World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Croatia

Stats on Luka Modric presented as part of FIFA's Technical Study Group event in Doha on the eve of the World Cup kick-off

Stats on Luka Modric presented as part of FIFA's Technical Study Group event in Doha on the eve of the World Cup kick-off Credit: FIFA

Croatia, as finalists from four years ago, will be hoping for a similar deep run into the tournament this time but might find it tough.  

Zlatko Dalic has refreshed the squad since Russia 2018 and it contains a of collection of bright young talent. There are a few areas that need to be worked upon and positions that have yet to be nailed down. 

None of the three goalkeepers have been entirely convincing in their performances for the national team. Dominik Livakovic of Dinamo Zagreb seems to be the first-choice in recent years and might just get the nod. Neither of the other two keepers have much international experience with less than ten caps between them. 

One of the biggest Croatia changes has come in defence with a number of new faces in the squad. Veterans like Dejan Lovern and Domagoj Vida still remain for their experience, while Scottish based duo of Borna Barisic and Josip Juranovic have been regulars on either side of them.

It is the highly rated RB Leipzig Jasko Garvidol and Josip Stanic of Bayern Munich who will be likely be mainstays in central defence going forward. And possibly at the expense of their more experienced colleagues in Qatar. The competition meant that Duje Caleta-Car missed out. 

Midfield is where the Croats are their most settled and with the great experience. Luka Modric of Real Madrid, Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea and Marcelo Brozovic of Inter Milan have been there and done that. The latter had been an injury doubt after a torn hamstring in September. They have accumulated more than 300 caps between them.

Nikola Vlasic and Luka Sucic will be waiting in the wings should they be called upon.  

Up front has been an issue as with the keeper position. Mario Mandzukic and Ante Rubic have moved on, so it is up to others to fill the void. Andrej Kramaric of Hoffenheim is more than likely to play there and supported by Ivan Perisic of Tottenham and Ante Budimir of Osasuna.

Mislav of Dinamo Zagreb could be called upon due to impressive showings in the Champions League. Antonio Colak of Glasgow Rangers was surprisingly left out. 

Goalkeepers: Domink Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivica Ivusic (NK Osijek), Ivo Grbic (Atletico Madrid)



Defenders: Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens), Dejan Lovren (Zenit St Petersburg), Borna Barisic (Rangers), Josip Juranovic (Celtic), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Borna Sosa (VfB Stuttgart), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Martin Erlic (Sassuolo), Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb)

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino, on loan from West Ham), Lovro Majer (Rennes), Kristijan Jakic (Eintracht Frankfurt), Luka Sucic (RB Salzburg)

Forwards: Ivan Perisic (Tottenham), Andrej Kramaric (1899 Hoffenheim), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split)

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile