Corluka: I want Croat spirit of 98 Glossy 2018 World Cup wallchart
CROATIA are determined to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1998 when they got to the semi-finals.
The Croatians made group stage exits in 2002, 2006 and 2014, after a talent-packed generation finished third in France, 20 years ago.
But Vedran Corluka is sure the present crop will at last live up to expectations.
The former Tottenham defender said: “We are tired of being billed as a talented generation which keeps flattering to deceive.
“We let ourselves and our fans down in every World Cup since the 1998 tournament, especially the last one.”
Croatia open their Group D campaign against Nigeria – England’s opponents tomorrow – followed by games against Argentina and Iceland.
Four years ago, their early exit came after defeats to Brazil and Mexico cancelled out a 4-0 win over Cameroon.
Corluka, 32, is one of five centre-backs in coach Zlatko Dalic’s provisional 24-man squad and faces a battle to make the final cut as one is likely to be axed.
Croatia play warm-up games against Brazil at Anfield on Sunday and then Senegal at home in Osijek.