Croatia

After winning bronze medal in 1998 World Cup, Croatia failed to advance into knockout stages at the next two tournaments. Then, they didn’t even qualify for WC 2010. Now, they hope to emulate the run from sixteen years ago.

Good squad, wonderful midfield

This national team has never been so rich in talent recognized all over Europe. Upfront they have Mario Mandżukić, Bayern Munich striker who was in contention for Golden Boot in the Bundesliga until the end of the season. On both flanks – two experienced players from Wolfsburg: Ivan Perisic and Ivica Olic. In the back: Darijo Srna from Shakhtar Donetsk, one of the best right backs around, Dejan Lovren, who had a splendid season in Southampton. But their best and most gifted area is central midfield.

With three playmakers: Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic they have enough creativity to play various types of football. Plus, they all complement each other.

Three musketeers

Of course they’re known first and foremost for their offensive abilities. Modric made his name in Tottenham Hotspur but has truly sparked this year with Real Madrid. Accompanying Xabi Alonso in the middle of the park, he was the architect of their road to the final of Champions League, creating space by clever passing moves for his attackers. He can easily stretch the play and make key passes.

Ivan Rakitic is equally creative but more flexible. He started the season as a holding midfielder, then moved to flank but during crucial games of Sevilla’s Europa League run which resulted in lifting the trophy, he was a wonderful number 10. Bought for just 2.5 milion euros, he will be a subject of a transfer of a much higher fee this summer.

Last but not least, Croatia has Inter’s Mateo Kovacic, who struggled to make an impact at the beginning of the season, but eventually found his way into Walter Mazzarri’s team and dictated the play from the midfield. He’s a quick, allrounder type of a playe, who likes to dribble and absorb pressure from the rival.

Leaving one of them will be a problem for coach Niko Kovac, who called up just one Makelele-type holding midfielder – Ognjen Vukojevic. 30-year old Dinamo Kiev midfielder will most likely start the games on the bench, but his presence will be a safety net for Croatia in crucial moments.

Playing style

Croatia will try to play without a recognised holding midfielder but this doesn’t mean they will take a gung-ho approach. Rakitic and Modric both play in clubs that fell much more comfortable playing on the counter and both wingers are known to have enormous work-rate. On the other hand, the team generally lacks pace and might not be so lethal in counter-attack.

Coach

Niko Kovac replaced disliked Igor Stimac as the head coach of the national team. He won the play-offs against Iceland and sparked some enthusiasm in his team and nation. It’s his first job in senior football. He previously coached Croatia’s U-21 team, winning all five games while in charge.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

12th June, Sao Paulo: vs. Brazil (0-2)

18th June, Manaus: vs. Cameroon (1-2)

23rd June, Recife: vs. Mexico (2-1)

Game in Manaus will be crucial here. Because they’re likely to lose to Cameroon, Croatia will return home after group stage. They have just 37% chance of advancing into latter stages and most likely they’ll lose to both Cameroon and Brazil, winning just against Mexico.