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#3 Recent big-tournament pedigree
Croatia are among the favourites at Euro 2020, thanks to a world-class team boasting some of the biggest names in the game. However, the dynamics and the conversation around Croatia before going into the 2018 FIFA World Cup was very different.
The Vatreni's first World Cup appearance was in 1998, seven years after gaining independence. Croatia are among the more inexperienced World Cup teams, having made an appearance at the main stage on only five occasions. That number fades in comparison to footballing powerhouses like France, Brazil, Germany and England, to name a few.
Croatia made an exceptional debut in the international scene, earning a third-place finish in their debut 1998 World Cup campaign. However, the Chequered Ones could not build on their excellent start, failing to progress beyond the group stage of the tournament till the 2018 World Cup.
Their run to the final at the World Cup three years ago came about as a result of a new generation of exciting talent coming through the national system. That, coupled with the sound management of Zlatko Dalic, has made Croatia a footballing powerhouse.
That, in itself, is a massive victory for a small country of 4.08 million people. The players now have the experience of high-pressure matches on the international stage and will not be fazed while appearing in Euro 2020.
In the Euros, Croatia have never made it past the quarter-finals (1996, 2008) in five attempts, but that could change at Euro 2020.
#4 Croatia have one of the best midfields in Europe
After their serene progress through Euro 2020 qualifying, Croatia will fancy their chances of going all the way, thanks to a world-class midfield, one of the best in Europe.
Croatia's midfield will be spearheaded by four-time Champions League winner Luka Modric. He was one of Real Madrid's best players in the 2020-21 season and will look to continue his fine form at Euro 2020. Modric won the Golden Ball at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and similar things will be expected of Croatia's most capped player.
The Los Blancos wizard will be joined by former Barcelona man Ivan Rakitic, who remains one of the best midfielders in La Liga. Rakitic played a crucial role in Sevilla's top-four finish in the Spanish league season. He will hope to make a similar impact as one of two central midfielders in Croatia's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
The dynamic midfield duo will be accompanied in the middle of the park by Inter Milan's Marcelo Brozovic and Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic. Both these talented midfield operators are coming off big seasons with their respective clubs. They will add a lot more flair and depth to their national side.
#5 The Golden Generation of Croatian football
The recent exploits of the Croatian football team is one of the greatest success stories in world football. One of the least populated and smallest countries of Europe made a fairy-tale run to the final of the 2018 World Cup.
Despite being one of the least experienced teams going into the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Croatia were one of the standout teams in the tournament. The Vatrenis have immense talent across almost every position on the pitch. They have a decent mix of experience and youth, making them one of the most complete teams in international football.
The World Cup finalists boast big names such as Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, dubbed as the Golden Generation of Croatian football. Croatia have also named AC Milan striker Ante Rebic, former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren and the midfield duo of Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic in their Euro 2020 squad.
Zlatko Dalic will have a raft of top-notch talents to choose from at Euro 2020. Croatia were the dark horses at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but two years later, they will kick off their Euro 2020 campaign as one of the strong contenders.
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