Croatia celebrate ‘fantastic’ feat

Coach Zlatko Dalic says his team will play the final against France like it is their last game

1998- Third

2002- Group stage (23rd)

2006- Group stage (22nd)

2010- Did not qualify

2014- Group stage (19th)

LUKA MODRIC, WATER POLO KINGS They have a highly successful water polo programme with the men’s team winning gold in 2012 London Olympics and silver medals in 1996 Atlanta and 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The country won the World Championships in 2002 and 2017 and many medals in European Championships, World Cup and World League.

1996- Quarter-finals

2000- Did not qualify

2004- Group stage (14th)

2008- Quarter-finals

2012- Group stage

2016- Round of 16 SUCCESSFUL LEGACY IN HANDBALL

Croatia made a grand start in their Olympic campaign when their men’s team won the gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. It was only their second appearance at the Olympics as independent nation, the gold medal coming despite poor preparation due to factionalism in the team.

Having inherited the handball tradition of Yugoslavia, they regained the gold in 2004 Olympics Games after winning the World Championships in 2003. They have won other medals in Olympics, World Championships, European Championships and Mediterranean Games.

Davor Suker was the first big star of Croatian football and won the Golden Boot at the 1998 World Cup. He played for Real Madrid and Arsenal during his career. Croatia men’s team won the water polo gold at 2012 Olympics.