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Croatia is a team that has always punched above its weight with this core, finishing second in the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. But this time they were unable to match that level of success, falling in heartbreaking fashion in the round of 32 after a Gonçalo Ramos goal in added time gave Portugal a 2-1 victory.
Croatia had a poor start to the tournament, losing to England, but recorded wins against Panama and Ghana to finish second in the group. That set up a difficult round of 32 showdown against Portugal, where Croatia came close but couldn’t cross the line.
So what’s next for the players who led Croatia to the round of 32?
The 40-year-old maestro, known as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, probably played in his last World Cup. Once again, Luka Modrić was the Croatian leader in midfield.
He didn’t start the tournament with his best performance, allowing a penalty and struggling against England, but he grew in the tournament as he always does. Modrić was the composer in Croatia’s midfield, controlling the tempo and helping Croatia stay alive after that initial defeat.
He always appears on the biggest stages for Croatia and achieved his 200th cap during the tournament. He is the best player in Croatian history. Modrić currently plays for AC Milan in Serie A.
Ivan Perišić is another Croatian veteran who always seems to be there for his country. Even at 37 years old, he continued to be a fundamental piece of the Croatian wing attack.
Perišić had a hand in one goal and two assists during this campaign, including the go-ahead goal against Portugal. When the lights shine brightest, Perišić always finds a way to make an impact for Croatia, and that was the case again in this tournament.
At 37 years old, this could also be his last World Cup. Perišić currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.
Dominik Livaković, 31, has been between the posts for Croatia in multiple international tournaments and was once again key with several decisive saves throughout the World Cup.
His clean sheet against Panama was especially important, as it helped Croatia to a crucial 1-0 victory in the group stage. Croatia needed that result after losing their first match, and Livaković played a big role in ensuring they got over the line.
Livaković currently plays for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Nikola Vlašić scored the crucial winning goal against Ghana in the 83rd minute, a goal that proved decisive in helping Croatia finish second in the group.
Vlašić has now been a key player for Croatia in multiple international tournaments and once again provided an important moment when Croatia needed it. The midfielder currently plays for Torino in Serie A.
Mateo Kovačić has been one of the mainstays of this Croatian team for years. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, now at Manchester City, has been a crucial piece in the Croatian midfield alongside Luka Modrić.
Kovačić brings dynamism in midfield and has been part of Croatia’s golden generation during their best World Cup runs. The 32-year-old is currently at Manchester City, but reports indicate he could be on his way out after a difficult, injury-plagued season at the club.
Joško Gvardiol, 24, is known as one of the best defenders in the world and brought significant versatility to Croatia throughout the tournament.
He can play as a central defender, left back or in a hybrid role between three defenders, giving Croatia different defensive options. That flexibility made him a key piece for this Croatian team. Gvardiol currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.
