Croatia, The "Dark Horse" Team That Often Makes Surprises
Croatia seems to be treated unfairly. Despite having the status of a 2018 World Cup finalist, Croatia came to the 2022 World Cup only with the status of a dark horse team. However, which dark horse team actually reached the semifinals in two consecutive World Cup editions? That's roughly what Luka Modric has in mind.
Since the last edition, Croatia has not at all gained the trust of the public to be able to reach the top four. Croatia then subverted all these predictions, even surpassed them. Croatia ended the 2018 World Cup as runners-up. Then at the 2022 World Cup, Croatia has at least secured semifinalist status.
Croatia, The Dark Horse Team That "Should" Be No Longer the Dark Horse
1. Never Counted
Modric talked about Croatia's journey at the 2022 World Cup which was full of distrust from the public. Croatia is only considered to qualify from the group phase with Belgium. Although only Croatia itself finally escaped.
Playing in such unbelievable conditions is not something easy for the Real Madrid player. "Everyone we play against is always the favourite," Modric said on FIFA's official website.
The Croatian captain had eventually gotten used to the persistent dark horse tag. "We have to admit we are a small country and we are used to it," he said.
2. Croatian proof
However, Croatia clearly cannot be kept dwarfed by many people. Croatia has shown a lot of proof. The 2018 World Cup finalists and (while) the 2022 World Cup semifinalists are the two most visible proofs. Apart from that, Croatia also made it into the top four of the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
"If indeed we have to suffer first, then it would be much better to be able to win at the end of the game," said Modric.
3. A Team That Has Never Lost
Croatia has also shown its strengths at the 2022 World Cup. Zlatko Dalic's squad did not even lose until they entered the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. Of the five matches that have been passed, Croatia's record in normal time is one win and four draws. But two of the four draws ended in wins in penalty shootouts.
The record is at least slightly better than the other two champion candidates, France and Argentina. France lost 0-1 to Tunisia in the last game of the group phase, while Argentina lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the group phase.
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