<P> Modrić began his international career at youth level, playing for the Croatian under - 17, under - 19 and under - 21 teams . He made his full international debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, which Croatia won 3--2 . </P> <P> Modrić made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan and Australia . With the appointment of new manager Slaven Bilić, Modrić earned greater recognition at international level; he scored his first goal in Croatia's 2--0 friendly win over Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno . </P> <P> Modrić's performances ensured a regular place in the international side; he gave a successful showing in Croatia's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, which included home and away victories against England . As a young midfielder, much was expected of Modrić; he was often dubbed "the Croatian Cruyff". Modrić scored Croatia's first goal of Euro 2008, converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1--0 victory against Austria on 8 June 2008 . It was the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in European Championship history . He continued to impress at the tournament and was named UEFA Man of the Match in Croatia's next game when they defeated one of the pre-tournament favourites and eventual finalists Germany . In the quarter - final against Turkey, Modrić took advantage of a mistake by veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, and crossed to teammate Ivan Klasnić for the first goal of the game with one minute of extra time remaining, but Semih Şentürk equalised for Turkey almost immediately . In the ensuing penalty shootout, Modrić's kick was off - target and he failed to score the first penalty and Turkey won the shootout 3--1 . At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, becoming only the second Croatian to achieve this honour after Davor Šuker . </P> <P> In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Modrić scored three goals, against Kazakhstan, Andorra and Ukraine; matching Ivica Olić, Ivan Rakitić and Eduardo da Silva . The team failed to qualify by being one point behind Ukraine . After appearing in all of their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier matches and scoring a goal against Israel, Modrić started in all three of Croatia group stage matches against Republic of Ireland, Italy and Spain, but the team failed to progress . His most notable performance was against Spain; he led the team game and manager Bilić relied on Modrić to resist Spain's football quality on the pitch . The most memorable moment of the game came when Modrić picked the ball on the halfway line skipping Spain's midfield trio, rushing down on the right to reach the penalty area where he evaded a defender, and crossed from 18 yd (16 m) to Ivan Rakitić, but Iker Casillas saved this attempt . Because Croatia did not pass the group stage, Modrić was not included in the Team of the Tournament, but The Daily Telegraph included him in the best eleven until the semi-finals, and his play was well received by critics . </P>

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