an indictment," the court's spokesman Kresimir Devcic told reporters. Modric, crowned the Best FIFA Men's Player 2018, testified last year at the trial of a tax official and three former senior officials from Dinamo Zagreb, including its former chief executive Zdravko Mamic. In June, Mamic was sentenced to six-and-a-half years jail for siphoning millions of dollars in transfer fees from the club, including part of the $16.5 million the club was paid when Modric moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. Despite his conviction, Mamic is at large and living in Bosnia. Prosecutors accused Modric of giving false testimony at the trial about the dates when he signed annexes to his professional contracts which covered transfer fees. In September Croatia's state attorney also charged another Croatia international, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, with the same offence as Modric. That case is still pending.

Croatia court drops false testimony charges against Luka Modric

<p>Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/luka-modric-wins-2018-ballon-dor-breaks-messi-ronaldo-dominance-181279">Luka Modric</a>, winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or, said that he would exchange all of his individual awards in return of a World Cup.</p>

<p>While interacting with the media, Modric said, "I would change all my individual awards for a World Cup. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, even this success that we achieved in the World Cup, for such a small country as Croatia, is something amazing."</p>

<p><strong>In Pics |</strong> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/luka-modric-a-croatian-war-child-who-now-rules-global-football-map-181327">Luka Modric: Once a Croatian war child, now king of world football</a></p>

<p>Croatian team was hailed for their historic World Cup run in Russia as the Modric-led team reached the final, however, the team lost to France to finish second.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDOr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDOr</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/TMBn4GU9wE">pic.twitter.com/TMBn4GU9wE</a></p>
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<p>"I would change all of this for a World Cup. But how it didn't happen, this is a great feeling to win at least this, and I'm very happy for it."</p>

<p>Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year.</p>

<p>"It's a unique feeling. I'm happy proud and honoured, I have a lot of emotions right now, it's hard to describe in words," said Modric, wearing a tuxedo as he collected the award from presenter and former France forward David Ginola after 2018 Ballon d'Or glamorous ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris.</p>

<p>"It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players. I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or throughout history."</p>

<p>The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956 and partnered with soccer's world governing body FIFA as 'The Best' award from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity again.</p>


Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or, said that he would exchange all of his individual awards in return of a World Cup.

Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or, said that he would exchange all of his individual awards in return of a World Cup. While interacting with the media, Modric said, "I would change all my individual awards for a World Cup. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, even this success that we achieved in the World Cup, for such a small country as Croatia, is something amazing." In Pics | Luka Modric: Once a Croatian war child, now king of world football Croatian team was hailed for their historic World Cup run in Russia as the Modric-led team reached the final, however, the team lost to France to finish second. #BallonDOr ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TMBn4GU9wE — Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) December 4, 2018 × "I would change all of this for a World Cup. But how it didn't happen, this is a great feeling to win at least this, and I'm very happy for it." Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year. "It's a unique feeling. I'm happy proud and honoured, I have a lot of emotions right now, it's hard to describe in words," said Modric, wearing a tuxedo as he collected the award from presenter and former France forward David Ginola after 2018 Ballon d'Or glamorous ceremony at the Grand Palais in Paris. "It’s a big pleasure to be here among all these players. I am still trying to realise that I have become part of a group of exceptional players to win the Ballon d’Or throughout history." The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956 and partnered with soccer's world governing body FIFA as 'The Best' award from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity again.

Luka Modric: Would exchange all individual awards for a World Cup

<p>The highly-coveted annual Ballon d'Or award winners are set to be announced on Monday (December 3) with Croatia's Luka Modric favourite to add the accolade to his FIFA World Player of the Year award.</p>

<p>Real Madrid midfielder Modric, who led his national team Croatia all the way to the World Cup final - bagging the best player of the tournament's Golden Ball award in the process - is a clear favourite for the prestigious award.</p>

<p>Real teammate and World Cup winner Raphael Varane, Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe, as well as five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, all pose a threat to Modric as dark horses for the award.</p>

<p>The event will also be seeing the inaugural Ballon d'Or awarded to a female footballer this year with a number of talented stars of the women's game in contention.</p>

<p>Barcelona and Dutch striker Lieke Martens, winner of FIFA's 2017 award for the best female footballer, is one of the women in contention for the prize awarded by France Football magazine.</p>


The highly-coveted annual Ballon d'Or award winners are set to be announced on Monday (December 3) with Croatia's Luka Modric favourite to add the accolade to his FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The highly-coveted annual Ballon d'Or award winners are set to be announced on Monday (December 3) with Croatia's Luka Modric favourite to add the accolade to his FIFA World Player of the Year award. Real Madrid midfielder Modric, who led his national team Croatia all the way to the World Cup final - bagging the best player of the tournament's Golden Ball award in the process - is a clear favourite for the prestigious award. Real teammate and World Cup winner Raphael Varane, Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe, as well as five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, all pose a threat to Modric as dark horses for the award. The event will also be seeing the inaugural Ballon d'Or awarded to a female footballer this year with a number of talented stars of the women's game in contention. Barcelona and Dutch striker Lieke Martens, winner of FIFA's 2017 award for the best female footballer, is one of the women in contention for the prize awarded by France Football magazine.

Modric, Mbappe, Ronaldo - who will win the coveted Ballon d'Or?

<p>The current European Champions Real Madrid have been dealing with several 'real' problems of the club footballing world since the start of the 2018-19 season as their performance graph has dropped to an unexpected level.</p>

<p>The exit of Real's former coach Zinedine Zidane might have left the Madristas hanging by a thread. But the departure of Madrid talisman&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp;to the Italian giant Juventus left a huge void in the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zidane's replacement, Julen Lopetegui, did not even lost halfway through the season before he was fired while not finding an appropriate replacement for Ronaldo further compounded the problems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to the club's poor performances, especially after a 5-1 mauling by arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico, Lopetegui was sacked and former player and reserve team boss Santiago Solari was appointed as the interim coach.</p>

<p>During Lopetegui's 10 La Liga games in charge, Real won four, drew two and lost four.</p>

<p>Currently, the club is languishing at&nbsp;6th place but they definitely have adequate time to bounce back and mount a serious challenge for the title and book a berth in next year's Champions League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The problems are evident and the solution or the 'instant remedy' lies on a player who lived under the shadows of Cristiano -- Gareth Bale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to that, a proper management will do the trick.</p>

<p>Bale is a player whom Zidane has repeatedly misused and left out of the starting line-up in a majority of games in his last season as manager. Bale spent 2,362 minutes on the field and scored 21 goals, few decisive ones in the last season.</p>

<p>So far in this season, Bale has played 1,089 minutes and scored five goals for the club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strained relationship between Bale and Zidane may have led to the Welshman looking for an exit but the latest trends suggest that this is the best opportunity for Bale to emerge as the hero leave a lasting impression.</p>

<p>The 29-year-old can show-off his creativity for which he is popular among the millennials, while Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are struggling with injuries while Luka Modric, who was magnificent during Croatia's World Cup campaign is yet to recover from fatigue.</p>

<p>Apart from much-criticised goal-scoring problems, which resulted in the club's downfall this season, the defence has been exposed which resulted in club conceding many goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid the coach-controversy, inexperienced Alvaro Odriozola, in for Dani Carvajal at right-back and Sergio Ramos' performances have escaped criticism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Bale's efforts will never be enough to clinch the title. The huge void that Ronaldo left can be filled during the winter transfer by bringing in a cutting-edge finisher like the Portuguese.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Real wants to sail through this difficult phase, Bale needs to step up and prove that he is capable of living up to the huge expectations of the club as he did in the in the last year Champions League final to beat Liverpool 3-1 by scoring twice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The current European Champions Real Madrid have been dealing with several 'real' problems of the club footballing world since the start of the 2018-19 season as their performance graph has dropped to an unexpected level.

The current European Champions Real Madrid have been dealing with several 'real' problems of the club footballing world since the start of the 2018-19 season as their performance graph has dropped to an unexpected level. The exit of Real's former coach Zinedine Zidane might have left the Madristas hanging by a thread. But the departure of Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to the Italian giant Juventus left a huge void in the squad. Zidane's replacement, Julen Lopetegui, did not even lost halfway through the season before he was fired while not finding an appropriate replacement for Ronaldo further compounded the problems. Due to the club's poor performances, especially after a 5-1 mauling by arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico, Lopetegui was sacked and former player and reserve team boss Santiago Solari was appointed as the interim coach. During Lopetegui's 10 La Liga games in charge, Real won four, drew two and lost four. Currently, the club is languishing at 6th place but they definitely have adequate time to bounce back and mount a serious challenge for the title and book a berth in next year's Champions League. The problems are evident and the solution or the 'instant remedy' lies on a player who lived under the shadows of Cristiano -- Gareth Bale. In addition to that, a proper management will do the trick. Bale is a player whom Zidane has repeatedly misused and left out of the starting line-up in a majority of games in his last season as manager. Bale spent 2,362 minutes on the field and scored 21 goals, few decisive ones in the last season. So far in this season, Bale has played 1,089 minutes and scored five goals for the club. The strained relationship between Bale and Zidane may have led to the Welshman looking for an exit but the latest trends suggest that this is the best opportunity for Bale to emerge as the hero leave a lasting impression. The 29-year-old can show-off his creativity for which he is popular among the millennials, while Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are struggling with injuries while Luka Modric, who was magnificent during Croatia's World Cup campaign is yet to recover from fatigue. Apart from much-criticised goal-scoring problems, which resulted in the club's downfall this season, the defence has been exposed which resulted in club conceding many goals. Amid the coach-controversy, inexperienced Alvaro Odriozola, in for Dani Carvajal at right-back and Sergio Ramos' performances have escaped criticism. However, Bale's efforts will never be enough to clinch the title. The huge void that Ronaldo left can be filled during the winter transfer by bringing in a cutting-edge finisher like the Portuguese. If Real wants to sail through this difficult phase, Bale needs to step up and prove that he is capable of living up to the huge expectations of the club as he did in the in the last year Champions League final to beat Liverpool 3-1 by scoring twice. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Gareth Bale has solution to 'Real' problems but can he turn the tables

<p>Barcelona forward Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as his side thrashed arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-1 on Sunday in a highly entertaining 'Clasico' which surely will signal the end of hapless coach Julen Lopetegui's spell in charge of Real.</p>

<p>Barca's Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring in the 11th minute following a slick team move and Suarez doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark by converting a penalty awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).</p>

<p>Real had looked lifeless in the first half but produced a courageous display after the break following a tactical switch from Lopetegui. They deservedly pulled a goal back through Marcelo and came close to grabbing an equaliser as Luka Modric struck the post and Sergio Ramos headed narrowly over.</p>

<p>Barca reasserted their authority and ran riot in the final 15 minutes with two more goals from Suarez, while a header from substitute Arturo Vidal further twisted the knife into Real, who have lost their last three league games and are seven points behind Barca in the La Liga standings in ninth position.</p>


Barcelona forward Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as his side thrashed arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-1 on Sunday in a highly entertaining 'Clasico' which surely will signal the end of hapless coach Julen Lopetegui's spell in charge of Real.

Barcelona forward Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as his side thrashed arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-1 on Sunday in a highly entertaining 'Clasico' which surely will signal the end of hapless coach Julen Lopetegui's spell in charge of Real. Barca's Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring in the 11th minute following a slick team move and Suarez doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark by converting a penalty awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR). Real had looked lifeless in the first half but produced a courageous display after the break following a tactical switch from Lopetegui. They deservedly pulled a goal back through Marcelo and came close to grabbing an equaliser as Luka Modric struck the post and Sergio Ramos headed narrowly over. Barca reasserted their authority and ran riot in the final 15 minutes with two more goals from Suarez, while a header from substitute Arturo Vidal further twisted the knife into Real, who have lost their last three league games and are seven points behind Barca in the La Liga standings in ninth position.

El Clasico: Suarez's hat-trick helps Barcelona thump insipid Madrid, pressure mounts on Real coach

<p>England wasted several gilt-edged chances as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to World Cup runners-up Croatia in a Nations League top-tier Group 4 clash behind closed doors on Friday.</p>

<p>Eric Dier and Harry Kane headed against the woodwork for the visitors while Marcus Rashford spurned two clear opportunities as England missed out on a first win in the new competition.</p>

<p>The result inside the near-deserted stadium left both sides with one point from two games behind runaway leaders Spain, who have six points and host England in Seville on Monday.</p>

<p>England manager Gareth Southgate was disappointed with the outcome, saying: "Second half we were by far the better team and if we had taken our chances we would have won the game.</p>

<p>"There would be more concern if we weren’t creating chances. We showed good endeavour and creative play. We have to keep getting in those situations."</p>

<p>Without any fans present as Croatia served the second game of a crowd ban for racist offences by their fans in Euro 2016 qualifying, the instructions from both benches echoed around the eerily empty ground in a tepid first half at the Rijeka stadium.</p>

<p>Midfielder Dier reflected on the first match England had ever played behind closed doors, although he noted the presence of a handful of England fans on a hill overlooking the ground.</p>

<p>"It was strange, the first experience of it for all of us," Dier told Sky Sports. "A couple of fans got up on the hill but once the game started it was in the back of our minds. We could easily hear the ones on the hill, they were the only ones here."</p>

<p><strong>Revenge Mission</strong></p>

<p>The game was built up by some English media as a chance for the visitors to avenge Croatia's 2-1 World Cup semi-final win in Russia in July but the game failed to produce any fireworks.</p>

<p>The only chance in the first half fell to Dier, who glanced his header against the far post after a Jordan Henderson corner.</p>

<p>Chants of 'God Save the Queen' from England supporters who had gathered outside the ground seemed to lift Gareth Southgate's side after the break but the woodwork and some dreadful finishing by Rashford denied them a goal.</p>

<p>Kane headed a Henderson free-kick against the bar before Manchester United forward Rashford served up a pair of astonishing misses in the space of two minutes.</p>

<p>He scuffed a feeble shot at Dominik Livakovic from eight metres when clear on goal and the keeper then denied him again with a superb reflex save from an almost identical position.</p>

<p>Croatia's Ivan Perisic forced a good save from Jordan Pickford with a stinging low shot and Ante Rebic, playing in an unfamiliar lone striker role, fired inches wide with a long-range effort for the revamped home side.</p>

<p>England's Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund's exciting 18-year old winger, produced a darting run late on after coming off the bench to replace Raheem Sterling and make his international debut before the match fizzled out in the final few minutes.</p>

<p>Sancho became the second youngest England player to win his first cap in a competitive game, behind Manchester United's Duncan Edwards who died at the age of 21 as a result of the injuries he suffered in the Munich air crash of 1958.</p>


England wasted several gilt-edged chances as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to World Cup runners-up Croatia in a Nations League top-tier Group 4 clash behind closed doors on Friday.

England wasted several gilt-edged chances as they were held to a 0-0 draw away to World Cup runners-up Croatia in a Nations League top-tier Group 4 clash behind closed doors on Friday. Eric Dier and Harry Kane headed against the woodwork for the visitors while Marcus Rashford spurned two clear opportunities as England missed out on a first win in the new competition. The result inside the near-deserted stadium left both sides with one point from two games behind runaway leaders Spain, who have six points and host England in Seville on Monday. England manager Gareth Southgate was disappointed with the outcome, saying: "Second half we were by far the better team and if we had taken our chances we would have won the game. "There would be more concern if we weren’t creating chances. We showed good endeavour and creative play. We have to keep getting in those situations." Without any fans present as Croatia served the second game of a crowd ban for racist offences by their fans in Euro 2016 qualifying, the instructions from both benches echoed around the eerily empty ground in a tepid first half at the Rijeka stadium. Midfielder Dier reflected on the first match England had ever played behind closed doors, although he noted the presence of a handful of England fans on a hill overlooking the ground. "It was strange, the first experience of it for all of us," Dier told Sky Sports. "A couple of fans got up on the hill but once the game started it was in the back of our minds. We could easily hear the ones on the hill, they were the only ones here." Revenge Mission The game was built up by some English media as a chance for the visitors to avenge Croatia's 2-1 World Cup semi-final win in Russia in July but the game failed to produce any fireworks. The only chance in the first half fell to Dier, who glanced his header against the far post after a Jordan Henderson corner. Chants of 'God Save the Queen' from England supporters who had gathered outside the ground seemed to lift Gareth Southgate's side after the break but the woodwork and some dreadful finishing by Rashford denied them a goal. Kane headed a Henderson free-kick against the bar before Manchester United forward Rashford served up a pair of astonishing misses in the space of two minutes. He scuffed a feeble shot at Dominik Livakovic from eight metres when clear on goal and the keeper then denied him again with a superb reflex save from an almost identical position. Croatia's Ivan Perisic forced a good save from Jordan Pickford with a stinging low shot and Ante Rebic, playing in an unfamiliar lone striker role, fired inches wide with a long-range effort for the revamped home side. England's Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund's exciting 18-year old winger, produced a darting run late on after coming off the bench to replace Raheem Sterling and make his international debut before the match fizzled out in the final few minutes. Sancho became the second youngest England player to win his first cap in a competitive game, behind Manchester United's Duncan Edwards who died at the age of 21 as a result of the injuries he suffered in the Munich air crash of 1958.

Croatia hold wasteful England in empty stadium

From bad to worse: Here are things going wrong at Real Madrid

<p>FIFA Men's Player of the Year Luka Modric said that he is yet to return to peak fitness this season, with only three weeks off after an emotionally and physically draining World Cup campaign with Croatia.</p>

<p>Midfielder Modric played a major role in Croatia's run to the World Cup final in Russia, where they were beaten by France. He had earlier helped his club side Real Madrid claim a third consecutive Champions League crown.</p>

<p>"I had only three weeks of like, let's say holidays. I think that is the least since I'm playing football," the 33-year-old Modric, who was named player of the tournament in Russia, said.</p>

<p>"First week we spend in celebration... and was not easy to start again after all these emotional moments you are drained completely and I needed time to get back to my better level."</p>

<p>International players' association FIFPro conducted a survey this year involving 543 players and found that nearly half of all international players (46 percent) who play 50 or more games per season were being stretched by the schedule.</p>

<p>The 300 international players surveyed said they needed five weeks of vacation between seasons, not including pre-season training, to fully recover.</p>

<p>Modric, who has already featured in eight games for Madrid in all competitions this season and once for the national side, said in a video interview released by FIFPro that he needed more time to return to his best.</p>

<p>"Now each day I feel better... I just need more games... but it wasn't easy because we were so eager to achieve something great with Croatia and when we did all these emotions come down on us and it was not easy to recover."</p>


FIFA Men's Player of the Year Luka Modric said that he is yet to return to peak fitness this season, with only three weeks off after an emotionally and physically draining World Cup campaign with Croatia.

FIFA Men's Player of the Year Luka Modric said that he is yet to return to peak fitness this season, with only three weeks off after an emotionally and physically draining World Cup campaign with Croatia. Midfielder Modric played a major role in Croatia's run to the World Cup final in Russia, where they were beaten by France. He had earlier helped his club side Real Madrid claim a third consecutive Champions League crown. "I had only three weeks of like, let's say holidays. I think that is the least since I'm playing football," the 33-year-old Modric, who was named player of the tournament in Russia, said. "First week we spend in celebration... and was not easy to start again after all these emotional moments you are drained completely and I needed time to get back to my better level." International players' association FIFPro conducted a survey this year involving 543 players and found that nearly half of all international players (46 percent) who play 50 or more games per season were being stretched by the schedule. The 300 international players surveyed said they needed five weeks of vacation between seasons, not including pre-season training, to fully recover. Modric, who has already featured in eight games for Madrid in all competitions this season and once for the national side, said in a video interview released by FIFPro that he needed more time to return to his best. "Now each day I feel better... I just need more games... but it wasn't easy because we were so eager to achieve something great with Croatia and when we did all these emotions come down on us and it was not easy to recover."

Luka Modric still not back to his best after post-World Cup burnout

The Best FIFA Football Awards, a complete list of winners

<p>Luka Modric ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long domination of football's individual awards by being crowned FIFA's best player of the year on Monday.</p>

<p>The Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder starred for both club and country as Madrid won a third straight Champions League, and he inspired Croatia to reach the World Cup final for the first time.</p>

<p>"The emotion is huge because it is thanks to the work of everyone. So many people have come together and so many have supported me," said Modric.</p>

<p>Modric beat out Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Ronaldo, who along with Messi did not attend the glitzy awards ceremony in London.</p>

<p>Both are in action for Juventus and Barcelona on Wednesday, but their no-show attracted criticism after so many years on top.</p>

<p>"Everyone has their own reasons," said Modric. "Obviously I would have liked them to be here but they aren't."</p>

<p>Modric's success means Ronaldo remains tied with Messi having won FIFA's award in different guises five times each.</p>

<p>At 33, Croatia's run to the final was the culmination of a brilliant career for Modric that had often been overshadowed by Ronaldo's goalscoring in their time together in the Spanish capital, before the Portuguese left for Juventus in July.</p>

<p>Modric scored twice and also netted in penalty shootout wins over Denmark and Russia, but it was his playmaking ability that caught the eye in winning the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup.</p>

<p>"It was an unbelievable season, the best season in my life," said Modric.</p>

<p>"I'm still not realising how good a year I had collectively, individually, and I'm very proud for everything I achieved this year and it will be remembered forever."</p>

<p>For a sixth straight season, Ronaldo was the Champions League's top scorer with 15 goals and also scored four times at the World Cup, including a hat-trick against Spain in a thrilling 3-3 draw to open Portugal's campaign.</p>

<p>However, Portugal's last 16 exit to Uruguay in Russia and Ronaldo's failure to score in the semi-finals or final of the Champions League opened the door for Modric.</p>

<p><strong>Salah scoops </strong><strong>best</strong><strong> goal</strong></p>

<p>For the first time in 12 years, Messi was not among the finalists with Salah earning a place on the podium for his incredible 44-goal debut season with Liverpool that carried the Reds to the Champions League final.</p>

<p>Salah did not go away empty-handed, however, as he picked up the Puskas award for best goal for his strike against Everton in the Merseyside derby last December.</p>

<p>Modric was joined by Real team-mates Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Marcelo in the FIFPro team of the year, also featuring David De Gea, Dani Alves, N'Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe, Messi and Ronaldo.</p>

<p>"I am as happy as if I had won it," said Ramos of Modric's success. "He deserves it, he is an excellent player and has marked an important era in the history of Real Madrid."</p>

<p>France's World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps won the best coach of the year prize in recognition for his work in leading Les Bleus to success in Russia.</p>

<p>Deschamps, who became just the third man to win the World Cup as a player and coach, beat off competition from Dalic and his former France team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who won a third consecutive Champions League title with Real Madrid before resigning in June.</p>

<p>Thibaut Courtois won the best goalkeeper award for helping Belgium reach the World Cup semi-finals as well as the FA Cup with Chelsea before a summer move to Madrid.</p>

<p>Brazil's Marta was crowned best women's player for a record sixth time for her role in winning the Copa America to beat out Lyon duo Ada Hegerberg and Dzsenifer Marozsan.</p>

<p>Lyon boss Reynald Pedros did win the award for best women's coach, though, after winning the Champions League with the French giants.</p>


Luka Modric ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long domination of football's individual awards by being crowned FIFA's best player of the year on Monday.

Luka Modric ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long domination of football's individual awards by being crowned FIFA's best player of the year on Monday. The Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder starred for both club and country as Madrid won a third straight Champions League, and he inspired Croatia to reach the World Cup final for the first time. "The emotion is huge because it is thanks to the work of everyone. So many people have come together and so many have supported me," said Modric. Modric beat out Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Ronaldo, who along with Messi did not attend the glitzy awards ceremony in London. Both are in action for Juventus and Barcelona on Wednesday, but their no-show attracted criticism after so many years on top. "Everyone has their own reasons," said Modric. "Obviously I would have liked them to be here but they aren't." Modric's success means Ronaldo remains tied with Messi having won FIFA's award in different guises five times each. At 33, Croatia's run to the final was the culmination of a brilliant career for Modric that had often been overshadowed by Ronaldo's goalscoring in their time together in the Spanish capital, before the Portuguese left for Juventus in July. Modric scored twice and also netted in penalty shootout wins over Denmark and Russia, but it was his playmaking ability that caught the eye in winning the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup. "It was an unbelievable season, the best season in my life," said Modric. "I'm still not realising how good a year I had collectively, individually, and I'm very proud for everything I achieved this year and it will be remembered forever." For a sixth straight season, Ronaldo was the Champions League's top scorer with 15 goals and also scored four times at the World Cup, including a hat-trick against Spain in a thrilling 3-3 draw to open Portugal's campaign. However, Portugal's last 16 exit to Uruguay in Russia and Ronaldo's failure to score in the semi-finals or final of the Champions League opened the door for Modric. Salah scoops best goal For the first time in 12 years, Messi was not among the finalists with Salah earning a place on the podium for his incredible 44-goal debut season with Liverpool that carried the Reds to the Champions League final. Salah did not go away empty-handed, however, as he picked up the Puskas award for best goal for his strike against Everton in the Merseyside derby last December. Modric was joined by Real team-mates Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Marcelo in the FIFPro team of the year, also featuring David De Gea, Dani Alves, N'Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe, Messi and Ronaldo. "I am as happy as if I had won it," said Ramos of Modric's success. "He deserves it, he is an excellent player and has marked an important era in the history of Real Madrid." France's World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps won the best coach of the year prize in recognition for his work in leading Les Bleus to success in Russia. Deschamps, who became just the third man to win the World Cup as a player and coach, beat off competition from Dalic and his former France team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who won a third consecutive Champions League title with Real Madrid before resigning in June. Thibaut Courtois won the best goalkeeper award for helping Belgium reach the World Cup semi-finals as well as the FA Cup with Chelsea before a summer move to Madrid. Brazil's Marta was crowned best women's player for a record sixth time for her role in winning the Copa America to beat out Lyon duo Ada Hegerberg and Dzsenifer Marozsan. Lyon boss Reynald Pedros did win the award for best women's coach, though, after winning the Champions League with the French giants.

End of Ronaldo-Messi era as Modric crowned world's best

<p>Croatian midfielder Luka Modric,33, was named the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year for 2018 after his exploits for his country in the recent World Cup in Russia and his Champions League victory with Real Madrid.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/modric-better-ronaldo-and-messi-says-croatia-coach-zlatko-dalic-worlds-best-player-167419">Also Read:&nbsp;'Modric better than Ronaldo and Messi', says Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on world's best player</a></p>

<p>"This award is not just mine. It is my teammates," Modric said while accepting the award, adding,"without my coaches, I would not have won this and without my family I would not be the player I am today."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modric beat Egyptian and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Juventus star and Portugal international Christiano Ronaldo to win the coveted award. Modric did not seem to mind Salah and Ronaldo giving the ceremony&nbsp;a miss but added: "obviously I would have liked them to be here but they aren't."</p>

<p>Modric had already won the Golden Ball for being the best player at the World Cup and was instrumental in taking Croatia to the final of the tournament.</p>

<p>"It was an unbelievable season, the best season in my life," said Modric.</p>

<p>"I'm still not realising how good a year I had collectively, individually, and I'm very proud for everything I achieved this year and it will be remembered forever."</p>

<p>French coach Didier Deschamps won the best coach of the year prize for leading his team to World Cup success in Russia beating Dalic and his former France teammate Zinedine Zidane. Brazil's Marta was crowned best women's player for a record sixth time for helping her team win the Copa America.</p>

<p>Saleh who failed to win the top FIFA award won a consolation award picking up the Puskas award for best goal for his strike against Everton last December in the English Premier League. This was the first time in 12 years Argentinian striker&nbsp;and Barcelona superstar Messi did not make it to the cutoff list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Real Madrid's Belgium international Thibaut Courtois won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Peru's supporters won the FIFA Fan Award and German Lennart Thy, a member of Turkish club BB Erzurumspor won the FIFA Fair Play Award after donating stem cells to help a leukaemia patient.</p>


Croatian midfielder Luka Modric,33, was named the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year for 2018 after his exploits for his country in the recent World Cup in Russia and his Champions League victory with Real Madrid.

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric,33, was named the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year for 2018 after his exploits for his country in the recent World Cup in Russia and his Champions League victory with Real Madrid. Also Read: 'Modric better than Ronaldo and Messi', says Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on world's best player "This award is not just mine. It is my teammates," Modric said while accepting the award, adding,"without my coaches, I would not have won this and without my family I would not be the player I am today." Modric beat Egyptian and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Juventus star and Portugal international Christiano Ronaldo to win the coveted award. Modric did not seem to mind Salah and Ronaldo giving the ceremony a miss but added: "obviously I would have liked them to be here but they aren't." Modric had already won the Golden Ball for being the best player at the World Cup and was instrumental in taking Croatia to the final of the tournament. "It was an unbelievable season, the best season in my life," said Modric. "I'm still not realising how good a year I had collectively, individually, and I'm very proud for everything I achieved this year and it will be remembered forever." French coach Didier Deschamps won the best coach of the year prize for leading his team to World Cup success in Russia beating Dalic and his former France teammate Zinedine Zidane. Brazil's Marta was crowned best women's player for a record sixth time for helping her team win the Copa America. Saleh who failed to win the top FIFA award won a consolation award picking up the Puskas award for best goal for his strike against Everton last December in the English Premier League. This was the first time in 12 years Argentinian striker and Barcelona superstar Messi did not make it to the cutoff list. Real Madrid's Belgium international Thibaut Courtois won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Peru's supporters won the FIFA Fan Award and German Lennart Thy, a member of Turkish club BB Erzurumspor won the FIFA Fair Play Award after donating stem cells to help a leukaemia patient.

Croatian Luka Modric wins Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year award

Modric ends Ronaldo-Messi era to be crowned world's best football player

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long domination of football's&nbsp;individual awards is under threat from Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric and Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah when FIFA's player of the year is announced on Monday.</p>

<p>For the first time in 12 years, Messi is not even nominated among the three finalists for the award after early exits for Argentina at the World Cup and Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.</p>

<p>Both Messi and Ronaldo have won FIFA's award in different guises five times each, and the Portuguese can move out on his own after winning a third straight Champions League title with Real Madrid before heading for pastures new with Juventus in July.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/the-best-fifa-football-awards-2018-a-complete-list-163409#photo-163402">The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/the-best-fifa-football-awards-2018-a-complete-list-163409#photo-163402">complete</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/the-best-fifa-football-awards-2018-a-complete-list-163409#photo-163402"> list</a></p>

<p>For a sixth straight season, Ronaldo was the Champions League's top scorer with 15 goals and also scored four times at the World Cup, including a hat-trick against Spain in a thrilling 3-3 draw to open Portugal’s campaign.</p>

<p>However, Portugal's last 16 exit to Uruguay in Russia and Ronaldo's failure to score in the semi-finals or final of the Champions League has opened the door for Modric.</p>

<p><strong>'The year of Luka'</strong></p>

<p>Croatia's captain was an inspirational figure as they surpassed all expectations to reach the World Cup final and also played a big role in Madrid's Champions League and Club World Cup wins.</p>

<p>"I hope that Luka will be the best player in the world," Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic told AFP.</p>

<p>"He deserves it because he was the best player in the Club World Cup and the best player in the World Cup.</p>

<p>"Messi and Ronaldo are fantastic players, but this year is the year of Luka."</p>

<p>Salah also makes the podium for the first time after an incredible 44-goal debut season for Liverpool that carried the Reds to the Champions League final.</p>

<p>However, a shoulder injury suffered early on in the final robbed him of the chance to help Liverpool lift the trophy and also meant he wasn't in peak condition to lead Egypt's World Cup bid.</p>

<p>Despite scoring in each of his two appearances in Russia, The Pharaohs bowed out at the group stage with three defeats.</p>

<p>France's World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps is favourite to win the best coach award ahead of Dalic and former Real coach Zinedine Zidane, who stepped down in June after overseeing three Champions League triumphs in just two and a half years in charge.</p>

<p>Even if they lose out on the best player award, Messi and Ronaldo could walk away with a prize as they are both nominated for the Puskas award for best goal.</p>

<p>Messi's solitary World Cup goal against Nigeria and Ronaldo's spectacular overhead kick against his future employers in the Champions League quarter-finals are two of 10 goals on the shortlist, also including Gareth Bale's acrobatic strike for Real in the Champions League final.</p>

<p>The best goalkeeper prize is to be contested by France captain Hugo Lloris, Denmark's Kasper Schmeichel and Belgium's Thibaut Courtois, whose World Cup heroics earned him a move to Madrid from Chelsea.</p>

<p>Lyon's Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg and German midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan are joined by Brazilian five-time winner Marta of Orlando Pride in the running for the best women's player after winning the Champions League with the French giants.</p>

<p>Reynold Pedros of Lyon, Japan boss Asako Takakura and Netherlands coach Sarina Wiegman are in the running for best women's coach.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long domination of football's individual awards is under threat from Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric and Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah when FIFA's player of the year is announced on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's decade-long domination of football's individual awards is under threat from Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric and Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah when FIFA's player of the year is announced on Monday. For the first time in 12 years, Messi is not even nominated among the three finalists for the award after early exits for Argentina at the World Cup and Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Both Messi and Ronaldo have won FIFA's award in different guises five times each, and the Portuguese can move out on his own after winning a third straight Champions League title with Real Madrid before heading for pastures new with Juventus in July. The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018, complete list For a sixth straight season, Ronaldo was the Champions League's top scorer with 15 goals and also scored four times at the World Cup, including a hat-trick against Spain in a thrilling 3-3 draw to open Portugal’s campaign. However, Portugal's last 16 exit to Uruguay in Russia and Ronaldo's failure to score in the semi-finals or final of the Champions League has opened the door for Modric. 'The year of Luka' Croatia's captain was an inspirational figure as they surpassed all expectations to reach the World Cup final and also played a big role in Madrid's Champions League and Club World Cup wins. "I hope that Luka will be the best player in the world," Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic told AFP. "He deserves it because he was the best player in the Club World Cup and the best player in the World Cup. "Messi and Ronaldo are fantastic players, but this year is the year of Luka." Salah also makes the podium for the first time after an incredible 44-goal debut season for Liverpool that carried the Reds to the Champions League final. However, a shoulder injury suffered early on in the final robbed him of the chance to help Liverpool lift the trophy and also meant he wasn't in peak condition to lead Egypt's World Cup bid. Despite scoring in each of his two appearances in Russia, The Pharaohs bowed out at the group stage with three defeats. France's World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps is favourite to win the best coach award ahead of Dalic and former Real coach Zinedine Zidane, who stepped down in June after overseeing three Champions League triumphs in just two and a half years in charge. Even if they lose out on the best player award, Messi and Ronaldo could walk away with a prize as they are both nominated for the Puskas award for best goal. Messi's solitary World Cup goal against Nigeria and Ronaldo's spectacular overhead kick against his future employers in the Champions League quarter-finals are two of 10 goals on the shortlist, also including Gareth Bale's acrobatic strike for Real in the Champions League final. The best goalkeeper prize is to be contested by France captain Hugo Lloris, Denmark's Kasper Schmeichel and Belgium's Thibaut Courtois, whose World Cup heroics earned him a move to Madrid from Chelsea. Lyon's Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg and German midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan are joined by Brazilian five-time winner Marta of Orlando Pride in the running for the best women's player after winning the Champions League with the French giants. Reynold Pedros of Lyon, Japan boss Asako Takakura and Netherlands coach Sarina Wiegman are in the running for best women's coach.

Footballer of the year: Who will win in the year of Luka Modric?

<p>Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has supported&nbsp;Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric as he&nbsp;bids to win The Best FIFA Men's Player award ahead of Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.</p>

<p>Dalic hailed Modric's performance and said, "For me, he deserves everything this year. He was the best player in the Club World Cup, and the best player in the World Cup, also the best player in Europe."</p>

<p>Luka Modric, who helped Real Madrid to win the Champions League for a consecutive third season, also won the UEFA Player of the Year.</p>

<p>Since the introduction of UEFA Player of the Year award in 2011, Modric is only the third player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the award.</p>

<p>The previous season was not less than a fairytale for Modric as he led his national team Croatia to the FIFA World Cup 2018 final and won Golden Ball award for being the World Cup's best player.</p>

<p>He was named man-of-the-match three times in Croatia's seven games in Russia.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/best-fifa-football-awards-2018-who-will-win-year-luka-modric-167355">The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018: Who will win in the year of Luka Modric?</a></p>

<p>"For this year, Luka Modric is the best, he is absolutely the best for me. I know I told before (in the past) (Lionel) Messi, and (Cristiano) Ronaldo are the best players in the world, but this year is the year of Luka Modric," said Dalic.</p>


Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has supported Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric as he bids to win The Best FIFA Men's Player award ahead of Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has supported Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric as he bids to win The Best FIFA Men's Player award ahead of Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Dalic hailed Modric's performance and said, "For me, he deserves everything this year. He was the best player in the Club World Cup, and the best player in the World Cup, also the best player in Europe." Luka Modric, who helped Real Madrid to win the Champions League for a consecutive third season, also won the UEFA Player of the Year. Since the introduction of UEFA Player of the Year award in 2011, Modric is only the third player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the award. The previous season was not less than a fairytale for Modric as he led his national team Croatia to the FIFA World Cup 2018 final and won Golden Ball award for being the World Cup's best player. He was named man-of-the-match three times in Croatia's seven games in Russia. The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018: Who will win in the year of Luka Modric? "For this year, Luka Modric is the best, he is absolutely the best for me. I know I told before (in the past) (Lionel) Messi, and (Cristiano) Ronaldo are the best players in the world, but this year is the year of Luka Modric," said Dalic.

'Modric better than Ronaldo and Messi', says Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on world's best player

<p>Croatia international Luka Modric says that after winning multiple titles with Real Madrid the last challenge he faces is to help his country make a good showing in the 2018 World Cup, Croatian news agency Hina reported Monday.<br />
<br />
"A great result with the national team is the only thing I still want to achieve," the midfielder said Sunday night as he accepted the award as best Croatian footballer for the sixth consecutive year, according to Hina.<br />
<br />
He said that the squad's first objective is to make it out of the group stage into the round of 16, "since we haven't achieved that since 1998," the Croatia captain said.<br />
<br />
"But I believe we will achieve it in Russia," Modric added.<br />
<br />
The team left Zagreb early Monday for the town that will be their home during the World Cup tournament in Russia: Zelenogorsk, some 60 km (36 mi) from St. Petersburg.<br />
<br />
Croatia are drawn in Group D, along with Argentina, Iceland, and Nigeria.</p>


'A great result with the national team is the only thing I still want to achieve,' says Croatia midfielder Luka Modric

Croatia international Luka Modric says that after winning multiple titles with Real Madrid the last challenge he faces is to help his country make a good showing in the 2018 World Cup, Croatian news agency Hina reported Monday. "A great result with the national team is the only thing I still want to achieve," the midfielder said Sunday night as he accepted the award as best Croatian footballer for the sixth consecutive year, according to Hina. He said that the squad's first objective is to make it out of the group stage into the round of 16, "since we haven't achieved that since 1998," the Croatia captain said. "But I believe we will achieve it in Russia," Modric added. The team left Zagreb early Monday for the town that will be their home during the World Cup tournament in Russia: Zelenogorsk, some 60 km (36 mi) from St. Petersburg. Croatia are drawn in Group D, along with Argentina, Iceland, and Nigeria.

World Cup success would crown my career: Croatia's Luka Modric

<p>La Liga champions FC Barcelona continued its winning streak after drawing 2-2 against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday in an ill-tempered and highly charged "El Clasico."</p>

<p>Despite the fact that Barcelona already won the La Liga title, the normal league match saw a total of 28 fouls, eight yellow cards and&nbsp;a red card. Maybe this is the reason why El Clasico is the most celebrated rivalry&nbsp;worldwide.</p>

<p>Other than the two teams, the referee Hernandez Hernandez is being criticised for ignoring several fouls that could have changed the result.</p>

<p>Barca striker Luis Suarez scored the first goal and gave a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute which was equalised just after four minutes by Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.</p>

<p>In the second half, Lionel Messi scored a stunner to give 2-1 lead but Madrid's forward Gareth Bale lashed home to deny La Liga champions a victory.</p>

<p>The match concluded with several controversies with both the teams playing a rough game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barca mid-fielder Sergio Roberto was given a red card for his unacceptable&nbsp;encounter with Marcelo.</p>

<p>Apart from verbal altercations and deliberate fouls, there were few incidents which referee ignored or missed completely and now they are being highlighted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ramos: “Knowing Luis Suarez, I made clear that we wouldn't put the ball out of play.” [Marca] <a href="https://t.co/m1yrt0Np4p">pic.twitter.com/m1yrt0Np4p</a></p>
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMadridInfo/status/993357376412618757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the 52nd minute, Luis Suarez made a clear foul while tackling Real's defender Varane but was somehow ignored by the referee. The tackle resulted positively for Barca as Messi took advantage of the pass and scored in the extreme left of the net and stunned&nbsp;Real's goalkeeper Keylor Navas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">how is this not a foul ladies and gentlemen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> <a href="https://t.co/8dxvjMaEZH">pic.twitter.com/8dxvjMaEZH</a></p>
— Buzz (@GHfollowtrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/GHfollowtrain/status/993235777143427072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another shocking event, Gareth Bale hit Barca defender Umtiti which went unpunished.</p>

<p>Jordi Alba grabbed Luka Modric by his neck which went unnoticed and Alba easily&nbsp;got away.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who does he think he is?? You can't grab Luka Modric by the neck!!! <a href="https://t.co/JK85wmpzyS">pic.twitter.com/JK85wmpzyS</a></p>
— Florentino Pérez (@RealFloPerez) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealFloPerez/status/993247624080838656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also, a penalty by Jordi Alba was snubbed by a foul whistle that narrowed the Real chances to win the match when he pushed Marcelo. His&nbsp;spat with Marcelo also went unseen.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Robbery Part 2: Ask any football fan, This is 100% Penalty and a straight Red Card for Jordi Alba. <a href="https://t.co/isbFYGGLX4">pic.twitter.com/isbFYGGLX4</a></p>
— RMadridBabe (@RMadridBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMadridBabe/status/993226143024238593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barcelona had their best&nbsp;chance when mid-fielder Ivan Rakitic was heading towards the goal but was given an invalid offside.</p>

<p>The list of incidents reflects on the urgent need of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in extremely intense matches such as "El Clasico."&nbsp;</p>


The Barcelona-Real clash Sunday night saw 28 fouls, one grabbing of the neck, one red card, and eight yellows

La Liga champions FC Barcelona continued its winning streak after drawing 2-2 against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday in an ill-tempered and highly charged "El Clasico." Despite the fact that Barcelona already won the La Liga title, the normal league match saw a total of 28 fouls, eight yellow cards and a red card. Maybe this is the reason why El Clasico is the most celebrated rivalry worldwide. Other than the two teams, the referee Hernandez Hernandez is being criticised for ignoring several fouls that could have changed the result. Barca striker Luis Suarez scored the first goal and gave a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute which was equalised just after four minutes by Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo. In the second half, Lionel Messi scored a stunner to give 2-1 lead but Madrid's forward Gareth Bale lashed home to deny La Liga champions a victory. The match concluded with several controversies with both the teams playing a rough game. Barca mid-fielder Sergio Roberto was given a red card for his unacceptable encounter with Marcelo. Apart from verbal altercations and deliberate fouls, there were few incidents which referee ignored or missed completely and now they are being highlighted. Ramos: “Knowing Luis Suarez, I made clear that we wouldn't put the ball out of play.” [Marca] pic.twitter.com/m1yrt0Np4p — Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) May 7, 2018 × In the 52nd minute, Luis Suarez made a clear foul while tackling Real's defender Varane but was somehow ignored by the referee. The tackle resulted positively for Barca as Messi took advantage of the pass and scored in the extreme left of the net and stunned Real's goalkeeper Keylor Navas. how is this not a foul ladies and gentlemen #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/8dxvjMaEZH — Buzz (@GHfollowtrain) May 6, 2018 × In another shocking event, Gareth Bale hit Barca defender Umtiti which went unpunished. Jordi Alba grabbed Luka Modric by his neck which went unnoticed and Alba easily got away. Who does he think he is?? You can't grab Luka Modric by the neck!!! pic.twitter.com/JK85wmpzyS — Florentino Pérez (@RealFloPerez) May 6, 2018 × Also, a penalty by Jordi Alba was snubbed by a foul whistle that narrowed the Real chances to win the match when he pushed Marcelo. His spat with Marcelo also went unseen. Robbery Part 2: Ask any football fan, This is 100% Penalty and a straight Red Card for Jordi Alba. pic.twitter.com/isbFYGGLX4 — RMadridBabe (@RMadridBabe) May 6, 2018 × Barcelona had their best chance when mid-fielder Ivan Rakitic was heading towards the goal but was given an invalid offside. The list of incidents reflects on the urgent need of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in extremely intense matches such as "El Clasico."

'El Clasico' not so classic: Other times the referee got it wrong

<p>&nbsp;Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp has said his team will be "on fire" for the Champions League final in Kiev as they look to stop an experienced Real Madrid side from winning a third consecutive European title.</p>

<p>The Merseyside club will feature in their eighth European Cup final on May 26 after beating AS Roma 7-6 on aggregate in the semi-final on Wednesday.</p>

<p>It hands Liverpool an opportunity to end their six-year trophy drought and lift their first piece of silverware under Klopp's management, having lost the finals of the League Cup and Europa League in 2016.</p>

<p>"We were in a League Cup final and didn't win it," said Klopp.</p>

<p>"People don't tell me in the street since then: 'Thank you for bringing us to the final.' We were in the Europa League final too. Nobody tells me&nbsp;thank you.</p>

<p>"I see no trophies after these games. They don't hang silver medals at Melwood. That's a pity, but that's the game. There's still a job to do."</p>

<p>Madrid, who overcame Bayern Munich in the other semi-final, return to the final for the fourth time in last five years.</p>

<p>Zinedine Zidane's side has retained a core group of players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, who have all been involved in lifting their last three European titles in 2014, 2016 and 2017.</p>

<p>"You cannot be more experienced in this competition than Real Madrid," the German manager added.</p>

<p>"I think 80 percent of their team played all these finals. They are four times in the last five years and still together. They are experienced, we are not, but we will be really on fire."</p>


The Merseyside club will feature in their eighth European Cup final on May 26 after beating AS Roma 7-6 on aggregate in the semi-final on Wednesday

Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp has said his team will be "on fire" for the Champions League final in Kiev as they look to stop an experienced Real Madrid side from winning a third consecutive European title. The Merseyside club will feature in their eighth European Cup final on May 26 after beating AS Roma 7-6 on aggregate in the semi-final on Wednesday. It hands Liverpool an opportunity to end their six-year trophy drought and lift their first piece of silverware under Klopp's management, having lost the finals of the League Cup and Europa League in 2016. "We were in a League Cup final and didn't win it," said Klopp. "People don't tell me in the street since then: 'Thank you for bringing us to the final.' We were in the Europa League final too. Nobody tells me thank you. "I see no trophies after these games. They don't hang silver medals at Melwood. That's a pity, but that's the game. There's still a job to do." Madrid, who overcame Bayern Munich in the other semi-final, return to the final for the fourth time in last five years. Zinedine Zidane's side has retained a core group of players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, who have all been involved in lifting their last three European titles in 2014, 2016 and 2017. "You cannot be more experienced in this competition than Real Madrid," the German manager added. "I think 80 percent of their team played all these finals. They are four times in the last five years and still together. They are experienced, we are not, but we will be really on fire."

Liverpool will be 'on fire' against Madrid in final, says Klopp

<p>Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Monday he was worried about the impact of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/croatian-footballer-luka-modric-charged-with-false-testimony-34523"> false testimony</a> charges against captain Luka Modric on his performance less than four months before the World Cup.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/croatian-footballer-luka-modric-charged-with-false-testimony-34523">Croatian prosecutors</a> charged the Real Madrid midfielder last week with giving false evidence during the multi-million-euro <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/croatian-footballer-luka-modric-charged-with-false-testimony-34523">corruption trial</a> of former Dinamo Zagreb boss Zdravko Mamic in Croatia.</p>

<p>The offence carries a maximum penalty of up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/croatian-footballer-luka-modric-charged-with-false-testimony-34523">five years in jail</a>.</p>

<p>&quot;I cannot interfere in what is going on but it certainly worries me,&quot; Dalic told reporters when asked whether he feared the charges could affect Modric&#39;s performance.</p>

<p>&quot;But knowing Luka and his character... I belive that he will stoically endure all this.</p>

<p>&quot;For me it is more important that he recovers from his current injury and that he plays,&quot; Dalic said.</p>

<p>He was speaking as he presented a 29-strong list of players for friendlies with Peru and Mexico to be played in the United States this month as part of preparations for the World Cup.</p>

<p>Modric&#39;s indictment has yet to be approved by a court and the 32-year-old is currently not threatened with arrest.</p>

<p>Mamic is accused, along with three other people, of abuse of power and graft that cost Dinamo, the former Croatian champions, more than 15 million euros ($18.4 million), and the state 1.5 million euros.</p>

<p>Cash was allegedly embezzled through fictitious deals related to player transfers. Modric testified last June over the details of his 2008 transfer from Dinamo to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.</p>

<p>From there he joined Real Madrid in 2012.</p>

<p>Modric has shaken off a thigh injury and travelled with the Madrid squad to France for Tuesday&#39;s second-leg last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>He is considered the biggest star Croatia have had since 1998 when they surprised the football world by reaching the World Cup semi-finals before losing to eventual winners France.</p>

<p>Croatia plays in the World Cup Group D along with Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Croatian prosecutors charged the Real Madrid midfielder last week with giving false evidence during the multi-million-euro corruption trial of former Dinamo Zagreb boss Zdravko Mamic in Croatia

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Monday he was worried about the impact of the false testimony charges against captain Luka Modric on his performance less than four months before the World Cup. Croatian prosecutors charged the Real Madrid midfielder last week with giving false evidence during the multi-million-euro corruption trial of former Dinamo Zagreb boss Zdravko Mamic in Croatia. The offence carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in jail. "I cannot interfere in what is going on but it certainly worries me," Dalic told reporters when asked whether he feared the charges could affect Modric's performance. "But knowing Luka and his character... I belive that he will stoically endure all this. "For me it is more important that he recovers from his current injury and that he plays," Dalic said. He was speaking as he presented a 29-strong list of players for friendlies with Peru and Mexico to be played in the United States this month as part of preparations for the World Cup. Modric's indictment has yet to be approved by a court and the 32-year-old is currently not threatened with arrest. Mamic is accused, along with three other people, of abuse of power and graft that cost Dinamo, the former Croatian champions, more than 15 million euros ($18.4 million), and the state 1.5 million euros. Cash was allegedly embezzled through fictitious deals related to player transfers. Modric testified last June over the details of his 2008 transfer from Dinamo to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. From there he joined Real Madrid in 2012. Modric has shaken off a thigh injury and travelled with the Madrid squad to France for Tuesday's second-leg last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain. He is considered the biggest star Croatia have had since 1998 when they surprised the football world by reaching the World Cup semi-finals before losing to eventual winners France. Croatia plays in the World Cup Group D along with Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria.

Croatia coach worried over Modric charges

<p>Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was charged with perjury by Croatian prosecutors. He is accused of providing&nbsp;false testimony in a trial about financial deals with a former Dinamo Zagreb director, who was charged with embezzlement and tax fraud. If found guilty, the Croatia captain faces up to five years in prison.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old midfielder was charged with &quot;committing the criminal offence of giving false testimony&quot; last June during a trial against Mamic and three others before a local tribunal, a prosecutors&#39; statement said.</p>

<p>In line with Croatian law the prosecutors did not name Modric as the indictee but identified him as a &quot;Croatian citizen born in 1985&quot; but the local media identified him as Modric.Mamic is accused -- along with his brother Zoran Mamic and two others -- of abuse of power and graft that cost the former Croatian champions more than 15 million euros ($18.4 million), and the state 1.5 million euros.</p>

<p>Cash was allegedly embezzled through fictitious deals related to player transfers. Modric testified last June over the details of his 2008 transfer from Dinamo to Tottenham Hotspur.</p>

<p>From there he joined Real Madrid in 2012.</p>

<p>The prosecutors charge Modric that, when questioned at the tribunal, he falsely said he had signed an annex to a contract with Dinamo over conditions for future transfers while still playing in Croatia.</p>

<p>When questioned during investigations in 2015, Modric said the annex was signed after he joined Tottenham, according to the prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mamic is considered the most powerful man in Croatian football and his connections extend into many spheres of public life.</p>

<p>Most Croatian football fans see him as the real boss of the Croatian Football Federation and believe its formal chief Davor Suker is merely Mamic&#39;s puppet.</p>

<p>Modric, who grew up as a refugee in Zadar on the Dalmatian coast, was highly popular in Croatia where he has a reputation for modesty.</p>

<p>But the testimony has tarnished his image.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Mamic is being charged with embezzlement and tax fraud related to a series of player deals

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was charged with perjury by Croatian prosecutors. He is accused of providing false testimony in a trial about financial deals with a former Dinamo Zagreb director, who was charged with embezzlement and tax fraud. If found guilty, the Croatia captain faces up to five years in prison. The 32-year-old midfielder was charged with "committing the criminal offence of giving false testimony" last June during a trial against Mamic and three others before a local tribunal, a prosecutors' statement said. In line with Croatian law the prosecutors did not name Modric as the indictee but identified him as a "Croatian citizen born in 1985" but the local media identified him as Modric.Mamic is accused -- along with his brother Zoran Mamic and two others -- of abuse of power and graft that cost the former Croatian champions more than 15 million euros ($18.4 million), and the state 1.5 million euros. Cash was allegedly embezzled through fictitious deals related to player transfers. Modric testified last June over the details of his 2008 transfer from Dinamo to Tottenham Hotspur. From there he joined Real Madrid in 2012. The prosecutors charge Modric that, when questioned at the tribunal, he falsely said he had signed an annex to a contract with Dinamo over conditions for future transfers while still playing in Croatia. When questioned during investigations in 2015, Modric said the annex was signed after he joined Tottenham, according to the prosecutors. Mamic is considered the most powerful man in Croatian football and his connections extend into many spheres of public life. Most Croatian football fans see him as the real boss of the Croatian Football Federation and believe its formal chief Davor Suker is merely Mamic's puppet. Modric, who grew up as a refugee in Zadar on the Dalmatian coast, was highly popular in Croatia where he has a reputation for modesty. But the testimony has tarnished his image.

Croatian footballer Luka Modric charged with false testimony

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