'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#1 The Midfield Prowess
Croatia have reached great success in recent times due to their formidable midfield. Players such as Ivan Rakitić, Ivan Perisić, Mateo Kovačić and skipper Modrić have been vital in building a strong midfield that has been the essence of this Croatian golden generation.
The transitional play of Croatia has been one of its greatest strengths and the midfield has played an absolutely pivotal role in that.
Historically, it has been evident that a strong midfield is absolutely vital for a team's success. The golden era of Spain saw midfielders such as Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso taking their team to great heights.
The German side that won the World Cup in Brazil four years ago also boasted a set of strong midfielders such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Mario Götze who were all crucial members of the German squad.
Croatia's midfield prowess can become their greatest strength on Sunday in the grand final against France as each player has the ability to stand out and take his side to the ultimate World Cup glory.
Can Croatia secure their first World Cup? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
