Toronto, June 23 -- Ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup clash against Panama, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic hailed the team's veteran Luka Modric, calling him "his right hand on the pitch".

Croatia, which went down in the opening clash against England by 4-2 courtesy a brace from Harry Kane, face an important clash in Toronto against Panama. The 2018 runners-up and 2022 third-place finishing Croatia, will be aiming to win the tournament for Modric, who is in line to achieve his 200th international cap for his side.

Speaking about Modric as quoted by FIFA, Dalic, who has shared a decade-long association with Modric in Croatian colours, said, "He is my right hand on the pitch. Luka Modric sets an example to all on how we should do things. L...