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MGSV Croatia’s World Cup Overview

Croatia (Vatreni) in Brazil……..

Finishing behind the leaders (Belgium) in ‘Group A’, Croatia had to buy their tickets in Zagreb by winning their Two-Leg play-off matches against Iceland, 2-0 on aggregates.

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Somewhere in Zagreb, there is great anticipation for the start of the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Placed in a group that destines them battle against three former continental champions, Croatia might be yet again going into this World Cup with lesser pressure than their group mates.

With a 5-2-3 (W-D-L) record in their qualifying group, we can’t say they’ve entered the tournament without doubts about their abilities. Though they are not considered amongst the elite groups coming from UEFA, Croatia has always found a way to maintain dignity in international competitions. Their best record in the World Cup was in ’98.

Inspired by the legend Davor Suker, the team went on to the semi finals. A 2-1 loss to the host nation (France) meant that they had to settle for the 3rd place after beating the Dutch by the same goal margin.
The current Croatian team can be accused of carrying the same attributes of their predecessors by surviving on team work efforts.

There  are a few stand-out guys to look out for in this team. For instance, the on-field leadership of Darijo Srna will be vital to the success of the team. As the most experienced player in a Croatian jersey, his guidance will be priceless.

Mandžukić and Eduardo at training

Mandžukić and Eduardo at training

The Venom

To be part of Bayern Munich always meant that you were a great player. But to be part of the present day Bayern Munich team means you are heading towards being a legendary player. This can be said about Mario Mandžukić. He might be the the talisman for Croatia. At 6’2”, this striker has the presence to attract a few defensive bodies, and power to escape from them with ease. There is a lot of hopes banked on Mandžukić. Bayern Munich is moving forward almost effortlessly win all competitions, and he is expected to bring some of that magic to his Croatian side.

On the side of Mario Mandžukić is Eduardo da Silva. It is a universal knowledge that South America breeds attacking players, and he is no exception. He is another talisman for the Croatian team. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, he will have the opportunity to play in the nation where he was born, an play against the nation where he was born. There is expectations from this No.9, and he will deliver if defenders get caught napping.

Ivica Olic is another target man in this deck. An experienced and very hardworking striker. He is an ex Munich player, which could mean a partnership with Mandžukić could prove to be just what the team might need.  Olic and Eduardo will give opposing defenders their day’s work.

The Control and Support
The strength of this team is expected to be in the midfield. With a line-up made up of familiar unsung heroes like Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric, Danijel Pranjić, Ognjen Vukojević and Niko Kranjčar; this will be a team designed to look incredibly stupid if they make a decision to play anything but attacking futbol.

Luka Modric’s inclusion in Real Madrid’s team sheet, might make him the star attraction of the team. But will his importance to the team be any greater than the rest of the midfielders listed? I highly doubt that.

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These players are certified unsung heroes. If they had the backing of being from one of the ‘elite’ national sides in the world of  futbol, there will be more pundits blowing their horns.
The responsibility of keeping the team balance during play will have to be shared between the midfielders and the strikers. This will be especially true when the team play against the host nation and 5 times World Cup winners, Brazil.

The Bouncers
Despite being listed as a defender, the impact of Darijo Srna leadership usually leans towards offense than defense. There are however, some other experienced defenders on the roster to offer their services: Vedran Ćorluka, Ivan Strinić, Domagoj Vida, Gordon Schildenfeld and Dejan Lovren.

But the defense will not the area in which Croatians will be banking their hopes. There are no prominent figures on the team in this department, who will be expected to boss the last 3rd of the field. As a collective, the team can abosorb a good amout of offensive pressure.  

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Advantage is the fact most of the defenders on this team are quite experience players. This decreases the possibility of juvenile defensive errors. Croatia always seem to find a defensive line that stays alert till the game is over.

There might not be a lot expected from this team. An early exit will not be a shock, neither will an advancement into the knockout stages.

But hey, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if the Croatia will make their advantage count.

Comments
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