{"id":1649,"date":"2022-11-23T07:47:32","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T07:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/?p=1649"},"modified":"2022-11-23T11:26:30","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T11:26:30","slug":"2022-11-23-world-cup-group-f-pre-mar-cro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/2022-11-23-world-cup-group-f-pre-mar-cro","title":{"rendered":"Group F: Croatia Can Create More World Cup Magic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After reaching the FIFA World Cup final in 2018, Croatia can no longer be considered a dark horse, although they could still realistically advance to the latter stages at back-to-back World Cup tournaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since earning a stunning third-place finish at its first World Cup appearance in 1998, the Balkan nation has played at all but one of seven editions of the tournament, making this their sixth appearance at the World Cup finals. The only event Croatia have failed to qualify for this century was South Africa 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their progression to the final in Russia four years ago was no fluke, and the Croatians will be out to prove they still have what it takes to compete with the world’s best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their opening game of this year’s event sees them battle with Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium. Also in Group F are Belgium and Canada, who meet at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium later on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head coach Zlatko Dali\u0107 is five years into his post at the helm of the national team and the 56-year-old has truly stamped his mark on the group. Dali\u0107 was appointed Croatia boss within a year leading up to the 2018 World Cup, in which he guided the nation to its most fruitful return at the showpiece event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Croatia topped its 2022 WC qualifying group with 23 points out of 30, taking seven wins from their 10 matches. The men in red and white created 37 chances in World Cup qualifiers \u2013 more than any other European nation.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Luka Modri\u0107 was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
(Photo: Getty Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Croatia have also qualified for the UEFA Nations League finals for the first time. They took an impressive 13 points from 18, winning four of six games, in a group consisting of Denmark, France, and Austria. The Croatians will meet one of Italy, Spain, or the Netherlands in the UNL semi-finals next summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a population of approximately four million people, Croatia are the third-smallest nation at the 2022 World Cup finals \u2013 ahead of only Uruguay and hosts Qatar. In spite of a relatively smaller following, the Croatia team still boasts high levels of unity, team spirit, and morale, not to mention quality on the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qatar 2022 may potentially prove a final act for Luka Modri\u0107 at international level, with the 37-year-old set to feature at a fourth World Cup finals with his nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seasoned midfielder has been captain of the national team since 2016 and he is the most-capped Croatia international of all time, with 155 outings for his country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modri\u0107 was integral in Croatia’s inspired journey to the World Cup final in 2018 and, together with his Champions League triumph with Real Madrid that year, the midfielder scooped the prestigious Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards for 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivan Peri\u0161i\u0107 and Marcelo Brozovi\u0107 are also well-positioned having appeared at two previous World Cup tournaments. Defenders Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida, too, are set to represent Croatia at the event for a third time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

?? \u201cWe will always be grateful for what he has done.\u201d

This may be @lukamodric10<\/a>\u2019s final #FIFAWorldCup<\/a> but Zlatko Dalic is confident he will drive @HNS_CFF<\/a> forward once more.<\/p>\u2014 FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 31, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>