Today's Talking Points
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1Croatia were World Cup finalists in 2018 and third place in 2022, which for a nation of four million people is an achievement that remains extraordinary by any measure in international football.
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2Luka Modrić is still in the squad at 40 — the Real Madrid midfielder is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and this is clearly his final World Cup, which adds a valedictory element to every game he plays.
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3Without Modrić in a few years, Croatian football faces a real succession question — the current squad relies heavily on a generation of players that's about to age out, and the next generation is less clear.
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4Croatia are in Group L with England, Ghana and Panama — they'll be competitive for second place behind England, and a Modrić-inspired run to the knockouts is very much on the cards.
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5They almost never concede cheap goals — Croatia have been one of the most defensively solid sides at the last two World Cups, which makes them dangerous opposition regardless of who they face.
🍺 Top Thing To Say Down The Pub
Modrić is 40 and playing his last World Cup. He's been the best midfielder in the world for a decade. Whatever you think of Croatia, watch him.
🚫 Avoid Saying
"Croatia are past it" — they finished third in 2022. Two years later is not a long time in international football, and Modrić doesn't age like normal humans apparently.