Six observations from the 2018 World Cup

#2 Croatia was the surprise package of the tournament

This current group of Croatian players is widely regarded as the best in their nation's footballing history and referred to as the 'Golden Generation'.

While that term is oft overused in sports, and those classified by it usually fail to reach the heights expected (just ask England), this team of Croatian players led by influential skipper Luka Modric achieved something special by getting to the final and recording their country's best ever World Cup finish.

There had been a weight of expectations in the last few tournaments for Croatia to make a stamp on international football in the way that the 1998 World Cup Golden Boot winner Davor Suker did by leading his nation to an eventual third-place finish at their debut appearance at the World Cup.

However, those expectations had been largely dashed; they failed to make it out of the group stage in Brazil four years ago and were not clinical enough in their round of 16 Euro exit at the hands of Portugal two years ago.

Their preparation for this tournament was marred by controversies surrounding corruption allegations and with one qualification match remaining, their appearance at the World Cup was not guaranteed, with coach Zlatko Dalic replacing sacked Ante Cacic last October and securing a playoff spot on the final day.

Qualification was achieved with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Greece in the playoffs, but despite an impressive array of individual talents, not much was expected from Croatia as they were handed what was considered by many to be one of the toughest draws of the World Cup group stages containing favourites Argentina, giant slayers Iceland (who topped them in World Cup qualification) and African heavyweights Nigeria.

Croatia garnered maximum points in the group with three wins, qualifying for the round of 16 for the first time since 1998 and were particularly impressive in their 3-0 demolition of Argentina.

They showed grit and determination to navigate their way around three extra-time knockout fixtures despite going behind first in each one of them, before their final day loss to France.

Despite their loss in the final, Croatia won the World over like their 1998 counterparts with their graciousness in defeat and on evidence of their reception back home, where over 500,000 people received them upon their return, they also won the hearts of their countrymen.