Croatia’s national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, spearheaded by the inclusion of veteran midfielder Luka Modric, aged 40. Modric, who suffered a fractured cheekbone in late April, is expected to recover in time for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11. Coach Zlatko Dalic confirmed Modric’s selection, expressing confidence in the player’s ability to perform despite the recent injury.
Modric’s Resilience and Dalic’s Confidence
Luka Modric sustained the injury during a match between Inter Milan and Juventus following a clash of heads. He has since undergone surgery but has been training with a protective facial mask. Coach Dalic highlighted the potential benefit of the recent break for Modric, stating, “Maybe this break helped him.” He further elaborated on Modric’s condition, “We’ll see his condition, but I don’t doubt him. He’ll be in good form.”
A Legacy of World Cup Success
Modric’s inclusion marks his fifth World Cup appearance, underscoring his enduring impact on the international stage. The former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder was instrumental in Croatia’s remarkable runs to the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022. His leadership and midfield prowess have been central to Croatia’s recent successes.
Key Players Overcome Injuries
Another significant inclusion is Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, who had been sidelined with a broken shin since January. Dalic plans to utilize the pre-tournament warm-up matches to assess Gvardiol’s fitness and build his form. “We hope he’ll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the US,” Dalic commented.
English Connections in the Squad
The Croatian squad features several players based in England. Alongside Gvardiol, Manchester City teammate Mateo Kovacic is included. Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur also makes the list, representing English clubs. Other notable inclusions with past experience in English football include Nikola Vlasic (formerly of Everton) and Ivan Perisic (formerly of West Ham).
Group Stage Challenges and Tactical Approach
Croatia has been drawn into Group L, where they will face England in their opening match on June 17 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They will then play Panama and Ghana. Dalic outlined the team’s primary objective: “The main goal is to get through the group. I’m optimistic as always, we have a good national team. We have quality, youth and experience.”
Regarding tactical approaches, Dalic indicated a more defensive and midfield-heavy setup against England, acknowledging their ambition to win the tournament. “We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders. England want to be world champions.” Conversely, matches against Ghana and Panama are expected to feature a more attacking strategy, though Dalic stressed that these games present their own unique challenges.
Looking Ahead: Tournament Aspirations
With a blend of seasoned veterans like Modric and emerging talents, Croatia aims to once again make a significant impact on the world stage. The recovery of key players and Dalic’s strategic planning will be crucial as they navigate a challenging group and strive to advance deep into the tournament. The performance of Modric and Gvardiol, in particular, will be closely watched as they return from injury to contribute to Croatia’s World Cup campaign.
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