Croatia have only won three World Cup matches since legendary striker Davor Suker made them the belles of the ball in France ‘98. After disappointing in Korea-Japan 2002, a winless Germany 2006, not qualifying to South Africa 2010 and getting convincingly eliminated by Mexico on the last match of the group stage in Brazil 2014, the Vatreni squad is looking to capitalise on a new golden generation led by Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and, of course, Andrej Kramaric.
They won 2-0 on their Russian premiere against Nigeria, which puts them in a solid position before facing Argentina and closing against Iceland. A point against Lionel Messi and co. would set up an epic final of sorts against Iceland, who topped their qualifying group. The heroics of ‘98 might sound like a distant echo, but Croatia can rely on their incredibly talented squad to overcome any obstacles that fall their way.