The Croatia national team represents Croatia and is controlled by Croatian Football Federation. The modern team was formed in 1990 before the country’s independence from Yugoslavia and was recognized by UEFA and FIFA in 1993. FIFA has ranked the country in 17th position.
Croatia made their FIFA debut in 1993 finishing third and provided the tournament’s top scorer. Croatia was named FIFA’s Best Mover of the Year in 1994 and 1998 becoming the only team to win more than once along with Colombia.
Zlatko Dali?, The Coach
Zlatko Dali? has been managing the national team since 2017. He replaced Ante Cacic as Croatia coach in October 2017. He previously coached UAE club Al-Ain leading them to the 2016 AFC Champions League final.
CAPTION: Zlatko Dalic SOURCE: Alchetron The former defensive midfielder, Dali? started his career as an a s sistant coach at Varteks. He has worked as the coach for Croatia national U21 football team, Rijeka, Dinamo Tirana, Slaven Belupo, Al- Faisaly, and Al-Hilal.
Nikola Kalini?
Nikola Kalini? plays a striker for Italian club Milan and the Croatia national team. He joined Milan, on loan from Fiorentina for a reported fee of about €25 million.
CAPTION: Nikola Kalinic SOURCE: Euro Football Rumours Prior to Milan, Kalini? signed a contract for a reported fee close to €5 million with Fiorentina. Kalini? scored a hat-trick away against Inter - onale in a 4–1 victory.
Luka Modri?
Luka Modri?, a Croatian professional, plays for Spanish football club, Real Madrid. He is the captain of the Croatian national team. He mainly plays as a central midfielder and also plays as an attacking midfielder as well as a defensive midfielder.
CAPTION: Luka Modric SOURCE: Daily Express Modri? joined Real Madrid in August 2012. He signed a five-year deal with the club for a fee in the region of £30 million. He was recently described as one of the best midfielders ever by Andriy Shevchenko, a politician, and former player. He is among the world’s finest player at present.
FIFA World Cup 2018
Croatia has made four FIFA appearances to date and has been qualified for 2018 World Cup. The team had victory over Kosovo, Ukraine, and Greece in the 2018 qualifier match.
Croatia will be playing against Nigeria, Argentina, and Iceland in the second edition of the tournament, World Cup 2018. For more information regarding the groups and matches have a look at this World Cup Schedule.
