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#3 World Cup 1998 Quarter-Final: Croatia 3 – 0 Germany
To many, Croatia first made their mark as an impressive footballing nation during Euro ’96. During that tournament, names like Davor Suker, Robert Jarni, and Zvonimir Boban became household names – and the 1998 World Cup only saw the Croatian side further enhance their status as an exciting football side.
At World Cup ’98, Croatia would ultimately finish third, knocked out by host nation and eventual winners France in the semi-finals. But it was their quarter-final match-up with Germany that proved to be one of the most clinical (and shocking performances) in World Cup history.
Going into the match as huge underdogs, the Croatians simply blew their more prestigious opponents away with their guile, their movement, and their cohesion. Germany had no answer, and goals from Jarni, Goran Vlaovic, and Suker saw a 3-0 victory for Croatia.
Ever since that tournament, football fans have harked back to the 1998 Croatia team as a “golden generation”, and it now remains to be seen whether the current Croatian team can match or eclipse that famed side as they look to make their own mark at the 2018 World Cup.
