Croatia's Ivan Perisic is the epitome of the big-game player

There’s an argument, surprising as it may sound, that there is no bigger big-game player in international football than Croatia's Ivan Perisic

BIG-GAME PLAYER: Croatia's Ivan Perisic heading the ball during a training session at the 2022 World Cup in Doha. Pic: AP Photo/Petr David Josek

The predatory Perisic instincts are already shining through the next generation. Little Leo would appear to have inherited his father’s sense of spotting an opportunity, picking a moment and going for it.

As Croatian players made their way to one end of Education City Stadium to celebrate another marathon and magical World Cup night, Brazilians were crestfallen and crumpled to the surface. Neymar, however, stood. He stood near the centre circle as the tears flowed, Dani Alves coming to console him. Leonardo Perisic ran over, hovered a moment as a Brazilian team helper looked ready to shoo him away and then caught Neymar’s eye. The two hugged and embraced in a touching human moment that instantly went viral, while Perisic Jr went to join dad and the celebrations.