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Croatia are a team that have always punched above their weight with this core, finishing second at the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. But they couldn’t match that level of success this time around, losing in heartbreaking fashion in the round of 16 after a stoppage-time winner from Gonçalo Ramos gave Portugal a 2-1 victory.
Croatia had a poor start to the tournament, losing to England, but managed to pick up wins against Panama and Ghana to finish second in the group. This resulted in a tough round of 16 match against Portugal, where Croatia came close but could not cross the finish line.
So, what’s next for the players who took Croatia to the round of 16?
The 40-year-old maestro, known as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, most likely played in his last World Cup. Once again, Luka Modrić was the leader in the middle of the park for Croatia.
He didn’t start the tournament with his best performance, giving away a penalty and struggling against England, but he progressed through the tournament as he always does. Modrić was the composer in Croatia’s midfield, controlling the tempo and helping Croatia stay alive after that first defeat.
He still performs on the biggest Croatian stages and won his 200th cap during the tournament. He is the greatest player in Croatian history. Modrić currently plays for Serie A club AC Milan.
Ivan Perišić is another Croatian veteran who always seems to turn out for his country. Even at 37, he remained a central part of the Croatian attack on the wing.
Perišić was involved in one goal and two assists during this campaign, including the goal against Portugal. When the lights shine brightest, Perišić always finds a way to make an impact for Croatia, and that was the case again in this tournament.
At 37, this could also be his last World Cup. Perišić currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.
Dominik Livaković, 31, has now been between the posts for Croatia in several international tournaments, and he once again played a key role with several decisive saves throughout the World Cup.
His clean sheet against Panama was particularly important, helping Croatia to a crucial 1-0 victory in the group stage. Croatia needed this result after losing their opening match, and Livaković played a major role in ensuring they crossed the finish line.
Livaković currently plays for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Nikola Vlašić scored the decisive goal in the victory against Ghana in the 83rd minute, a goal which proved decisive in helping Croatia finish second in the group.
Vlašić is now a key player for Croatia in several international tournaments, and once again he provided an important moment when Croatia needed it. The midfielder currently plays for Serie A club Turin.
Mateo Kovačić has been one of the pillars of this Croatia team for years. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, now at Manchester City, has played a crucial role in the Croatian midfield alongside Luka Modrić.
Kovačić brings dynamism to the midfield and is part of Croatia’s golden generation through its best runs in the World Cup. The 32-year-old is currently at Manchester City, but reports indicate he could be on his way out after a difficult, injury-plagued season with the club.
Joško Gvardiol, 24, is known as one of the best defenders in the world and has brought important versatility to Croatia throughout the tournament.
He can play centre-back, left-back or in a hybrid role in a three-man defence, giving Croatia different defensive options. This flexibility has made him a key part of this Croatian team. Gvardiol currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.
