Croatia Bets on Modrić's Experience for New World Cup Achievement

Croatia enters the World Cup finals with high ambitions despite the advancing ages of several of its stars, led by captain Luka Modric, who has reached the age of forty.

The Croatian national team hopes to replicate its recent successes after finishing as runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and securing third place in the 2022 edition, relying on the experience of its golden generation led by Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramaric.

Coach Zlatko Dalic continues to lead the national team to the World Cup for the third consecutive time, having spent nearly nine years in his position.

Despite his recent experiments with a three-defender formation during friendly matches, expectations suggest he will return to relying on a four-man defense, with Joško Gvardiol fully fit, either in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.

Modrić remains the standout star of the team, as he prepares to participate in his fifth World Cup after his first appearance in 2006. Despite his advancing age, the veteran midfielder continues to be the core of the team's performance and is nearing the milestone of 200 international matches.

On the other hand, attention is turning to the young defender Luka Vuskovic, who is 19 years old and has established himself in the starting lineup after shining during his loan spell in the German league.

Mateo Kovačić is considered one of the most influential players away from the spotlight, as the coaching staff believes that his balance in the midfield gives Modrić more freedom in playmaking.

Croatia will begin their journey in Group L, which includes teams from England, Ghana, and Panama, with hopes that the veteran generation can write a successful final chapter in Croatian football history.