As the World Cup edges closer, we continue our run down of all 32 competing nations in Russia.
After kicking off Group D with a preview of Argentina, it’s time to return to Europe and examine Croatia’s chances this summer.
Croatia finished second in their qualification group and overcame Greece 4-1 over two legs in a playoff to book their place at the 2018 World Cup.
Since making the semi-finals of France 98’, Croatia have failed to make it out of the group stages in the subsequent three World Cups they have qualified for.
In a competitive group alongside Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria, Croatia should be aiming to reach the knockout phase.
Croatia have an immensely talented squad but many are coming towards the end of their international careers.
Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Danijel Subasic, Vedran Corluka and Nikola Kalinic are all the wrong side of 30 and this could feasibly be their last chance at a World Cup.
Despite an aging squad, Zlatko Dalic has an immensely talented group of players at his disposal and anything other than progression to the knockout phase should be classed as a disappointment.
Modric is the obvious name that springs to mind when you assess Croatia’s squad but the Real Madrid midfielder has struggled to reproduce his best form this season.
Croatia are not short of options in central midfield and this summer might be where Inter ace Marcelo Brozovic really announces himself to an audience outside of Italy.
The 25-year-old has been in great form for Inter since the turn of the year and finished the season as the highest rated Croatian from Europe’s top five leagues, excluding substitute appearances (7.57 rating).
Brozovic provided nine assists in Serie A this season, one more than his three previous campaigns combined for the Italian giants.
One thing missing from Croatia’s squad is an out-and-out goalscoring striker. Nikola Kalinic barely saw any football for AC Milan this season, while Mario Mandzukic’s game has changed at Juventus to sacrifice himself for the good of the team.
Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric scored more goals than any other Croatia player in Europe’s top five leagues this season, but a total of 13 does not inspire great confidence.
When you consider that nine of Croatia’s last 10 World Cup games have been under 2.5 goals scored, it suggests they are not capable of putting teams to the sword and that may not change here.
