Spectators react as they watch the Qatar 2022 semi-final match between Argentina and Croatia, in the main square of Zagreb on Tuesday. AFP
Doha: Beaten in the final four years ago in Russia, Croatia weren’t top of anyone’s list to make it to the last four of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
With the lovable maestro Luka Modric, Croatian football gained many fans after their gritty run to the finals in 2018. Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic were the core of the ‘golden generation.’
In Qatar, Croatia’s spirit has been its most notable quality, coming back from behind against Japan and Brazil to go through on penalties in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.
Though they started slow with a dull goalless draw in their opening match against Morocco, a thumping victory over Canada and a nervy draw against another team of golden generation players Belgium, ensured the Balkan nation booked a last 16 spot.
However, losing to Argentina on Tuesday night was a big blow to the 2018 finalists, who were looking to do one better than four years ago.
Croatia’s Luka Modric (left), Mateo Kovacic (centre) and Ivan Perisic take part in a training session at Al Erssal Training Site 3 in Doha yesterday. AFP
"We have had a great World Cup and now there is bronze at stake in the game and we have to prepare ourselves, because if we get it, it is also a good success," Modric, the Ballon d'Or winner in 2018 said.
Croatia will play Morocco in the third-place playoff and have a chance to leave Doha with a medal. However, it is indeed time to look ahead to the next generation.
Mandzukic is now part of the technical staff, and Rakitic is out of the national team set-up, leaving Modric (37), Perisic (33) and Dejan Lovren (33) – this golden generation has reached its twilight for World Cups.
“A few of them are older, so it’s difficult to expect them to play in the World Cup 2026,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic told reporters after their 3-0 defeat to Argentina.
“They achieved great things, and they’re the golden generation of Croatian football. New players are coming; Croatia always has potential. So I think this generation will end their careers at Euro 2024.
“We also have the final four of the Nations League. It’s an exceptional generation that played in the semi-finals of two consecutive World Cups, and it would be great to win that bronze medal, so that would be a conclusion for that generation,” Dalic added.
Dalic, 56, also promised to see out his contract, which runs until 2024, spelling good news for the current veterans and upcoming stars. Highly-touted centre-back Josko Gvardiol has been one of the standout players in Qatar. At the same time, seasoned midfielder Mateo Kovacic should be the spearhead of the team as Modric bows out.
“I will continue. My contract runs until Euro 2024,” Dalic said to a question about his future.
“We have the Nations League final four in June and qualifiers for Euro 2024. My plan is to qualify with Croatia for Euro 2024.”
