Croatia has never won a match in the knockout round of a European Championship. And if this seems strange, considering that they always seem to achieve more than what would be expected of them. Look at this fact: the last (and only time) they defeated someone in 90 minutes after the group stage in a major tournament was 26 years ago in France (Romania and Germany). In Qatar they even reached the semi-finals after winning only one game before extra time or penalties, against Canada, and did not play better than any of their rivals in the other four games.
Even so, the home public has become accustomed to crazy successes and now expects more or less the same from the team that appears in Germany. However, this time things are not looking as good as in previous tournaments, not to mention the Vatreni’s disastrous qualification campaign.
Zlatko Dalic’s team is planted on the field with a 4-3-3, with 4-2-3-1 as plan B. Many have suggested that a line of three defenders would suit the group better, but that does not work. to happen as long as Luka Modric continues playing and in all likelihood calling the shots behind the scenes.
Even if it makes sense to build the team around the (veteran) captain, it means having to move other players who are in top form away from their natural locations. Thus, Josko Gvardiol’s hybrid role at Manchester City cannot be replicated in the national team, and Dalic has to choose between playing him at central defense or left back.
Andrej Kramaric shines at Hoffenheim playing as a midfielder, but here he is forced to play as a winger or forward. Even Bruno Petkovic, who likes to drop back and play between the lines for Dinamo Zagreb, will have to play a much more typical forward role. In addition, many players have dealt with problems of poor form or injuries this season, and there are many doubts at the start of the European Championship.
The coach, Zlatko Dalic
“We want Croatia to feel happy, good and proud again,” declared Zlatko Dalic after announcing the call for Euro 2024. “We have set the bar very high with three medals in five years and that is not realistic. [a largo plazo]”, he added, including last year’s Nations League final, which Croatia lost on penalties against Spain. Of course, the team has enjoyed tremendous success under him, but over the years his populist public relations routines have become a little tiring to the fans and (at least some of) the players. This is probably his last tournament as a national coach, and he surely wants to say goodbye with (another) success.
The icon
It’s Modric, in case anyone doubted it. He will turn 39 in September and has been playing for the national team for 18 years, accumulating more than 170 caps. Although at Real Madrid they measured his minutes a lot throughout the season, it is most likely that this summer they will once again demand that he give everything and then some with Croatia. “Limiting Luka’s appearances doesn’t do him any good,” says Dalic on this topic. “He has to go out in every game, that’s what makes him even better. “We always count on him as a leader.” As it is, Croatia will also entrust itself to the maestro in its swan song.
Player to follow
None, really. This is a team of veterans, and there are only two players younger than Gvardiol, who, at 22, is already an established world-class player facing his third major competition. Those two players are the creative midfielders Luka Sucic (RB Salzburg) and Martin Baturina (Dinamo Zagreb), who are not expected to have many minutes this summer, but who could very soon be on the agenda of big European clubs, so that it is worth at least writing down their names.
The nonconformist
The throne, unfortunately, is vacant since Dejan Lovren retired from the national team and Marko Livaja, the biggest national star, refused to play under Dalic after a dispute with the fans and the lack of support from the coach. If anyone comes close to this title, it would be Bruno Petkovic, an atypical striker who is a kind of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for the Vatreni. One might wonder how this football god doesn’t play for a leading Premier League team, but one might also question why such a piss-poor, elbow-punching, whiny character is allowed to step on the grass.
The core
Livakovic-Gvardiol-Modric-Perisic. With 16 years of difference, Gvardiol and Modric are the only world-class Croatian players right now. Dominik Livakovic was the hero in Qatar, securing a place in the playoffs with his stunning saves against Belgium, before dominating the clash against Japan and driving Brazil crazy in the quarter-finals. Perisic’s influence over the years has only been surpassed by that of Modric, and although he returns from a major injury at 35 years old, he remains extremely important to the team, whether he plays as a winger or (possibly) as a full-back. .
Possible starting eleven
4-3-3: Livakovic – Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa – Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric – Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic.
famous fan
We’re sorry we couldn’t find anyone who fits the role. Snoop Dogg, who has been seen on occasion wearing the plaid shirt, or possibly Bill Belichick, the most famous and successful coach in the NFL, who is of Croatian descent. Maybe Baby Lasagna, which came second in Eurovision 2024. Not convinced? What can we do. Neither do we.
Culinary delight
Croatian cuisine can be exciting and versatile, but it’s not something you learn by attending a football match. At the stadium you can get popcorn, peanuts or pumpkin seeds. Even, with a little luck, a raw sausage. If you’re enjoying a game at someone’s house, they can serve you a selection of local cheeses and cold cuts like prosciutto or kulen. Generally, Croatians like to drink and smoke when there is a football match, and if you are not chewing you have an easier time swearing in Aramaic loudly.
This is an article in collaboration with The Guardian. Alex Holiga He is a journalist at Telesport.
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