15
FIFA Ranking
2
Finals
2018
Last World Cup
2018 (2nd)
Best Performance
Croatia were trailing Russia going into the final game of qualifying by two points, but a 1-0 win thanks to a late own goals saw them overtake their opponents to finish top to make it to their sixth World Cup finals in 7 attempts. They went one better than their best ever appearance, a third place finish in 1998, last time out when they reached the final, only to lose to France 2-4 in Moscow. Last year, Croatia made it to the Round of 16, but were humbled by Spain. Despite scoring two late goals to draw 3-3 in normal time, Spain netted two more in extra time without reply. 4 years ago, Croatia got through to the final without winning a single game in normal time, and should any of their games go to added time, they will feed confident of progression
Player to Watch
At 37 years old, Modric is likely to be playing in his last World Cup. Celebrating his eleventh year at Real Madrid, Modric has been incredible for his club, lifting 9 trophies including 5 Champions Leagues. He was the player of tournament at the World Cup 4 years ago, even lifting the Ballon d’Or that same year. He is already the most capped player in the country’s short history, and will be one of the most celebrated regardless of how the country fares this winter.
Squad List
Name
Dominik Livaković
Ivica Ivušić
Ivo Grbić
Domagoj Vida
Dejan Lovren
Borna Barišić
Josip Juranović
Joško Gvardiol
Borna Sosa
Josip Stanišić
Martin Erlić
Josip Šutalo
Luka Modrić
Mateo Kovačić
Marcelo Brozović
Mario Pašalić
Nikola Vlašić
Lovro Majer
Luka Sučić
Kristijan Jakić
Ivan Perišić
Andrej Kramarić
Bruno Petković
Mislav Oršić
Ante Budimir
Marko Livaja
Position
GK
GK
GK
DF
DF
DF
DF
DF
DF
DF
DF
DF
MF
MF
MF
MF
MF
MF
MF
MF
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
FW
Club
Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Osijek (Croatia)
Atlético Madrid (Spain)
AEK Athens (Greece)
Zenit Saint Petersburg (Russia)
Rangers (Scotland)
Celtic (Scotland)
RB Leipzig (Germany)
VfB Stuttgart (Germany)
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Sassuolo (Italy)
Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Chelsea (England )
Internazionale (Italy)
Atalanta (Italy)
Torino (Italy)
Rennes (France)
Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)
Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
Tottenham Hotspur (England )
1899 Hoffenheim (Germany)
Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Osasuna (Spain)
Hajduk Split (Croatia)
Age
27
27
26
33
33
29
27
20
24
22
24
22
37
28
29
27
24
24
20
25
33
31
28
29
31
29
Caps
31
5
2
98
70
26
20
10
6
5
3
2
152
81
74
40
39
8
3
4
113
71
21
19
14
13
Goals
0
0
0
4
4
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
22
3
7
7
7
2
0
0
32
19
6
1
1
2