Croatia

After coming third in France in 1998 and second in 2018, Croatia will be looking to surprise everyone once more this winter. Since Croatia gained its independence, they have only missed two major finals: Euro 2000 and World Cup 2010.

Since their remarkable journey to the World Cup final in 2018, the squad has gone through a generational transition. Nonetheless, the 36-year-old Luka Modric continues to play an important role, and it is probable that Qatar will be his last tournament.

They will put their faith in the midfield, where players like Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, and Lovro Majer make up one of the best groups of players in the world.  

TACTICS

Dalic is a remarkable communicator and has a contemporary philosophy. He is also a keen observer of the scenarios that arise on the field.

Dalic has gone back to playing with a back four after temporarily experimenting with a three-man defense in a few exhibition games earlier this year. Despite the fact that a loan striker is occasionally used in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the midfield is configured in the shape of a diamond. For this move to work, it depends a lot on how the opponent’s team is put together.

READY TO SHINE

Luka Modric

Quite simply, incomparable. The best player in Croatian history and a tremendous leader both on and off the field, he is widely considered to be the best ever.