A revamped squad from 2018’s runners-up, Croatia still pitch up at the World Cup in Qatar with global big hitters like Luka Modric.
They might have to rely on goals from midfield and out wide, and will hope Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic can find full sharpness after carrying a knee issue.
Here’s everything you need to know about Croatia…
Coach: Zlatko Dalic. Experienced and well travelled, and now into his sixth year in the job.
Captain: Luka Modric. Somehow still the driving force and showing no signs of slowing down at 37.
Star player: Luka Modric. Real Madrid have thought about moving on from the veteran several times, and yet he continues to hold their attention with stellar performances.
One to watch: Josko Gvardiol. One of the hottest defensive property in Europe, with Chelsea and Manchester City among those scrambling for his signature.
World ranking: 12
Odds: 35/1
Best thing about them: Outrageous collection of midfield talents with Modric somehow still majestic.
Worst thing about them: A natural goalscorer away from being a side capable of ultimate glory.
Their prospects in three words: Genuine puncher’s chance.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
- November 23 vs Morocco (10am)
- November 27 vs Canada (4pm)
- December 1 vs Belgium (3pm)
Squad
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Ivo Grbic.
Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisic, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo.
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jakic, Luka Sucic.
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja.
