Croatia ready for the World Cup

Croatia ready for the World Cup

Croatia have long proven that they are not a team to be underestimated at the World Cup. Although they are still missing the big trophy, their results in recent tournaments speak for themselves.

After finishing in the top three at the last two World Cups, the Croatians went on to an unbeaten qualifying campaign, winning seven of their eight matches to secure their place in the finals to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The team has lost several key players in recent years to international retirements, while some of its most recognizable stars are now past their prime. However, with the legendary Luka Modrić continuing to show that he can play at the highest level, Zlatko Dalić’s team is set to be a very difficult opponent.

Croatia have been drawn in Group L, where they will face England, Ghana and Panama. With the experience and character they have shown at major tournaments, they will enter the competition with confidence to go far again in the knockout stage.

In goal, Dominik Livaković is expected to be the first choice. The Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper shone at the 2022 World Cup, where he became Croatia’s hero with penalty saves against Japan and Brazil, helping the team reach the semi-finals. The alternatives behind him have less experience: Dominik Kotarski has only a few appearances for the senior national team, while Ivor Pandur had yet to make his debut at the time of the list’s announcement.

In defense, Croatia has players with experience in major European leagues. The most prominent name is Joško Gvardiol, who is expected to play on the left wing of defense. Duje Ćaleta-Car and Josip Stanišić add security and experience in the back.

Crystal Palace’s Borna Sosa has been left out of the list, while Tottenham talent Luka Vušković, currently on loan at Hamburg, has been included in the final 26-man squad.

Croatia’s traditional strength remains the midfield. Even though Marcelo Brozović and Ivan Rakitić are no longer part of the team, Luka Modrić continues to be a reference point. Dalić has gathered a total of 10 midfielders, clearly showing that this department remains the heart of the team.

Mario Pašalić has been in fine form for Atalanta and is expected to see some big minutes in North America. Mateo Kovačić also remains a key name, despite an injury-hit season at Manchester City.

Attack is where Croatia may have the most question marks. Ivan Perišić continues to show that he can be decisive when given the chance, but coach Dalić has frequently changed players in the center of attack, as no one has fully made that role their own.

Ante Budimir could take the starting spot due to his experience, although he hasn’t been very productive with the Croatia shirt. The same goes for Petar Musa, Igor Matanović, Franjo Ivanović and Mislav Oršić. Most of them are still developing, with the exception of Oršić, who at 33 is one of the most experienced players in the squad.

If Croatia are to make another surprise run to the semi-finals, they will need their experienced stars to perform at their best again. Modrić, despite being 40, has shown no signs of slowing down at Milan. Kovačić is expected to be his main partner in midfield and will play a key role in controlling the game.

Perišić is always dangerous at the World Cup, while Guardiola will have a big responsibility to keep the defense stable and be a threat from set pieces. In goal, Livaković will again be a major weapon if Croatia ends up on penalties during the knockout stage.

Croatia’s formation looks pretty clear in defence and midfield, but the main dilemma remains attack. Dalić will have to decide how to fit all the central players into a functional formation and who will take the main responsibility for the goals.

Croatia’s possible formation at the 2026 World Cup, in the 4-2-3-1 system:

Livakovic; Guardiol, Ćaleta-Car, Pongračić, Stanišić; Modrić, Kovačić; Pašalić, Kramarić, Perišić; Budimir. /GazetaExpress/