A team which can often strike a chord for the neutral just purely by their famous red and white checkered shirts, the Croatians are more than capable of proving they have plenty of substance to go hand-in-hand with their dashing look.
Along with that, memories of Davor Suker’s heroics at France 1998 ring true and anywhere near a repeat of their famous third-place finish this time around would supersede any dream.
More recent efforts, though, haven’t returned much with group stage eliminations in their past three finals appearances since then in 2002, 2006 and 2014. But, the fact there’s little hype about this side could prove to a blessing.
Croatia were forced to work hard for a runners-up spot (to Iceland) in Qualifying Group I before a comprehensive second-round two-legged victory over Greece to seal their berth in Russia.
They have been far from convincing but are still dining where it counts at the top table.
Again, this summer, the Croats will go up against Iceland in Group D – a team they beat at home but lost to away in qualifying.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles Nigeria can always turn it on when the eyes of the world are watching, and then, of course, Argentina make up their group, having a certain man in their ranks we all know about. A big plus for Zlatko Dalic’s team is that they have a rigid defence led by Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren and plenty of dynamism and playmaking ability in midfield, where captain and Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric runs the show.
Inter Milan duo Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, as well as Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, add much-needed experience and legs around Modric. Mateo Kovacic has had another tough season at the Bernabeu but is set to start. At the top end of the pitch, goals are an issue, with the Blazers managing just 15 in qualifying, the second-lowest after Ireland among the top two teams from each of the qualifying groups.
Big contributions will certainly be needed by experienced Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic and AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic.
KEY PLAYER
Luka Modric
Midfield master: Luka Modric.
Proved once again for Los Blancos in past season that without him, Zinedine Zidane’s side aren’t as fluent nor pretty to watch. He has the same effect for his nation, so expect him to be at the heart of absolutely everything again.
COACH
Zlatko Dalic
In charge of the Croats: Zlatko Dalic.
The former Al Ain coach only took charge of Croatia last October but quickly presided over a crucial victory against Ukraine in the country’s final qualifier, before seeing his new team defeat Greece. Seems to have the players on his side and should relish this opportunity.
CAPTAIN
Luka Modric
Luka Modric shoulders a great deal of responsibility in this side.
When in full flow, the Los Blancos midfielder is a sight to behold and few people in world football possess his wizardry with the ball. Can cope with the pressure, but his nation are too reliant on him. Modric also commands big respect from his team-mates and is seen as the main man.
YOUNG STAR
Tin Jedvaj
Jedvaj shackles Roberto Firmino in a recent friendly.
The 22-year-old has developed into a defender of real promise in the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen after a move to Serie A with Roma came far too soon. Showed character to make it to this World Cup after he suffered a hairline fracture of the shin earlier last season.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
Croatia will be hoping to repeat their debut success of 1998.
– 5 – Following their magical France 98’ campaign, Croatia leaped to an impressive fifth in the FIFA World Rankings (July, 1998) – their highest position to date.
– The Croatian team, as we know it today, was formed in 1990 following the nation’s independence from Yugoslavia. FIFA and UEFA recognised the new footballing institution in 1993.
– Croatia are the only team to have won FIFA ’s Best Mover of the Year twice (1994 and 1998) – an award recognising international sides that have made rapid rises up the rankings.
FIFA Rating
78 DEF 82 MID 81 ATT
World Cups competed at
5 (first tournament in 1998)
World Cup record
P16, W7, D2, L7
Best finish
Third Place (1998)
Qualification record
P10, W6, D2, L2
World ranking
18
SQUAD
Captain and coach: Luka Modric and Zlatko Dalic.
Goalkeepers: D. Subasic (Monaco), L. Kalinic (Gent), D. Livakovic (Dinamo).
Defenders: V. Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), D. Vida (Besiktas), I. Strinic (Sampdoria), D. Lovren (Liverpool), S. Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid), J. Pivaric (Dynamo Kiev), T. Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen), D. Caleta-Car (Red Bull Salzburg).
Midfielders: L. Modric (Real Madrid), I. Rakitic (Barcelona), M. Kovacic (Real Madrid), M. Badelj (Fiorentina), M. Brozovic (Inter), F. Bradaric (Rijeka).
Forwards: M. Mandzukic (Juventus), I. Perisic (Inter), N. Kalinic (Milan), A. Kramaric (Hoffenheim), M. Pjaca (Schalke), A. Rebic (Eintracht).
VERDICT
Croatia have a tricky group to negotiate, but still, are capable of reaching at least the second-round and taking their chances from there.
Potentially, the Croats could become a bit of a surprise package if they can keep things tight at the back and nick the odd goal.
