Croatia continue to overachieve under Dalić, driven by the extraordinary longevity of Luka Modrić. At 40, Modrić is playing his fifth World Cup — a statistic that belongs in mythology. His passing range, his pace of thought, and his ability to control a game's tempo remain at the highest level even as his physical mobility has adjusted.
The Croatian core — Gvardiol, Brozović, Kovačić — continues to provide the defensive and mechanical foundation that makes Croatia so reliable. Livaković in goal is one of the tournament's best shot-stoppers.
Key Player: Luka Modrić
The Real Madrid midfielder is the greatest Croatian footballer who has ever lived. His ability to dictate the rhythm of a match, to find teammates in impossible angles, and to create time for himself in pressure situations is unique. This is almost certainly his final World Cup and he will want to go deep.
Tactical Setup
Dalić's 4-3-3 uses Modrić as the hub of everything. Croatia control games through midfield, build patiently, and use Gvardiol's driving runs from left back as an attacking weapon. Their penalty shootout record under Livaković makes them dangerous deep in tournaments.
Tournament History
Seven appearances. 2018 runners-up. 2022 third place. Croatia punch heavily above their weight and have a core group of players who thrive under tournament pressure.