The Croatia’s national team, known for their resilience and tactical prowess, is set to make a significant impact at Euro 2024. With a rich history in international tournaments, including finishing as runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reaching the semi-finals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Croatia has proven their mettle on the grandest stages.
While they were eliminated in the first knockout round of the last two European Championships, the Croatians aim to go further this year under the guidance of their experienced coach, Zlatko Dalic, and a talented squad. Their fluttering red and white checkered kits have won over the hipsters, and their unflappability continues to impress on both the world and European stages.
Croatia’s Remarkable Football Legacy: Punching Above Their Weight
Croatia, a nation with a population less than half the size of London, has defied odds and expectations on the global football stage, emerging as a powerhouse despite their relatively recent entry into competitive play in 1994. With a remarkable record of two third-place finishes and a runners-up medal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Croatia’s achievements stand as a testament to their resilience, talent, and determination.
Despite their smaller size and limited footballing history, Croatia has consistently outperformed larger, more established footballing nations. Their success on the world stage is exemplified by their impressive performance in the 2018 World Cup, where they captured the hearts of football fans worldwide with their tenacity and skill. Despite being labeled as underdogs, Croatia’s journey to the final saw them defeating formidable opponents and showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.
Euro Championships: A Modest Yet Promising Record
While Croatia’s success in the World Cup has been well-documented, their performances in the UEFA European Championship have been more modest. With two quarter-final appearances as their peak achievement, Croatia has shown glimpses of their potential but has yet to replicate the same level of success as in the World Cup.
In the last World Cup, Croatia silenced skeptics who doubted their ability to compete at the highest level. Despite being perceived as an ageing side, they proved their critics wrong by reaching the semi-finals and narrowly missing out on a spot in the final. Their valiant effort, which saw them face off against eventual champions Argentina, further solidified Croatia’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in international football.
Modric’s Timeless Brilliance Leads the Charge
Despite appearing to have had the same core of players for decades, Croatia’s veteran stars seem stuck in a perpetual state of youthfulness, led by the ageless exploits of captain Luka Modric. The diminutive maestro defies the clock, and the load will be lightened around him by recent domestic title winners, including Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Bayer Leverkusen full-back Josip Stanisic.
Modric wears the armband as Croatia’s all-powerful leader, and despite the emergence of various names in recent years, he remains the key to their success. The little magician has not been overloaded at Real Madrid this season, allowing him to channel his energy into leading his national team’s charge.
Qualification and Expectations for Euro 2024
Qualification was a little tight for Croatia, as they eventually saw off Wales to claim second place in Group D, just one point behind table-toppers Turkey. At Euro 2024, coach Zlatko Dalic will ask Modric to go to the well once again, and Croatia will rely on the stacks of experience scattered throughout their squad.
Their secret weapon in recent tournaments has been their ability to grit through limitless periods of extra time. Getting out of a tricky group including Spain and Italy will be tough, and a lack of an elite striker could cost them further on. However, with their veteran stars leading the way, Croatia will be a formidable force to reckon with at Euro 2024.
CROATIA’S EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group B
Saturday, Jun 15: Spain v Croatia, 5pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)
Wednesday, Jun 19: Croatia v Albania 2pm (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)
Monday, Jun 24: Croatia v Italy 8pm (Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig)
CROATIA’S EURO 2024 SQUAD
Dalic will confirm his final Croatia squad ahead of the June 6 deadline. Here’s the 35-player preliminary panel.
GOALKEEPERS: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Nedijiko Labrovic.
DEFENDERS: Domagoj Vida, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Martin Erlic, Marin Pongracic.
MIDFIELDERS: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Ivanusec, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina.
FORWARDS: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Marko Pjaca, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic.
