Croatia head to France hoping for a breakthrough performance at this European Championship. The perennial dark horses have failed to live up to their reputation since making their bow at Euro 1996.
That tournament marked the first of two entries into the quarter-finals, with their group stage exit four years ago mirroring their display at Euro 2004. There is no doubt the talent is there to make the same impact as their remarkable run to the semi-finals of World Cup 1998 – a squad headed by La Liga superstars Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic assures that. But to deliver on their collective abilities, a testing Group D will need to be successfully navigated.
An opener against Turkey on June 12 could define their hopes of a top two finish and automatic entry into the knockout phases. Win there and the second clash against the Czech Republic – a team slowly finding its way back to the top after its zenith more than a decade ago – on June 17 looks far more appealing. Results in both the openers make the final clash against heavyweights Spain on June 21 appear easier. Revenge should be on Croatian minds for this game, with Jesus Navas’ 88th-minute goal helping to deny them at the same juncture at Euro 2012.
A potential distraction comes in the scrutiny their fans will be under after UEFA docked them a point during qualification for racist behavior against Italy. They didn’t entirely convince as runners-up to the Italians, losing only once but needing the Azzurri to defeat Norway in the last round of games to get through. Croatia were hotly tipped to excel at Euro 2004 and Euro 2012, but flopped. A little less hype this time could serve them in good stead to go deep during Euro 2016.
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STRENGTHS
There’s plenty of talent in this side. Midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric are two of La Liga’s finest, Mario Mandzukic has just won Serie A at Juventus and wide men Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic continue to impress at Inter. The nucleus of the squad has been together for a decade, and is now being supplemented by bright talents such as Mateo Kovacic and Ante Coric.
WEAKNESSES
Coach Ante Cacic is a firecracker waiting to explode, with his surprise appointment largely unpopular in Croatia. Has since especially fallen out with Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren, further weakening an already-suspect defence. Repeat experiments with formations also underline lack of clarity. If star man Luka Modric gets injured, a well engineered midfield will lose its balance.
STAR MAN – LUKA MODRIC
Do not be surprised if Modric uses this tournament to seal his position as the continent’s premier midfielder. Keeps getting better and better for Real Madrid. Proved himself as a passmaster at Tottenham Hotspur, but has become even-more rounded at the Bernabeu. Now aged 30, he sits deeper and controls the tempo while Barcelona rival Ivan Rakitic rampages from box-to-box. Is also more content under new coach Ante Cacic. Should relish the clash with many of his club-mates when Group D ends against Spain.
VERDICT
The test for Croatia is whether a fine midfield and attack can cover the problems in defence. Should make it through a difficult group, with Modric and co. They then need to be at their best to make a mark.
