For the very first occasion in their history, Croatia will compete in a World Cup where winning it all would be the only way for them to improve on their previous performance.
When Zlatko Dalic’s team advanced to the 2018 final in Moscow, losing to a strong France team, they stunned everyone. The Vatreni will have their work cut out for them if they want to even come close to matching Russia’s accomplishments in Qatar, but given their extensive tournament background, such a feat might not be the most surprising thing.
confirmed 26-player squad
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Ivo Grbic
Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Lovren, Borna Barisic, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalaic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jakic, Luka Sucic
Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Ante Budimir, Mislav Orsic, Ivan Perisic, Marko Livaja
Players to watch
Luka Modric
Luka Modric, who is still going strong at the age of 37, will be daydreaming of replacing silver with gold at the World Cup this time. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 thanks to his performances, and even though he understandably isn’t as reliable a player these days, he still steps up in crunch time and will be essential to their chances once more.
Marcelo Brozovic
Marcelo Brozovic, a consistently underappreciated midfielder in Europe, will once more assist Modric in the centre of the field. The Inter star, who is still only 29 years old, brings both experience and energy to the table. He looks forward to the big games, especially the one against Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium on matchday three.
Ivan Perisic
Ivan Perisic, who is listed as a forward for the national team but plays wing-back for his club, will once again be a key player in helping Croatia at a major competition. Only Modric and Darijo Srna have more national team appearances than the Tottenham player, who has recently found his form.
Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol, a defender for RB Leipzig, was a target for Chelsea in the summer and the 20-year-old might see his stock rise once he has his first taste of World Cup action. Many of Croatia’s center-back options are nearing the end of their careers, but Gvardiol gives Dalic the opportunity to restock a team that may look very different in a few years.
Prior to this year’s World Cup, Croatia qualified for the finals of the UEFA Nations League by winning four and drawing one of their previous five games. They will play Saudi Arabia in a friendly on Wednesday, making them one of the few participating nations to do so before the tournament begins on Sunday.
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