History in the World Cup
Croatia enters the 2018 World Cup with high expectations, boasting what is arguably its strongest roster since the 1998 cup where they finished third – their best finish in the World Cup. Croatia have featured in the World Cup on four different occasions, failing to get past the group stages thrice.
Current Form
An inconsistent qualifying campaign eventually saw Croatia squeeze through the play-offs with a victory over Greece. There is a reason they finished second behind Iceland in the Qualifying group, they lack consistency. Croatia’s record in the last eighteen months is a testament of their inconsistency; Played 10, won 5, lost 3 and drawn 2. Led by Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, the Croatians are expected to finish second in their group behind Argentina.
Squad
Manager: Zlatko Dalić
Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic, Lovre Kalinic, Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Vedran Corluka, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko, Josip Pivaric, Tin Jedvaj, Matej Mitrovic, Duje Caleta-Car
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozovic, Filip Bradaric
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Nikola Kalinic, Andrej Kramaric, Marko Pjaca, Ante Rebic
Danger Man
Luka Modric, the Real Madrid midfielder is a magician. Along with spearheading the Croatian squad in the World Cup, he also conducts their midfield. While Croatia lacks a clear footballing style, Modric gives them enough quality to play through midfield and out to Perisic, with Mandzukic acting almost as a wide striker, similar to the role he plays for Juventus. Even on an off day for Mandzukic and Perisic, Croatia can always rely on Modric and Rakitic to tear opponents apart.
Current Rankings
FIFA: Current - 18
Highest - 3
ELO: Current - 17
Highest - 5
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