Croatia has had a mixed history in the World Cup and the team will look to make the most of a big opportunity in Brazil. Led by a number of stars, the team looks poised to make some noise, but can it overcome mediocre performances at the end of 2013?
World Cup History
Croatia competed as part of Yugoslavia from 1930 through 1990 and had a rather solid history in the World Cup. The team finished third in 1930 and fourth in 1962; the nation also finished fifth in 1990. Overall Yugoslavia had a record of 14 wins, seven draws and 12 losses in 33 World Cup appearances.
Croatia entered its first tournament in 1998 and finished in third place with five wins and two losses. In 2002 the team faltered in the group stage and in 2006, the side suffered the same fate. After failing to qualify in 2010, Croatia will play the host nation in a rather easy group with the hopes of getting to the knockout rounds.
How did they get here?
Croatia chose to qualify for the tournament the hard way. The team was drawn into a group that included Belgium, Wales, Macedonia, Scotland and Serbia. After winning five of its first six, the team stumbled in the final four and lost three of those matches; the other remaining game was a draw. The result was that Croatia finished second in the group and saw its coach Igor Stimac get fired in the process.
The team then battled Iceland in a playoff. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Croatia managed a 2-0 win at home in order to earn a berth for this summer's tournament.
Big Stars
This team has a plethora of major stars including Captain Darijo Srna, midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic and forward Mario Mandzukic. The latter is likely to miss time due to a red card he acquired during the second game against Iceland; Mandzukic has 13 goals in 48 appearances for his national side. Modric has only eight goals in 73 caps, but he is better known for his creative flair and his long-range shot. Rakitic has speed and creativity and has scored nine goals in 60 games for Croatia.
Can they get out of the group?
Croatia will likely lose the opener against Brazil, but the team can still overcome the likes of Cameroon and Mexico. El Tri probably represents the greatest challenge for the side; the two teams will face off in the final game of the group stage. Croatia should get out of the group, but must beat Mexico to do so.
Can they win it all?
Croatia is unlikely to get out of the group (due to recent play), but if the Eastern European nation does manage the feat then it will play the winner of group B; that group includes Spain, the Netherlands and Chile. Does anyone really believe that Croatia can topple one of those big sides? If the team manages to get out of Group A, expect a round of 16 exit.
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