Preview; Croatia Euro 2012

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Croatia

Fifa Ranking

8

Manager

Slaven Bilic – Anautomatic starter in that defence of Croatia that reached the semis of theWorld Cup in 1998. A big fan of the 4-4-2 system and a big admirer of attackingfootball and is well depicted in the way Croatia play their game.

Captain

Darijo Srna – Not well known to most people but this guy hasplayed at Shakhtar Donesk since 2003, has made over 180 appearances for theside and has 15 goals to his name. He’s been in the national team since 2002and has earned over 90 caps with 19 goals to his credit. He’s also the captainfor his club.

Star Players

Darijo Srna, Luka Modric

Fact

Croatia has only been to the Euro’s thrice but have made twoquarter final places in (1996, 2008)

Likely Formation;

I need not repeat myself on the formation. Mr Bilic will gofor a 4-4-2 out rightly.

In goal would be Rastov Fc’s Stipe Pletikosa helped byMonaco’s Daniel Subasic. The central defense places should have Josip Simonicand Gordon Schildenfeld. Verdan Corluka should be comfortable at left backallowing Bayern’s Danijel Pranjic. This would allow Captain Darijo to move tohis position at the right wing away from his former position at right back. He’sbeen a revelation under Bilic in that position and should continue therethroughout the tournament. On the left of that midfield, should be Modricalongside Sevilla’s Ivan Racitic. The right central midfield position thusshould be up for grabs by either Dynamo Kiv’s Vukojevic or Miko Kranjcar ofTottenham. I would prefer the latter as he is Modric’s partner at club butdepends on who the coach decides to play between Modric and Racitic for thatleft center position. 

Leaves me with the striker’s position which would be foughtfor by Nikica Jelavic of Everton and Olic of Bayern while the other spot wouldgo to the striker they all value, Mario Mandzokic. Eduardo of Shakhtar wouldalso be of great assistance at the front. 

Thoughts

I don’t know how you would take this but it’s not gonna beeasy for Croatia. I love their style of play but against Spain who keep theball too much and Italy who are so defensive, it’s gonna be hard. They shouldtry and play their game and not try to adapt to the opponent. Might run out ofluck and finish third but progressing from this group would be a great plus forthem. 

Away from the pitch, Croatians are very colorful people. Look at the colors of the Jersey and tell me where else you've ever seen a jersey like this.  I really don't know of many Croatians but one whom I'd love to see at the stands would be Dario Simic a former player of this side; ever complaining, hope he makes it.