|
Croatia national football team
|
Croatia
 |
| Nickname(s) |
Vatreni ("Fiery Ones") |
| Association |
Hrvatski Nogometni Savez |
| Confederation |
UEFA (Europe) |
| Head coach |
 Slaven Bilić |
| Asst coach |
Aljoša Asanović
Nikola Jurčević
Marijan Mrmić
Robert Prosinečki |
| Captain |
Niko Kovač |
| Most caps |
Dario Šimić (100) |
| Top scorer |
Davor Šuker (45) |
| Home stadium |
Maksimir Stadium |
| FIFA code |
CRO |
| FIFA ranking |
5 |
| Highest FIFA ranking |
3 (January 1999) |
| Lowest FIFA ranking |
125 (March 1994) |
| Elo ranking |
10 |
| Highest Elo ranking |
5 (July 1998) |
| Lowest Elo ranking |
26 (Oct 2002) |
|
|
|
| First international |
Croatia 4–0 Switzerland 
(Zagreb, Yugoslavia; April 2, 1940) |
| Biggest win |
Croatia 7–0 Australia 
(Zagreb, Croatia; June 6, 1998)
Croatia 7–0 Andorra 
(Zagreb, Croatia; October 7, 2006) |
| Biggest defeat |
Independent State of Croatia:
 Italy 4 - 0 Croatia 
(Genova, Italy; April 4, 1942)
 Germany 5–1 Croatia
(Vienna, Germany; June 15, 1941)
Germany 5–1 Croatia
(Stuttgart, Germany; November 1, 1942)
present Croatia:
 Slovakia 4–1 Croatia
(Bratislava, Slovakia; April 20, 1994)
Croatia 1–4 England 
(Zagreb, Croatia; September 10, 2008) |
| World Cup |
| Appearances |
3 (First in 1998) |
| Best result |
Third place, 1998 |
| European Championship |
| Appearances |
3 (First in 1996) |
| Best result |
Quarterfinals, 1996, 2008 |
The Croatian national football team (Croatian pronunciation: Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija) is the national side representing Croatia in international football and is governed by the Croatian Football Federation. The team in its current form has existed since 1990 and was recognised by FIFA and UEFA in 1992, one year after Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia.[1] Previously sanctioned national teams represented the short-lived Banovina of Croatia and Independent State of Croatia in 19 friendly matches from 1940 to 1944.[2] Although an official affiliate of FIFA in the earlier era, Croatia remained a constituent nation of Yugoslavia and was therefore unable to host a separate national team at competitive level.
The modern team played the nation's first competitive matches during a successful qualifying campaign for Euro 96, leading to their first appearance at a major international tournament.[2] They went on to finish third at the 1998 World Cup, led by Golden Boot winner Davor Šuker. Croatia has since qualified for every World Cup that it has entered as an independent nation, having missed only one major tournament—UEFA Euro 2000—since they became eligible to participate.[3]
The team has achieved several noteworthy results, including victories over Germany, Holland, Italy and England. During their 98 World Cup foray, they defeated the Germans 3–0 and concluded the tournament with a 2–1 victory over Holland in the bronze medal playoff. Croatia has overcome four-time world champions Italy twice: an away win during qualifications for Euro 96 and again at the 2002 World Cup, with a 2–1 scoreline on both occasions.[2] Recent results include twofold victories against England: 2–0 at home in the Maksimir Stadium and 3–2 at Wembley Stadium, England's first competitive defeat at the new venue.[4] At Euro 2008, they defeated eventual finalists Germany 2–1.[5]
Croatia is the only team to win FIFA's "Best Mover of the Year" more than once, receiving the award in 1994 and 1998.[6] Their FIFA World Ranking has been amongst the most volatile of all nations, ranging from third to 125th (the latter shortly after the team began playing independently).[7][8][9][10] They were previously undefeated in competitive matches on home soil from 1994 until losing to England on September 10 2008,[11][12] hosting such fixtures at Maksimir Stadium in the nation's capital, Zagreb.[2] Croatia's primary supporters, often associated with hooliganism but alas credited domestically for their involvement, have been responsible for considerable charges and infamy against the national federation by the governing bodies of football.
History
- See also: Yugoslavia national football team and Croatia national football team games - 1940s
Pre-independence
At the end of the 19th century football was introduced in Croatia by expatriate Englishmen in the cities of Rijeka and Županja, leading to the Croatian recognition of the rulebook in 1896. By 1908, a modern edition of the sport's laws was published as Croats began to play football regularly in organised clubs.[13] An international representative side was initially formed a year earlier, as FIFA record a Croatian team playing a full-length fixture against domestic opposition in 1906/07.[1] Before independence, Croatian footballers competed in the authorized national teams of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1919–39) and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–90). However, at various times throughout these rulings, Croatian sides were temporarily organised and competed separately in unofficial contests, primarily due to the instability of national boundaries involving the war.[14] A hastily arranged national side, managed by Hugo Kinert, played a small number of private domestic matches from 1918 to 1919 during World War I.[15]
The first recognised Croatian team played against Switzerland in 1940.
In 1940, Jozo Jakopić led a non-FIFA recognised team which represented the Banovina of Croatia in four friendly matches: two against Switzerland and two against Hungary.[2] Croatia defeated the Swiss 4–0 in Zagreb on April 2, 1940, marking their debut match as a distinctly recognised side. Following further movement by the Axis power, a Croatian football federation became temporarily active and joined FIFA on July 17, 1941 as the Independent State of Croatia. The directed national side played 15 friendly matches until 1944—all but one as an officially sanctioned national team[1]—under the direction of Rudolf Hitrec.[16] They recorded their first result as a FIFA member on September 8 in Bratislava, drawing 1–1 with Slovakia.[2] Nonetheless, they were prohibited from participating in competitive matches as FIFA still considered the Yugoslavian federation as the football representative of the country.
From 1950, another unofficial Croatian side was active for a brief period, recording two friendly victories over Indonesia and a Yugoslav team playing as "Serbia".[15] This was the last Croatian national team which played during this period as such activities were eventually ceased. When Yugoslavia participated at the 1956 Summer Olympics, their squad included numerous Croatian footballers.[17] Subsequent Yugoslavian teams that played in several World Cup and European Championship tournaments up to 1990 also consisted of Croatian players who collectively achieved small success at competitive level.[18][19]
Official formation
The last Yugoslav team to field a considerable Croatian contingent played against Sweden on May 16, 1991, only a few days before Croatia's independence referendum.[20] Another Croatian team was formed during this time, and went on to play their first modern international fixture against the United States on October 17, 1990 at Maksimir Stadium. Aljoša Asanović was the first goalscorer for the newly established side, as Croatia won the match 2–1.[21] This was one of only three games played under original manager Dražan Jerković; Croatia would subsequently record another two friendly victories under his guidance[22] before Stanko Poklepović and Vlatko Marković had brief spells in charge.[23] Although Croatia was still regarded as a part of Yugoslavia,[24] this team remained an unofficially sanctioned national side until Croatia were declared independent on October 8, 1991,[25] at which point the team became the official representative of the Croatian republic. The Croatian football federation rejoined the governing bodies of football and went on to organise the first competitive matches for the new national team.[1] Since Croatia were not ranked on their performances prior to independence, they entered the FIFA World Rankings in 125th place.[10]
In the summer of 1992, FIFA and UEFA both officially recognised Croatia's football federation, which allowed the country to take part in competitive matches.[3] Miroslav Blažević was appointed manager and led the Croatians into their qualifying campaign for Euro 96 against Estonia on September 4, 1994. Croatia won the game 2–0 at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, marking their first competitive victory as a distinct side. They ultimately finished on top of their qualifying group[26] and earned the FIFA Best Mover of the Year award for their rapid rise in the international rankings.[6] They suffered their first defeat in competitive matches during the same qualifying campaign on June 11, 1995, losing 1–0 in their away fixture to Ukraine.[2]
'Golden Generation'
Goran Vlaović scored the team's first goal at a major tournament when he netted a late winner against Turkey at the City Ground during Euro 96.[27] The Croats followed their opening victory with a 3–0 win over reigning champions Denmark[28] with Davor Šuker scoring one of the most skillful goals of the tournament; after receiving a long pass, he lobbed the ball into the goal from the 12-yard mark.[29] Croatia were beaten 3–0 by Portugal in their final group fixture,[30] but still advanced out of the group stage to then be knocked out by eventual champions Germany in the quarter finals.[31]
|
|
| Croatia's 3-5-2 lineup during the 1998 World Cup. Initial striker Alen Bokšić was withdrawn due to injury. |
Miroslav Blažević remained in charge as Croatia set their venture on the 1998 World Cup. They successfully earned a berth at the tournament by defeating Ukraine in a qualifying playoff. Their first opponents were similar first-timers Jamaica. Mario Stanić scored their first World Cup goal, contributing to the 3–1 victory along with Robert Prosinečki and Davor Šuker at the Stade Félix Bollaert in Lens. Croatia narrowly beat Japan in their next fixture to secure a berth in the next round, despite losing to Argentina in their final group match. Davor Šuker scored his third goal of the tournament as they fended off a challenge from Romania to reach the quarter finals, where they would face former adversaries Germany once again. Although they were initially considered underdogs, Croatia enjoyed a 3–0 victory with goals from Robert Jarni, Goran Vlaović and Davor Šuker respectively after Christian Wörns was sent off.
Croatia went on to face the host nation France in the anticipated semi-final encounter. After a goalless first-half, which admittedly frustrated French coach Aimé Jacquet,[32] Croatia took the lead through Davor Šuker once again. However, opposing defender Lilian Thuram secured the host nation a victory with his first and only international goals in his career as France prevailed 2–1. The Croatian side won third place by defeating the Netherlands with Davor Šuker capturing the Golden Boot award as the most prolific scorer of the tournament.[33] This was amongst the best performances for a debut nation in the World Cup,[18] eventually vaulting Croatia to third place in the FIFA World Rankings in January 1999, their highest ranking to date.[10]
The successful squad of these early years was later dubbed the "Golden Generation".[34][35] FIFA once again awarded Croatia with the Best Mover of the Year award in 1998.[6] However, despite impressive runs in their first two major competitions, Croatia failed to qualify for Euro 2000, finishing third in their qualifying group behind Yugoslavia and Ireland.[36] During this campaign, play between Croatia and Yugoslavia took place against a background of tension. Both fixtures ended in draws, with political protests occurring during the goalless fixture in Belgrade.[37] In the return match in Zagreb, Croatia needed a victory to qualify, but the game ended in a 2–2 draw amid controversy.[29] This was one of the last games played by a team representing "Yugoslavia", as that side was soon renamed Serbia and Montenegro to reflect the creation of a new individual state.[38][39]
Decline under Jozić and Barić (early 2000s)
Despite the retirement of their "Golden Generation", including coach Blažević, Croatia qualified for the 2002 World Cup with an undefeated record.[40] Mirko Jozić led them into tournament where they produced a surprise 2–1 victory over Italy.[41] Their subsequent loss of form, however, became overly difficult to cope[42] as they lost to Ecuador and missed out on qualification to the knockout stages.[43] Jozić momentarily stepped down as manager,[44] leading to the appointment of Otto Barić; the first and only manager born outside the Balkans to coach the national team.[45]
Despite the experience in the Austrian-born manager, Croatia continued to distress during the Euro 2004 qualifications. A lack of victories saw them narrowly place second in their group as they went on to defeat Slovenia in the playoffs.[46] The final tournament saw them fail to advance from their group after losing to England in their final game.[47] However, they managed to display an earlier 2–2 draw against reigning champions France.[48] Barić followed the pattern of his predecessor and left the management position shortly afterward, stating his criticism as a direct cause.[49]
Kranjčar and Bilić's revival
A new era for the team began shortly after the 2004 tournament exit. Retiree Zlatko Kranjčar took over as national team coach[50] and commanded Croatia to a top place finish in their qualifying group for the 2006 World Cup, again without losing a single match.[51] Niko Kovač was chosen as team captain during this qualification campaign, a role he kept into the final tournament. Kranjčar faced heavy criticism with the introduction of his son Niko, who was peceived as a biased inclusion by the media.[52][53] After narrowly losing to Brazil in their opening game,[54] Croatia failed to overcome Japan after an array of chances, including a penalty, went begging.[55] With their advancement reliant on victory against Australia, Croatia took the lead with one of the earliest goals in their tournament history; a second-minute free kick from Dario Srna. However, the match finished 2–2 with three red cards being issued by referee Graham Poll. This prompted another exit from the group stage as Croatia marked an odd first in football history after Josip Šimunić became the only player to receive three yellow cards in a single match. Poll was widely criticized for his lack of control in the match and soon retired from international officiating, relating the incident as a prime cause.[56]
Current manager Slaven Bilić was appointed in 2006 and introduced a "player friendly" management style.
After the exit, the HNS hired former defender Slaven Bilić as national team coach.[57] With promising talent available, he immediately improved the team's results, beating World Champions Italy 2–0 in an away friendly.[58] Bilić temporarily suspended Dario Srna, Ivica Olić and Boško Balaban from the national squad after they were absent from his debut training sessions.[59] However, the introduction of young talent such as Eduardo da Silva, Luka Modrić, Vedran Ćorluka and Ivan Rakitić saw Croatia transform into one of the youngest international squads.[60][61] Performances ultimately improved under Bilić’s guidance as the team responded positively towards his new management style.[62][63][64] This excelled the Croats in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, remaining unbeaten in their first 11 games which included an earlier home victory over England.[65] With qualifications already assured, Croatia again defeated the English side, at Wembley Stadium, to deny them their first major tournament since the 1994 World Cup failure.[66] The result was England's first competitive defeat at the new venue, leading to the immediate dismissal of national coach Steve McClaren.[67]
Shortly prior to the finals of the tournament, Croatia's qualifying topscorer Eduardo da Silva sustained a major compound fracture while playing in the English Premiership.[68][69] His injury caused heavy controversy within the national team. Croatia's association president Vlatko Marković described the incident to be beyond "random", as he called for action against Martin Taylor.[70] Leading Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List examined Taylor's subsequent training sessions and depicted him to show no sorrow over his actions. A global appeal gained a wide range of support which believed the tackle to be an act of retribution from the English defender.[71] Bilić was forced to significantly alter the squad, including younger players Nikola Kalinić and Nikola Pokrivač in the final selection.[72][73]
Croatia entered the tournament with a severely weakened strike force, raising concerns after their warm-up fixtures against Scotland and Moldova.[74][75] Despite such, they proceeded to finish with maximum group points for the first time in their tournament history after beating co-hosts Austria, Germany and then Poland to ensure advancement to the quarter finals.[76] Niko Kovač remained team captain at what was expected to be his final international tournament,[77] except in the final group fixture when Dario Šimić was temporarily given the captain's armband.[78] Croatia’s tournament run ended in dramatic events[63][79] as Turkey advanced on penalties after a controversial refereeing error led to a last minute equaliser from Semih Şentürk, voiding an earlier goal from Ivan Klasnić.[80] At the competition, Croatia conceded the fewest goals of any team (2), suffered the fewest losses (0) and scored the earliest goal (4th minute in their opening game against Austria), the latter becoming a new European Championship record.[81]
Croatia were again drawn with England in the qualification stages of the 2010 World Cup, with the rematch fixtures voted by FIFA.com users as the most anticipated of the campaign.[82] Despite constant speculation of his departure,[83][84] Slaven Bilić renewed his contract to stay on as manager into the forthcoming tournament.[85] This marked the first occasion since Miroslav Blažević's managerial tenure that Croatia would enter two consecutive tournaments with the same manager, as all previous coaches were replaced after the failures of the sides they directed.
Croatia went on to open their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup with a home win over Kazakhstan.[86] However, their subsequent fixture against England saw them fall to their first ever home competitive defeat since 1994 after Theo Walcott netted a hat-trick and Robert Kovač was sent off.[12]
Tournament records
World Cup record
Croatia have qualified for every World Cup since their debut of the tournament in 1998. Although they were granted entry into FIFA and UEFA in 1992, they were still unable to enter the 1994 tournament as qualifications had already commenced.[87] Their first World Cup appearance is the nation's best to date, as they have failed to progress beyond the group stage in both of their following tournaments; placing third in their group on both occasions.
| Year |
Round |
Position |
Matches |
Wins |
Draws[90] |
Losses |
GF[91] |
GA[92] |
 1998 |
Third place |
3 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
11 |
5 |
  2002 |
Round 1 |
23 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
 2006 |
Round 1 |
22 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Total |
3/3 |
- |
13 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
15 |
11 |
European Championship record
Croatia's best result in UEFA Championship play also came in their debut, in 1996. Their failure to qualify for the tournament in 2000 still stands as the only major competition the national team has missed since eligibility. Croatia made a bid to co-host the tournament in 2012 alongside Hungary, but the event will instead be co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.[93]
- 1960 to 1992 – Could not enter.[94]
| Year |
Round |
Matches |
Wins |
Draws[90] |
Losses |
GF[91] |
GA[92] |
| 1996 |
Quarter finals |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
  2000 |
Did not qualify |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
 2004 |
Round 1 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
 2008 |
Quarter finals |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
| Total |
3/4 |
11 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
14 |
13 |
Minor tournaments
Statistics
Managers
At various times, distinct Croatian football federations and representative sides were formed separately from the official Yugoslavian organizations. Ivo Kraljević served as the manager of the initial federation, established in 1939, and organised non-sanctioned matches played by unofficial national squads up to 1956.[16] These temporary sides, playing non-competitive fixtures, were led by seven different managers.[95]
Statistically, Dražan Jerković and Vlatko Marković are the most successful managers in Croatia's history; they both recorded victories in each of their few games in charge. Miroslav Blažević, who was the first official manager of the team, is the most notable to date due to his long-standing service and highest amount of competitive wins.
- Last updated: Croatia 1–4 England, September 10, 2008. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Most appearances
| # |
Name |
Clubs[97] |
Croatia career |
Caps |
Goals |
| 1 |
Dario Šimić |
Dinamo Zagreb, Internazionale, AC Milan, AS Monaco |
1996–2008 |
100 |
3 |
| 2 |
Niko Kovač |
Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, Bayern Munich,
Hertha Berlin, Red Bull Salzburg |
1996–present |
82 |
15 |
| 3 |
Robert Jarni |
Hajduk Split, Bari, Torino, Juventus, Real Betis,
Real Madrid, Las Palmas, Panathinaikos |
1990–2002 |
81 |
1 |
| 4 |
Robert Kovač |
Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich,
Juventus, Borussia Dortmund |
1999–present |
80 |
0 |
| 5 |
Stipe Pletikosa |
Hajduk Split, Shakhtar Donetsk, Spartak Moscow |
1999–present |
75 |
0 |
| 6 |
Davor Šuker[29] |
Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla, Real Madrid,
Arsenal, West Ham United, 1860 Munich |
1990–2002 |
69 |
45 |
| 7 |
Josip Šimunić |
Hertha Berlin |
2001–present |
67 |
3 |
| 8 |
Aljoša Asanović |
Metz, Cannes, Montpellier, Hajduk Split, Real Valladolid,
Derby County, Napoli, Panathinaikos |
1990–2000 |
62 |
4 |
| =9 |
Zvonimir Soldo |
Dinamo Zagreb, VfB Stuttgart |
1994–2002 |
61 |
3 |
| =9 |
Darijo Srna |
Hajduk Split, Shakhtar Donetsk |
2002–present |
61 |
17 |
- Players in bold typeface are still active in football. Last updated: Croatia 1–4 England, September 10, 2008.
Leading goalscorers
- Last updated: Croatia 1–4 England, September 10, 2008.
Players
Current squad
| No. |
Pos. |
Player |
DoB (Age) |
Caps |
Goals |
Club |
|
GK |
Stipe Pletikosa |
January 8, 1979 (1979-01-08) (age 29) |
75 |
0 |
 Spartak Moscow |
|
GK |
Vedran Runje |
February 10, 1976 (1976-02-10) (age 32) |
6 |
0 |
RC Lens |
|
GK |
Danijel Subašić |
October 27, 1984 (1984-10-27) (age 23) |
0 |
0 |
Hajduk Split |
|
|
DF |
Vedran Ćorluka |
February 6, 1986 (1986-02-06) (age 22) |
27 |
0 |
Tottenham Hotspur |
|
DF |
Dino Drpić |
May 26, 1981 (1981-05-26) (age 27) |
1 |
0 |
Dinamo Zagreb |
|
DF |
Dario Knežević |
April 20, 1982 (1982-04-20) (age 26) |
11 |
1 |
 Juventus |
|
DF |
Ivica Križanac |
April 13, 1979 (1979-04-13) (age 29) |
1 |
0 |
Zenit |
|
DF |
Josip Šimunić |
February 18, 1978 (1978-02-18) (age 30) |
67 |
3 |
Hertha Berlin |
|
DF |
Hrvoje Vejić |
June 8, 1977 (1977-06-08) (age 31) |
4 |
0 |
Tom Tomsk |
|
|
MF |
Ivo Iličević |
September 14, 1986 (1986-09-14) (age 22) |
0 |
0 |
Greuther Fürth |
|
MF |
Niko Kovač (captain) |
October 15, 1971 (1971-10-15) (age 36) |
82 |
15 |
Red Bull Salzburg |
|
MF |
Jerko Leko |
April 9, 1980 (1980-04-09) (age 28) |
56 |
2 |
 AS Monaco |
|
MF |
Luka Modrić |
September 9, 1985 (1985-09-09) (age 23) |
31 |
5 |
Tottenham Hotspur |
|
MF |
Nikola Pokrivač |
November 26, 1985 (1985-11-26) (age 22) |
5 |
0 |
AS Monaco |
|
MF |
Danijel Pranjić |
December 2, 1981 (1981-12-02) (age 26) |
18 |
0 |
Heerenveen |
|
MF |
Ivan Rakitić |
March 10, 1988 (1988-03-10) (age 20) |
14 |
3 |
Schalke 04 |
|
MF |
Darijo Srna (vice-captain) |
May 1, 1982 (1982-05-01) (age 26) |
61 |
17 |
 Shakhtar Donetsk |
|
MF |
Ognjen Vukojević |
December 20, 1983 (1983-12-20) (age 24) |
8 |
1 |
Dynamo Kyiv |
|
|
FW |
Nikola Kalinić |
January 5, 1988 (1988-01-05) (age 20) |
2 |
0 |
Hajduk Split |
|
FW |
Ivan Klasnić |
January 28, 1980 (1980-01-28) (age 28) |
33 |
10 |
FC Nantes |
|
FW |
Mario Mandžukić |
May 21, 1986 (1986-05-21) (age 22) |
2 |
1 |
Dinamo Zagreb |
|
FW |
Ivica Olić |
September 14, 1979 (1979-09-14) (age 29) |
60 |
10 |
Hamburger SV |
|
FW |
Mladen Petrić |
January 1, 1981 (1981-01-01) (age 27) |
30 |
10 |
Hamburger SV |
|
Other recent appearances
The following players have also appeared for the national squad in 2008.
- Defenders
- Midfielders
- Strikers
1 is not eligible for selection for the next four matches due to suspension
2 are not eligible for selection for the upcoming matches due to injuries
3 retired from the national team
Previous squads
1940s participants
Players who scored for the Independent State of Croatia team that played their games during World War II:
Records
From 2006, Robert Jarni held the highest number of appearances for the national team; he played 81 times for Croatia until his retirement in 2002. However, during the 2006 World Cup fixture against Japan, Dario Šimić surpassed this distinction[98] and went on to total 100 national caps since his presence in all major tournaments from 1996. He became the first Croatian player to reach this milestone and subsequently retired in 2008, being treated to a brief media appraisal.[99][100]
Davor Šuker (right); Croatia's top goalscorer.
Davor Šuker is Croatia's leading goalscorer with 45 international goals in his appearances for the team, a record that saw him recognised as Croatia's "Golden Player" at the UEFA jubilee celebration in 2004.[29] Š |
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