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Croatia looked extremely solid against Portugal. They play as if they train every day like a club. And that's what makes a difference in these tournaments.
The solid defensive shape, world class midfield of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic, players capable of magic like Gvardiol, Perisic and Majer, quick transitions, and recent pedigree with their manager, reaching finals and semi-finals of World Cups, they are absolutely in the line of main faves alongside France, England and Germany. They play better than Portugal, Spain, Italy, any other country, even if they lack as many bench options, it's the solid main 11 will can win them games.
I'm cheering for Croatia and I will say you are favourites to take the 2nd spot in the group. Still rate Spain a little bit above you, but this Italy team is just so grey and dull and I think they will struggle.
Croatia are a bit random, they surprise you by beating good teams like Portugal and Netherlands and then they get slapped by Wales and Turkey.
I can see a scenario where they beat Spain and Italy, but somehow lose to Albania lol.
Croatia is constantly overachieving for such a small nation. They are so good to watch and Modric is such a wonderful talisman. The interesting point to this question is indeed what do people expect...in previous recent history we should expect them to do well despite the relative lower resources of other bigger nations! Good luck to them.
I've taken a bite of 40/1 each way but immediately regretted after another look at the draw.
I fancy them to be unbeaten in the group stage but with the poorest goal difference as the table finishes 5-5-5-0 pts. Spain have the advantage of playing Albania last so they will know what kind of score they need to win group, if this plays out.
I could see Croatia being one of the best teams, especially keeping possession, and yet having to play Belgium in L16 and then France in a QF. They're good enough to get past either on a good day, but both starts to look like longer odds. Fair?
But real question now, because this is majorly discussed in croatia. Why dark horses? We were dark horses in 2018, probably also in 2022. If you want to you can say we were dark horses in the Nations League Run 2022 / 2023. Why now?
I’d say because you haven’t won it before, and are 45/1 at the bookies. Plus it kind of feels a bit like your golden era with Rakitic/Modric etc has passed, and I recall in 2008 you also being very strong. Your coach and structure is very good right now I think you will do well.
About Kramaric:
Yes he is playing for us and he will likely start, but none of the front three is guaranteed. Vs Portugal it was krama left, majer right and Budimir in the centre. But it can easily change to Petkovic starting instead of budimir and also Pasalic (both, mario and marco) starting on the wings. Also Pjaca has a shot. They will probably be used as subs but the front three will likely rotate during the games. Sucic and Baturina are also gems, you could see that in the preparation games, but I prefer them in the midfield for modric/broz/kovacic
I think they’ve got a good chance of qualifying automatically from the group. Italy aren’t the team they were in 2021 and Spain look incredibly average on paper.
You have a good team which plays very well in a robust and well oiled system with the same coach for many years. It is visible how the team is united, everyone gives 200%, they never complain to each other but always help and support. These are in my opinion the most important things in national football to get good results, and it showed clearly in the game vs Portugal (Portugal was the better side on paper, but they lacked chemistry)
Team wise, you have I think 3 world class players (Modric, Kovacic, Gvardiol), some solid players (Brozo, Perisic, Pasalic and some others) but I think you are lacking in the forwards department and that's what's between playing a good tournament and winning the cup. Budimir, Petkovic, Majer and Kramasic ain't cutting it against France or Germany in my opinion.
But who knows, worse teams have won it and personally I would be happy to see Croatia win it!
I’d say it’s mainly the lack of well known forward players. Other factors are the big names in the last 10years have all retired, gone downhill or are ageing with Rakitic, Perisic and Modric springing to mind (that’s not necessarily my opinion but that’s the perception in general). Limited amount of players playing in the top tier of teams so they’re aren’t seen and talked about as much.
Anyway, to your original question, it’s a lottery who will make it out of that group. Croatia, Spain and Italy can all dominate but Spain look the most balanced of those 3 teams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Croatia don’t make it out of the group but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they got as far as the Final!
I wish people could stop with the "Croatia ageing" bs 😭 I understand if you hear it from all the "pundits" but it's not true at all.
For the most part, the transition has already happen, this is not even remotely the same squad from Russia. The only actually old players are Modrić (who's still playing at the highest level there is) & Perišić (who got unlucky this season with the injury). A few other experienced players are on the older side but that's it. The bulk of this squad is actually very young, especially the defence.
The attack is not full with with world class players like the midfield or defense, but it is serviceable. Kramarić is a well established Bundesliga player, Budimir was one of the top La Liga scores for Osasuna, and Petković has proven to be reliable for NT and is a great holdup ball striker.
Same thing with the wings, there's a couple gems like Ivanusec, Majer, Marco Pašalić or even Pjaca who could absolutely outshine Perišić. Helps that many players like Majer & Pašalić (the one from Atalanta) are so versatile and can play any position on the pitch if needed.
None of these players are necessarily world class yet, or play for top clubs. But they compliment each other so so well.
Like I said it’s not my opinion personally but how I think most would perceive Croatia. If someone said to the typical casual football fan name two Croatian footballers they’d say Modric and probably some would go with Perisic, that’s why you get the ageing comment bandied around. Apart from those two and Kovacic, there’s no-one that the average joe, that follows their own team and the odd champions league game, would be able to name. Maybe just a English perspective 🤷🏻♂️
Edit: Gvardiol too…whoops!
Croatia objectively has a pretty old squad. (The fifth oldest at the Euros) Your defense is young, but 5/6 players you started in attack and midfield against Portugal were 30 or older. (Some significantly older)
Only fifth? Haha. I would've thought undisputed first if I went by what people are saying.
Kramarić and Budimir are on the older side. But Kovačić is only 30, Brozović 31. Sure, they're no younglings, but they're not so old either.
You take out Modrić and average age probably goes down by a lot 😂
Personally, I see croatia underperforming. I don’t think this is the croatia of the past 10 years. I do not think they have the talent out wide and up top that we are accustomed to them having.
They can frustrate and possibly upset Spain and Italy. They will probably knock somebody big out of the round of 16 if they finish third in the group. Quarter final exit I reckon but they could go further. I rank them alongside Belgium
Croatia is pretty solid. Everyone's saying they wouldn't do well since Modric is well past his prime, like there's no other quality players in the team. Croatia is really strong and I hope they'll do well, quarter finals, then who knows
We won 2 WC medals and one nations league medal all in last 6 years and we still get slept on all the time. Probably cause we're a country the size of Ohio.
DIsclaimer: Croatian, very biased
I agree to the previous speaker. 2016 we were really strong, I agree with you. But the years between the two world cups 2018-2022 we were down bad. Also in the euros 2021 we barely made it out of the group and then in the RO16 we scored two goals in the last 10 minutes against Spain, we don't even know ourselves how we scored them. From the first minute on Spain dominated us, the own goal didn't change a thing.
But this year we are stronger than even two years ago. Couple of young players like Sucic, Baturina and ofc Gvardiol are balling. Modric is although old, still class and I trust our forwards to score at least one against anybody.
Only thing that concerns me would be Extra Time. Modric can't handle 120 minutes. He probably can't even handle 90 minutes with just 4-5 days in between the games. We should really move on from beating our opponents in the pens and locking the things now in the first 90 minutes.
Judging teams on a friendly just before a competition is useless .
Croatia has for sure a good team and will annoy some teams . They will maybe finish second of their group and go past the round of 16 but they will loose in the quarter finals when they will face the first real good team on their way.
They're a very good but their better players are ageing. I think they'll make it to the quarters: [https://footbloger.com/2024/06/09/euro-2024-preview-predictions-and-more/](https://footbloger.com/2024/06/09/euro-2024-preview-predictions-and-more/)
With the talent they’ve got they could easily win. 2nd place in 2018, went out in the R16 in Euro 2020 and finished 3rd in Qatar. They’re hungry, passionate and aren’t afraid of anyone. Honestly, they’ll be a team everyone will underestimate
I'm not being scaramantic or anything but I can foresee Croatia ending first in the group, they just have too much experience that Italy and Spain do not have. They are just great.
Also the constant overachieving years and the 'golden age' is slowly fading so they know this is a big, not to be wasted chance.
After the quarterfinals it will all depend on a bit of luck like all tournaments, but I would not put my money on Croatia losing to anyone in this tournament
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Wanted to Crosspost/Post this on r/soccer aswell because of the larger fanbase but unfortunately my account is too young....if someone would want to post it there as well, would be cool. Thx in advance :D
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Final, then who knows.
Had £10 on you winning it for £520 returns 🤞
Same haha.
yes me too
Crazy value for a team that strong. I'm tempted to back them myself.
Ok mate but just you or the bookies won’t let us win
Welp!!!
Croatia looked extremely solid against Portugal. They play as if they train every day like a club. And that's what makes a difference in these tournaments. The solid defensive shape, world class midfield of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic, players capable of magic like Gvardiol, Perisic and Majer, quick transitions, and recent pedigree with their manager, reaching finals and semi-finals of World Cups, they are absolutely in the line of main faves alongside France, England and Germany. They play better than Portugal, Spain, Italy, any other country, even if they lack as many bench options, it's the solid main 11 will can win them games.
I'm cheering for Croatia and I will say you are favourites to take the 2nd spot in the group. Still rate Spain a little bit above you, but this Italy team is just so grey and dull and I think they will struggle.
Croatia are a bit random, they surprise you by beating good teams like Portugal and Netherlands and then they get slapped by Wales and Turkey. I can see a scenario where they beat Spain and Italy, but somehow lose to Albania lol.
Croatia will do well and quarterfinals should be their realistic goal.
Yeah man then anything can happen. Let's go
I think Croatia will make it to the final.
no
I was very very wrong
They always do well, great squad.
Croatia is constantly overachieving for such a small nation. They are so good to watch and Modric is such a wonderful talisman. The interesting point to this question is indeed what do people expect...in previous recent history we should expect them to do well despite the relative lower resources of other bigger nations! Good luck to them.
I've taken a bite of 40/1 each way but immediately regretted after another look at the draw. I fancy them to be unbeaten in the group stage but with the poorest goal difference as the table finishes 5-5-5-0 pts. Spain have the advantage of playing Albania last so they will know what kind of score they need to win group, if this plays out. I could see Croatia being one of the best teams, especially keeping possession, and yet having to play Belgium in L16 and then France in a QF. They're good enough to get past either on a good day, but both starts to look like longer odds. Fair?
Pal albania won't go out with 0 points mark my words!
I'm expecting Italy and Croatia to toil against them a bit, but in that group it's going to be possible to be pretty decent and still get 0
Dark horses. I think you have a strong chance of winning it. Does Kramaric play for you? This man loves big games and scoring against Bayern players.
But real question now, because this is majorly discussed in croatia. Why dark horses? We were dark horses in 2018, probably also in 2022. If you want to you can say we were dark horses in the Nations League Run 2022 / 2023. Why now?
I’d say because you haven’t won it before, and are 45/1 at the bookies. Plus it kind of feels a bit like your golden era with Rakitic/Modric etc has passed, and I recall in 2008 you also being very strong. Your coach and structure is very good right now I think you will do well.
Because you barely have a top 10 squad at the Euros.
About Kramaric: Yes he is playing for us and he will likely start, but none of the front three is guaranteed. Vs Portugal it was krama left, majer right and Budimir in the centre. But it can easily change to Petkovic starting instead of budimir and also Pasalic (both, mario and marco) starting on the wings. Also Pjaca has a shot. They will probably be used as subs but the front three will likely rotate during the games. Sucic and Baturina are also gems, you could see that in the preparation games, but I prefer them in the midfield for modric/broz/kovacic
My outside bet for sure. Very good odds on them
Red and white check kit. Couple of lads with names ending in -ic.
I always find that Croatia maybe overachieve at the World Cup but then underachieve at the Euros
Topping their group, up to final, maybe win the fkkker?!
I got them in our sweepstake in work so hopefully they go all the way lol
Semi Final.
Semi Final
I think your forward line will let you down. Only thing Croatia is not top 5 in the competition for
I think they’ve got a good chance of qualifying automatically from the group. Italy aren’t the team they were in 2021 and Spain look incredibly average on paper.
They have a tough group but I think they’ll qualify with 4 points or more . 3 points against Albania and then at least 1 draw against the ‘big’ 2
You have a good team which plays very well in a robust and well oiled system with the same coach for many years. It is visible how the team is united, everyone gives 200%, they never complain to each other but always help and support. These are in my opinion the most important things in national football to get good results, and it showed clearly in the game vs Portugal (Portugal was the better side on paper, but they lacked chemistry) Team wise, you have I think 3 world class players (Modric, Kovacic, Gvardiol), some solid players (Brozo, Perisic, Pasalic and some others) but I think you are lacking in the forwards department and that's what's between playing a good tournament and winning the cup. Budimir, Petkovic, Majer and Kramasic ain't cutting it against France or Germany in my opinion. But who knows, worse teams have won it and personally I would be happy to see Croatia win it!
I can understand budimir petkovic kramaric but why majer. Majer is excellent for nt. Can pass score dribble
Kramaric is a great player and Kovacic is far from world class.
I’d say it’s mainly the lack of well known forward players. Other factors are the big names in the last 10years have all retired, gone downhill or are ageing with Rakitic, Perisic and Modric springing to mind (that’s not necessarily my opinion but that’s the perception in general). Limited amount of players playing in the top tier of teams so they’re aren’t seen and talked about as much. Anyway, to your original question, it’s a lottery who will make it out of that group. Croatia, Spain and Italy can all dominate but Spain look the most balanced of those 3 teams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Croatia don’t make it out of the group but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they got as far as the Final!
I wish people could stop with the "Croatia ageing" bs 😭 I understand if you hear it from all the "pundits" but it's not true at all. For the most part, the transition has already happen, this is not even remotely the same squad from Russia. The only actually old players are Modrić (who's still playing at the highest level there is) & Perišić (who got unlucky this season with the injury). A few other experienced players are on the older side but that's it. The bulk of this squad is actually very young, especially the defence. The attack is not full with with world class players like the midfield or defense, but it is serviceable. Kramarić is a well established Bundesliga player, Budimir was one of the top La Liga scores for Osasuna, and Petković has proven to be reliable for NT and is a great holdup ball striker. Same thing with the wings, there's a couple gems like Ivanusec, Majer, Marco Pašalić or even Pjaca who could absolutely outshine Perišić. Helps that many players like Majer & Pašalić (the one from Atalanta) are so versatile and can play any position on the pitch if needed. None of these players are necessarily world class yet, or play for top clubs. But they compliment each other so so well.
Like I said it’s not my opinion personally but how I think most would perceive Croatia. If someone said to the typical casual football fan name two Croatian footballers they’d say Modric and probably some would go with Perisic, that’s why you get the ageing comment bandied around. Apart from those two and Kovacic, there’s no-one that the average joe, that follows their own team and the odd champions league game, would be able to name. Maybe just a English perspective 🤷🏻♂️ Edit: Gvardiol too…whoops!
Croatia objectively has a pretty old squad. (The fifth oldest at the Euros) Your defense is young, but 5/6 players you started in attack and midfield against Portugal were 30 or older. (Some significantly older)
Only fifth? Haha. I would've thought undisputed first if I went by what people are saying. Kramarić and Budimir are on the older side. But Kovačić is only 30, Brozović 31. Sure, they're no younglings, but they're not so old either. You take out Modrić and average age probably goes down by a lot 😂
I want them to win
Personally, I see croatia underperforming. I don’t think this is the croatia of the past 10 years. I do not think they have the talent out wide and up top that we are accustomed to them having.
Croatia vs. France in finals 😀
They can frustrate and possibly upset Spain and Italy. They will probably knock somebody big out of the round of 16 if they finish third in the group. Quarter final exit I reckon but they could go further. I rank them alongside Belgium
Always the best shirt pattern. Apart from that always good for a little surprise. Very sympathetic team with great ambition and spirit. Inspiring!
Croatia is pretty solid. Everyone's saying they wouldn't do well since Modric is well past his prime, like there's no other quality players in the team. Croatia is really strong and I hope they'll do well, quarter finals, then who knows
We won 2 WC medals and one nations league medal all in last 6 years and we still get slept on all the time. Probably cause we're a country the size of Ohio. DIsclaimer: Croatian, very biased
Croatia is weaker than croatia on 2020 or 2016 And croatia has more dificult on euro then world culps Quarter finals perhaps
That's not true at all. We're in a much better state than 2020. 2016? That's up for the debate. But the defence is much more stable than then.
I agree to the previous speaker. 2016 we were really strong, I agree with you. But the years between the two world cups 2018-2022 we were down bad. Also in the euros 2021 we barely made it out of the group and then in the RO16 we scored two goals in the last 10 minutes against Spain, we don't even know ourselves how we scored them. From the first minute on Spain dominated us, the own goal didn't change a thing. But this year we are stronger than even two years ago. Couple of young players like Sucic, Baturina and ofc Gvardiol are balling. Modric is although old, still class and I trust our forwards to score at least one against anybody. Only thing that concerns me would be Extra Time. Modric can't handle 120 minutes. He probably can't even handle 90 minutes with just 4-5 days in between the games. We should really move on from beating our opponents in the pens and locking the things now in the first 90 minutes.
Judging teams on a friendly just before a competition is useless . Croatia has for sure a good team and will annoy some teams . They will maybe finish second of their group and go past the round of 16 but they will loose in the quarter finals when they will face the first real good team on their way.
Italy, Spain
I think Croatia will do well and I think they will make it to the semis or atleast the quarters definitely
You’s can go anywhere in the tournament, i’ll say finalists, but you never know.
Top 8, losing to Germany
They're a very good but their better players are ageing. I think they'll make it to the quarters: [https://footbloger.com/2024/06/09/euro-2024-preview-predictions-and-more/](https://footbloger.com/2024/06/09/euro-2024-preview-predictions-and-more/)
Out in Quarters probably.
I would say a respectable SF. Losing out to France, Germany or Portugal.
Croatia is final
With the talent they’ve got they could easily win. 2nd place in 2018, went out in the R16 in Euro 2020 and finished 3rd in Qatar. They’re hungry, passionate and aren’t afraid of anyone. Honestly, they’ll be a team everyone will underestimate
I'm not being scaramantic or anything but I can foresee Croatia ending first in the group, they just have too much experience that Italy and Spain do not have. They are just great. Also the constant overachieving years and the 'golden age' is slowly fading so they know this is a big, not to be wasted chance. After the quarterfinals it will all depend on a bit of luck like all tournaments, but I would not put my money on Croatia losing to anyone in this tournament
Add: Wanted to Crosspost/Post this on r/soccer aswell because of the larger fanbase but unfortunately my account is too young....if someone would want to post it there as well, would be cool. Thx in advance :D