Luka Modric and Rodrygo Went from Calling Each Other 'Father and Son' to World Cup 2022 Opponents

And Modric knew Rodrygo’s emotions after missing a similar spot-kick at Euro 2008

Luka Modric backs Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo after a penalty miss for Brazil just like his at Euro 2008

Father and son relationship in the soccer world

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric talked to the press immediately after Croatia’s win against Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals. Croatia advanced in the penalty shootout, with Madrid attacker Rodrygo Goes missing Brazil’s first penalty. Modric praised his teammate.

“I was his age when I missed a crucial penalty in the 2008 Euro. We have to praise him for having the courage and determination to take the first penalty, that will make him stronger,” said Modric, who has always been one of Rodrygo’s most appreciated teammates in the Spanish capital.

Modric’s relationship with Rodrygo is much more than gorgeous outside of the boot assists for him to latch onto.

Rodrygo is one of the youngest members of Brazil and Real squads. Incredibly, his dad is just one year younger than Modric and that left the former Spurs man stunned.

From that point onwards, they started referring to one another as father and son.

“When he found out that my father was 35 years old, he didn’t believe it,” Rodrygo said.

https://youtu.be/-1-iaZFgspo

“He then told me I should respect him as he was old enough to be my father.

“Since then, he always calls me son and I call him dad.”

Modric has been with Real since 2012 and after a difficult first season that saw him labeled a flop, he has performed at an exceptionally high level for the last decade.

And he’s also been a big influence on Rodrygo, who said as much in an interview this year.
“He really helps me,” he told the Real Madrid website.

“Playing with him is much easier, given the quality he’s got. He’s like a father to me.”

2018 finalists Croatia secured passage to the quarterfinals after beating Japan on a penalty shoot-out.

Brazil, meanwhile, trounced South Korea to set up the showdown at Education City Stadium, where there would be Croatia vs Brazil match-up but also a father vs son meeting. Kind of.

Sources: