Euro 2024 is just around the corner, and all eyes are on Croatia. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, this team is poised to make a significant impact.
Under the guidance of Zlatko Dalic, Croatia’s squad features the legendary Luka Modric, who, at 38, is still orchestrating the midfield with his signature brilliance.
Alongside him are talents like Josko Gvardiol and Luka Sucic, who bring fresh energy and skill to the pitch. This preview will dive into the key players, strengths, and fixtures that define Croatia’s Euro 2024 journey. Get ready to explore what this exciting team has in store for the tournament!
Croatia Euro 2024 Squad (Final Roster)
The Croatia Euro 2024 squad, managed by Zlatko Dalic, has been finalized with a mix of seasoned veterans and young talents.
With Luka Modric leading the charge, this tournament is anticipated to testify to Croatia’s footballing prowess.
The squad’s balance between experienced players and emerging stars makes them a formidable competitive force.
| NO | POS | PLAYER | AGE | CAPS | GOALS | CLUB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Dominik Livaković | 29 | 54 | 0 | Turkey Fenerbahçe |
| 12 | GK | Nediljko Labrović | 24 | 1 | 0 | Croatia Rijeka |
| 23 | GK | Ivica Ivušić | 29 | 6 | 0 | Cyprus Pafos |
| 2 | DF | Josip Stanišić | 24 | 18 | 0 | Germany Bayer Leverkusen |
| 3 | DF | Marin Pongračić | 26 | 8 | 0 | Italy Lecce |
| 4 | DF | Joško Gvardiol | 22 | 30 | 2 | England Manchester City |
| 5 | DF | Martin Erlić | 26 | 9 | 0 | Italy Sassuolo |
| 6 | DF | Josip Šutalo | 24 | 14 | 0 | Netherlands Ajax |
| 19 | DF | Borna Sosa | 26 | 20 | 1 | Netherlands Ajax |
| 21 | DF | Domagoj Vida | 35 | 105 | 4 | Greece AEK Athens |
| 22 | DF | Josip Juranović | 28 | 37 | 0 | Germany Union Berlin |
| 7 | MF | Lovro Majer | 26 | 31 | 8 | Germany VfL Wolfsburg |
| 8 | MF | Mateo Kovačić | 30 | 101 | 5 | England Manchester City |
| 10 | MF | Luka Modrić (captain) | 38 | 175 | 25 | Spain Real Madrid |
| 11 | MF | Marcelo Brozović | 31 | 96 | 7 | Saudi Arabia Al Nassr |
| 13 | MF | Nikola Vlašić | 26 | 56 | 8 | Italy Torino |
| 15 | MF | Mario Pašalić | 29 | 63 | 10 | Italy Atalanta |
| 18 | MF | Luka Ivanušec | 25 | 21 | 2 | Netherlands Feyenoord |
| 25 | MF | Luka Sučić | 21 | 7 | 0 | Austria Red Bull Salzburg |
| 26 | MF | Martin Baturina | 21 | 3 | 0 | Croatia Dinamo Zagreb |
| 9 | FW | Andrej Kramarić | 32 | 93 | 28 | Germany TSG Hoffenheim |
| 14 | FW | Ivan Perišić | 35 | 131 | 33 | Croatia Hajduk Split |
| 16 | FW | Ante Budimir | 32 | 21 | 3 | Spain Osasuna |
| 17 | FW | Bruno Petković | 29 | 38 | 11 | Croatia Dinamo Zagreb |
| 20 | FW | Marko Pjaca | 29 | 26 | 1 | Croatia Rijeka |
| 24 | FW | Marco Pašalić | 23 | 5 | 1 | Croatia Rijeka |
Squad Composition and Strengths
Croatia’s squad for Euro 2024 is composed of a blend of experienced players and emerging talents:
- Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, and Nediljko Labrovic provide a solid foundation at the back.
- Defenders: The defensive line features stalwarts like Josko Gvardiol and Josip Juranovic alongside upcoming stars like Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo.
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic offer a wealth of experience and creativity in midfield.
- Forwards: The attacking lineup includes Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, and Bruno Petkovic, ensuring a potent strike force.
Croatia Euro Cup History and Recent Performance
Historically, Croatia has performed admirably in international tournaments, with notable achievements in the World Cup.
However, their European Championship record has been less stellar, with their best performance being a quarter-final appearance.
In recent years, Croatia has consistently reached the knockout stages, showcasing their growth as a footballing nation.
Croatia Euro 2024 Schedule
Croatia faces a challenging group stage in Euro 2024, in the so-called ‘Group of Death’. Here’s a look at their fixtures:
| DATE | Opponent | TIME | VENUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2024 | Spain | 21:00 | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| June 20, 2024 | Albania | 18:00 | Volksparkstadion, Hamburg |
| June 26, 2024 | Italy | 21:00 | Olympiastadion, Berlin |
Croatia Team Manager
Zlatko Dalic has been at the helm since 2017, leading Croatia to impressive World Cup finishes, including runner-up in 2018 and third-place finish in 2022. Dalic’s strategic acumen and motivational skills have been pivotal in Croatia’s recent successes on the international stage.
Key Players to Watch
Luka Modric
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Midfielder
Luka Modric is the cornerstone of the Croatian team. At 38, he defies age with his exceptional vision, precise passing, and remarkable stamina. Modric’s ability to control the game’s tempo, deliver pinpoint passes, and contribute defensively and offensively makes him irreplaceable.
Having won numerous titles with Real Madrid, including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies, Modric brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad.
His performances in previous World Cups, including leading Croatia to the finals in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022, highlight his importance to the team. As this is likely his last international tournament, Modric will be determined to leave a lasting legacy.
Josko Gvardiol
Club: Manchester City
Position: Defender
Josko Gvardiol is one of the most promising young defenders in European football. At Manchester City, he has developed into a reliable center-back known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure under pressure. Gvardiol’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions is complemented by his proficiency in playing the ball out from the back, making him a modern defender. His performances have already caught the attention of top clubs and pundits, and Euro 2024 will be a stage for him to showcase his talents further. With his physical presence and defensive acumen, Gvardiol is expected to be a key figure in Croatia’s backline (UEFA.com).
Mateo Kovacic
Club: Manchester City
Position: Midfielder
Mateo Kovacic’s versatility in midfield makes him an invaluable asset for Croatia. Known for his dribbling skills, work rate, and ability to transition the ball from defense to attack, Kovacic plays a pivotal role in linking up play.
At Manchester City, he has honed his tactical understanding and technical abilities, contributing to his team’s success domestically and in Europe.
Kovacic’s experience in high-pressure matches and his ability to maintain possession and create opportunities will be crucial for Croatia, especially in tight matches where control of the midfield can dictate the outcome.
His partnership with Luka Modric in midfield provides a blend of experience and dynamism.
Ivan Perisic
Club: Hajduk Split
Position: Forward/Winger
Ivan Perisic brings a wealth of experience and a knack for scoring crucial goals. Perisic can play as a winger or forward and is known for his versatility, providing options for the Croatian attack. His pace, crossing ability, and knack for finding the back of the net make him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Perisic’s performances in past international tournaments have been impressive, including key goals in the 2018 World Cup. After recovering from an injury, he is back and ready to make a significant impact at Euro 2024. His experience and goal-scoring ability will be vital for Croatia as they navigate the challenging group stages.
Croatia Euro 2024 Home & Away Kits
Croatia’s home kit features the traditional red and white checkered pattern, symbolizing national pride and heritage. The away kit is primarily blue, reflecting the nation’s coastal identity, with subtle checkered patterns integrated into the design.
Croatia’s Euro 2024 campaign promises an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities.
With a balanced squad and a manager with a proven track record, the team aims to surpass their previous European Championship performances as Luka Modric gears up for potentially his final international tournament, the nation rallies behind their team, hopeful for a memorable run in Euro 2024.