On the eve of the opening of the European Cup, iQIYI Sports has specially launched an exclusive [Top 24 Tour] series of planning, and the team introduced to you in this issue is [Croatia]:
Historical Record:
For historical reasons, Croatia appeared on the stage of the European Championship for the first time in 1996 after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. In the first European Championship competition, Croatia won a good record in the quarterfinals. Croatia have not missed a European Championship in the since, and in 2008 they also recorded their best quarter-final record in the club's history. Croatia have made it out of the last two European Championships, but have suffered a first-round knockout round. This time, it is worth paying attention to whether the Plaid Army can make a breakthrough.
Unlike the mediocre record of the European Championship, Croatia's World Cup record can be described as amazing. In 1998, Croatia qualified for the World Cup for the first time, and finished third. In the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Croatia eliminated Denmark, Russia, and England all the way to the final, and finally won the World Cup runner-up; At the last World Cup in Qatar, Croatia made a comeback, knocking out Japan and Brazil to reach the semi-finals, but ultimately lost to Argentina, the champions of that tournament. In the third-place final, Croatia defeated Morocco and won the honor of third place.
Although Croatia is not as strong and rich in history as the traditional European powerhouses. However, Croatia are by no means idle in the Group of Death, and they are strong contenders for a place in the Qualifying Table.
Qualifying History:
Croatia finished second in their group in qualifying and managed to secure a ticket to the main tournament of the European Championship. In the qualifying stage, Croatia won 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in eight games, scored 13 goals and conceded only 4 goals, and finally finished second in the group. With no top-class teams in the same group, Croatia's performance in the qualifiers is not indicative of their true strength, and when the European Championship begins, what Croatia can achieve in the Group of Death is the most convincing definition of the Plaid Army.
Grouping prospects:
Croatia are in Group B with Spain, Italy and Albania and will have a tough time qualifying from this group. Croatia's first group stage opponent is the Matadors Spain, and this game can also be seen as an important game that will determine the tone of their qualification, and if they do not get points against Spain, the rest of the game will be more stressful for Croatia. In the second match of the group stage, Croatia will face Albania, the weakest team in the same group, which is a game that cannot afford to lose; The clash with Italy in the final round of the group stage will be a crucial game in the Group of Death, but will Croatia be the spoilers of the Group of Death? Or is it a breakthrough of a peerless group? We'll see.
Fixtures at a glance:
Group B Round 1: Spain vs Croatia (0:00 June 16)
Group B Round 2: Croatia vs Albania (19 June 21:00)
Group B Round 3: Croatia vs Italy (3:00 June 25)
Staffing:
Although Croatia's squad is not as star-studded as England and Germany, the Plaid Army's personnel reserve is by no means idle. In the goalkeeper position, Livakovic, who plays for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super League, will continue to lock in the main position, and his excellent performance at the World Cup in Qatar is obvious to all. At centre-back, Gvardiol, who joined Manchester City this season, will partner Ajax's Josip Shutalo. The two full-backs, Sousa, who plays for Ajax, on the left, and Juranovic on the right, who currently plays for Union Berlin. In addition, Stari Šić, Ellic and others are all candidates that Croatia can deploy in the defensive line.
In midfield, Brozovic, who now plays for Riyadh Victory in Saudi Arabia, is behind Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic and Croatian legend Modric. In addition, the likes of Vlašić and Majer could be included in the team's rotation.
In the forward position, the veteran Perisic is still one of the more reliable candidates in the Croatian forward line; At the same time, Kramaric, who currently plays for Hoffenheim, will most likely play as a right winger. In the center forward position, Petkovic, who plays for Croatia domestically, will lock in the main center forward position, and this versatile center forward will create many offensive scoring opportunities for his teammates behind him.
Predicted starters:
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic/Sosa, Gvardiol, Josip Shutalo, Juranovic/Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric/Perisic, Petkovic, Kramaric