Third place in 1998 and 2022. Runners-up in 2018. possess a FIFA World Cup™ record to rival that of many traditional football powers. Since making their tournament debut at France 1998, the Vatreni have reached the semi-finals three times in just six appearances.
It is a remarkable return for a nation of fewer than four million people and has inevitably raised expectations ahead of the . Yet while Croatia arrive in Canada, Mexico and the United States with another talented squad, coach Zlatko Dalic has insisted his players are focused on enjoying the occasion rather than being burdened by the achievements of previous generations.
“We have recorded some really fantastic results in recent years, something that would be deemed almost impossible for a small country like ours,” Dalic, who has led Croatia since 2017, told FIFA. “But our willpower, our persistence and our overall quality have brought us two medals at the last two FIFA World Cups so the expectations for the upcoming tournament are also high.
“We want to get the best possible result, but at the same time, I do not want to create any pressure based on our previous results. We are going into this tournament with a lot of desire and a lot of expectations but what I want the most is for us to enjoy the tournament.”
When the Croatia coach was asked to explain the team's success, the conversation repeatedly returned to one man: . The Croatia captain is preparing for a fifth World Cup, joining an exclusive group of players that includes Lothar Matthaus, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“Modric is still the main player for this team, the driving force for the national team, the player who keeps the team running,” Dalic admitted. “I think Luka Modric means a lot to this team, which he has already shown many times with his dedication, devotion, performances and behaviour.
“He is an utmost professional who performs his job at the highest possible level. Although he is 40 years old now, he is still extremely ambitious and is the main driving force behind this national team.”
Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric believes Modric's influence extends far beyond matchdays, with the veteran midfielder continuing to set the standard for those around him.
“I don’t think three words are enough to describe Modric, because he is truly unique – a phenomenon, something extraordinary," he said. "I think it would be interesting to see which three words someone might use to describe him, because we could talk about him for three days: as a player and as a person.
“I think he is, and always will be, one of the most important figures in Croatia for the next 500 years to come. Everything he has done for us is simply unbelievable. But it’s also his love for football, his attitude, and his motivation, day in, day out – especially at his age, when most players have long since retired.
“He shows the rest of us how it should be done. At the same time, that takes a lot of sacrifice. Luka Modric, for all of us, is like a guiding light on our journey. Having spent a lot of time with him, his approach is something I hope to pass on to my children one day.”
Croatia defender Josip Stanisic echoed the sentiments of his coach and team-mate. “Modric is very important,” Stanisic said. “We can be very happy that he’s still with us. He’s still a top player, even at 40. We know what he can bring to the table. I think our opponents also look at us differently when he’s playing.
“He’s a leader. He always wants to win matches. We can be happy that he’s part of the team. It’s great for the younger players to see just how good he is as a player. And how, at 40, he still gives his best for both his team and the country.”
While Modric remains Croatia's driving force, Dalic is determined that the team's ambitions in North America are not overshadowed by the weight of expectation.
“Our motive is that we are playing for our country, for our nation, for our people, and we will try to repeat the success that people are already expecting,” the 59-year-old coach explained.
Croatia's remarkable World Cup record spans generations and Kramaric sees a direct line between the players representing the country today and the heroes of France 1998, when the likes of Slaven Bilic, Zvonimir Boban and Golden Boot winner Davor Suker inspired the nation to a third-place finish.
“That generation has inspired all of us who are here today,” Kramaric said. “You can see that in what we achieved at the 2018 World Cup, followed by , and the UEFA Nations League final against Spain. All of our successes have definitely been built on that achievement in 1998.
“They were our heroes. As a striker myself, I still consider to be one of the best strikers of that era, and that whole team has driven and motivated us towards everything we’ve achieved.”
While Kramaric highlights the influence of Croatia's trailblazers, Stanisic believes the current squad's greatest strength lies elsewhere.
“It’s simple: togetherness,” Stanisic said. “We also have the quality, but that’s not enough to win matches on its own. You also need that togetherness and we have shown that in matches. That’s our most important trait.
“After our latest results, the tournament has become even more important here. It has always been important. But, after returning home with two medals, the whole country can’t wait for the tournament to start again. Everyone’s hoping that we’ll bring further success home.”
With England, Panama and Ghana awaiting in Group L, Dalic knows Croatia will need to hit the ground running if they are to challenge for another deep run in North America.
“Our group is definitely the hardest at the FIFA World Cup. We have the toughest opening game against England, against a great opponent – a strong opponent. The first game is always paramount, and it is important to get a good start.
“We want to give our maximum out on the pitch, which was clearly shown at the last two FIFA World Cups. Croatia has the strength and capability to perform well, and I sincerely hope that we will be able to show that.”
Sources: FIFA Official
