Time and again, Croatia have been written off. Yet, this nation of fewer than four million people keeps producing remarkable runs on football's biggest stages, reaching the World Cup final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022.
At the heart of their resilience is Luka Modrić. Even at 40 years old, the midfield maestro remains Croatia's driving force, dictating tempo, inspiring younger teammates, and delivering performances that defy conventional expectations of age and longevity.
Croatia's success, however, extends beyond one man. Under coach Zlatko Dalić, they have built a culture rooted in tactical discipline, mental toughness, and an unwavering belief that they belong among football's elite. Despite an ageing core, emerging talents continue to step up, ensuring the team remains competitive against the world's biggest football nations.
Every tournament seems to bring predictions of Croatia's decline. Every tournament, they find a way to prove the doubters wrong. With Modrić leading what could be his final international campaign, Croatia are once again embracing their favourite role — football's ultimate overachievers.
