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Croatia is a team that has always punched above its weight with this core, finishing second at the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. But it couldn’t quite match that level of success this time around, going out in heartbreaking fashion in the last 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 squeak out wins against Panama and Ghana to finish second in the group. It made for a difficult round of 16 against Portugal, where Croatia came close but couldn’t get over the line.
So what’s next for the players who led Croatia to the last 32?
The 40-year-old maestro, known as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, was more likely than not to play 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 at his best, giving up a penalty and struggling against England, but he grew into the tournament as he always does. Modrić was the composer of Croatia’s midfield, controlling the tempo and helping Croatia stay alive after the opening loss.
He always appears on the biggest stages for Croatia and earned his 200th cap during the tournament. He is the greatest player in the history of Croatia. Modrić plays for Serie A club AC Milan.
Ivan Perišić is another Croatian veteran who always seems to turn up for his country. Even at 37, he remained a central part of the Croatian attack on the wing.
Perišić was involved in a goal and two assists during this campaign, including the equalizer against Portugal. When the lights shine brightest, Perišić always finds a way to make an impact on 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 sticks for Croatia in several international tournaments and was once again key with several crucial saves throughout the World Cup.
His clean sheet against Panama was particularly important as it helped Croatia to a decisive 1-0 win in the group stage. Croatia needed that result after losing their opening game and Livaković played a big part in making sure it got over the line.
Livaković currently plays for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Nikola Vlašić scored the decisive winning goal against Ghana in the 83rd minute, a goal that proved crucial in helping Croatia finish second in the group.
Vlašić has now been a key player for Croatia across several international tournaments and once again provided a key moment when Croatia needed it. The midfielder currently plays for Serie A club Torino.
Mateo Kovačić has been one of the mainstays of this Croatian team for years. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, now at Manchester City, has been a crucial part of Croatia’s midfield alongside Luka Modrić.
Kovačić provides dynamism in midfield and has been part of Croatia’s golden generation through his best World Cup runs. The 32-year-old is currently at Manchester City, but reports suggest he could be on his way out after a difficult, injury-hit season with the club.
Joško Gvardiol, 24, is known as one of the best defenders in the world and provided important versatility for Croatia throughout the tournament.
He can play at centre-back, left-back or in a hybrid role in a back-three, giving Croatia other options defensively. That flexibility made him a key piece for this Croatian team. Guardiol currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.
