Facing Brazil in the quarter-finals this Friday (4:00 p.m.), Croatia, finalist in 2018, is ready to create a surprise. Led by its captain Luka Modric, it also relies on a new generation.
Some executives have left, young people have arrived, but the ambition remains intact. Four years ago, Croatia surprised the world of football by reaching the final of the World Cup in Russia. Today, of the 11 holders of the final against France (4-2 defeat), only five are still in the team. However, Croatia have confidence in their potential and in their group to win this World Cup.
Names like Mandzukic, Rakitic or Subasic are no longer there. The first is retired, the other two no longer wish to play with the national team. But despite these departures, the Croatian selection is still one of the oldest in the World Cup. Well helped by the 37 years of their captain, Luka Modric, the holders presented an average age which approached 30 years against Japan. Not a problem for the coach, Zlatko Dalic, who wants to rely on the experience of these players.
An aging but still important playmaker
The 2018 Ballon d’Or has still not hung up his boots. Still a starter at Real Madrid, he played his last international competition in Qatar. Less twirling than in 2018 (elected best player of the tournament), he is nonetheless essential on all Croatian offensives. Like its captain, Croatia is also less attractive than in Russia. Only five goals in the first four games, far from the 14 goals scored in 2018.
A natural leader for the young generation, he is also one for his lifelong teammates, including the other decisive player in the selection: Ivan Perisic. Already decisive four times in 2018, he has so far scored two goals and one assist on this edition. Experienced attacking players relied on by Zlatko Dalic, the Croatian coach: With Luka (Modric), it’s a completely different team, he’s very important, he sets the pace, he recovers important balls…The hopes are therefore mainly based on the experience of his attackers but also on a defense which is proving to be very solid.
Josko Gvardiol: impressive leader of the new generation
Only 20 years old and already compared to the greatest. The RB Leipzig defender has exploded into the open since the start of this World Cup. A rock, impressive in the duel (80% won) and stunning in the recovery, Gvardiol has established himself as a revelation and one of the best defenders of the tournament. His coach has his full confidence and even his admiration: “At 20, he is one of the best, if not the best central defender in the world today.“. He also received the endorsement of a legend in his post, Rio Ferdinand, on the microphone of the BBC: “ He’s been my favorite defender to watch in the tournament so far».
Accompanied by the experienced Dejan Lovren (33) in central defense and the excellent goalkeeper Livakovic, they conceded only two goals in four games. To go to the end, Croatia will therefore have to rely on this defensive base and hope that the magic of Modric or the efficiency of Perisic will take effect. In any case, Zlatko Dalic has confidence in his team and said so after the match against Belgium: “SIf we play like this, we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone. This team is an ideal mix between youth and experience.»
Brazil are warned, their opponent in the quarter-finals “is not afraid” and is ambitious: “We want and we can go further!Facing Brazil, the golden generation of Modric has the opportunity to succeed in its last dance before giving way to that of Gvardiol.
