Luka Modric slams Daniele Orsato as one of worst refs EVER after controversy in Croatia loss to Argentina

LUKE MODRIC has slammed Daniele Orsato as "one of the worst" referees EVER after Croatia's World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina.

The European side crashed out of the tournament following a toothless performance against the South American champions.

Croatia were swept aside by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, with the magician scoring once and setting up another in the 3-0 victory.

Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez scored twice, including a fine second following a quite incredible assist from Messi.

But this all came after Modric and Co were left furious with the award of the penalty for Argentina's opener.

Dominic Livakovic came charging out and took out Alvarez, sending the striker tumbling to the ground.

Commentators Ally McCoist and Lee Dixon agreed with the decision, but ITV trio Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville thought the Italian got it WRONG.

Meanwhile, an unhappy Modric said: "I don't like to talk about referees but this is one of the worst.

"I don't have a good memory of him, he's a disaster. For me it wasn't a penalty.

"Despite this, I don't want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that game.

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"Argentina was a fair winner of the game, they were better, they deserved to win, but these have things have to be mentioned.

"I generally don't do them but today they have to be done."