Talented Croatia seek to emulate class of 98

Having reached the 2018 World Cup after a patchy campaign during which they sacked coach Ante Cacic, Croatia will head to the 32-team tournament in Russia hoping to emulate the Balkan nation’s 1998 success when they made the semifinals.

The Croatians have reached 10 out of 12 major tournaments as an independent nation but have made little sustained impact as subsequent generations failed to match the 1998 team’s accomplishment.

They have not advanced to the World Cup knockout stages since. Croatia’s fifth World Cup finals appearance offers more cause for optimism after a talented side, led by captain Luka Modric and towering striker Mario Mandzukic, produced their best qualifying performances.

After slipping from first to third in the home straight of Europe’s Group I, Croatia squeezed into the playoffs with a 2-0 win at Ukraine in their final match after Zlatko Dalic took over from Cacic.

The Croatians then blew away Greece 4-1 in the first leg of their playoff and held on comfortably for a 0-0 draw in the return, with Dalic shuffling his squad to add zest and creativity lacking under his predecessor.

Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic give Croatia depth in midfield, while Andrej Kramaric and winger Ivan Perisic boost the attacking firepower in deeper roles behind Mandzukic. — Reuters