Confidence and class

England fans now know Croatia well. During qualification for Euro2008, Slaven Bilic’s side conquered a hapless England twice, each time with a brand of football that made the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard look distinctly mediocre. How different it was at Euro2004, when England swept Croatia aside with minimum fuss. Four years on and Bilic has transformed Croatia’s fortunes by introducing both exciting new young players like Luka Modric and Eduardo da Silva into the mix and a much more carefree style of football than former coach Zlatko Kranjcar had in place.

However, despite Croatia’s resounding success during the qualifiers, question marks still remain around how the country will fare at the actual tournament. Croatia often flatter to deceive, with World Cup 1998 (Croatia reached the semi-finals then) being the only departure from type. They are in Group B, which contains Germany, Poland, and hosts Austria, for Euro2008. Croatia can certainly overcome Austria and Poland, and even spring a surprise against Germany—such is the brimming confidence in the team.

How they handle this high level of optimism is going to determine Croatia’s campaign. They have the talent and technique; Bilic just needs to keep their feet on the ground.

How Croatia qualified

Croatia qualified in style, finishing five points clear of Russia at the top. The highlight of their campaign was undoubtedly the 3-2 defeat of England at Wembley.

How Croatia play

Bilic uses an adaptable 4-4-2 system, which has Eduardo and Ivica Olic as the two strikers. Captain Niko Kovac , the much heralded Modric, Darijo Srna, and Niko Kranjcar pull the midfield strings in front of a defence, which contains Dario Simic and Robert Kovac amongst others. Stipe Pletikosa is the first choice goalkeeper.

About the coach

The fourty-year old Bilic was part of the Croatia team that went all the way to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup. He is a tactically astute coach, who has given Croatia the poise and self-belief they so sorely lacked under Zlatko Kranjcar. Bilic holds a law degree and, apart from Croatian, can speak three languages.

Key players

Niko Kranjcar - The Portsmouth man is a vital creative element in midfield. He did not have an exceptional World Cup 2006, but he will be eager to make amends this summer.

Luka Modric - The 22-year-old is a nimble midfielder with tremendous skill. Modric can use both his feet and does his defensive duties as well.

Star player

Eduardo da Silva - The Arsenal striker scored nine goals for Croatia during qualifying. Brazilian by birth, Eduardo has been the most important forward in Bilic’s team.

Verdict

Croatia seem to have all the pieces in place for a fantastic tournament. Their game against Germany is definitely the marquee tie of the group, but Croatia will look to pick up maximum points against Austria and Poland. Two victories will be enough to see them through to the next round, and if they play with the same confidence they did against England, then a semi-final berth is not out of the question.