Croatia
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
Croatia have made a habit of punching well above their weight ever since reaching the semi-finals of France 98. One of the classiest midfields in the world has propelled them in the last decade or so, with captain Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic among some of the finest operators in the engine room in that period. Zlatko Dalic led his countrymen to the final in Russia eight years ago, when they lost to France in the final, and to the semi-finals four years later. While still a quality outfit, there is a sense that their chance to take the final step has passed them by and a run to the last eight would be a highly creditable result this time around.
Mateo Kovacic had a stop-start season for Manchester City due to injuries, but when he did feature his opponents certainly knew about it, committing 10 fouls in just five appearances.
Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol was named the best young player at the last World Cup finals in Qatar and he has gone on to estbalish himself as one of Europe's best defenders. Adept in central defence or on the left, Gvardiol is a classy operator but can sometimes over step the mark. He was booked seven times for City in all competitons this term and involved in 89 duels.
Ivan Perisic has been a feature of Croatia's left wing since Euro 2012 and 14 years later he is still a key cog in the Blazers' attack. He may not possess the same electric pace as a decade ago, but Perisic is now more of a threat from range and fired off 2.1 shots per game for club side PSV Eindhoven this season
Captain Luka Modric has been the heartbeat of Croatia's side for the best side of two decades and the former Ballon d'Or winner's influence shows no sign of waning. Modric, who will turn 41 in September, registered eight assists for Milan in Serie A this season as well as 17 big chances for his Rossoneri team-mates.
