FormCroatia broke English hearts three years ago when securing a 2-1 comeback extra-time win in their World Cup semi-final in Moscow, where they returned and lost the final 4-2 to France. Dalic’s men beat Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland in what had been a tough-looking World Cup group in Russia, before knocking Denmark and the hosts out on penalties. Key menExpand Close Luka Modric starred in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against England (Adam Davy/PA) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Luka Modric starred in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against England (Adam Davy/PA)The main man, without question, is Real Madrid’s Modric – still the heartbeat of the Croatian side at the age of 35. Modric has been named Croatia’s player of the year nine times and won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, as well as that year’s world player of the year award. Champions League-winning midfielder Mateo Kovacic is the only Premier League player in the squad, but Lovren, Nikola Vlasic and Andrej Kramaric have played there in recent years.

Source: Irish Independent June 12, 2021 14:49 UTC