Group Preview

D

June 12, 9pm (S'pore time) Turkey v Croatia

June 13, 9pm Spain v Czech Republic

June 17, midnight Czech Republic v Croatia

June 18, 3am Spain v Turkey

June 22, 3am Czech Republic v Turkey

June 22, 3am Croatia v Spain


Croatia

The form of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic will be crucial to the side's adventurous strategy, which is based on their lively midfield setting up a potent attack led by towering striker Mario Mandzukic.

The team can be inconsistent, though, and past campaigns have been marred by dressing-room discontent and fan racism.

In qualifying for France, they seemed to be in control of their group after winning four and drawing two of their opening six games, but a 0-0 result at Azerbaijan and a 2-0 away defeat by Norway triggered the departure of coach Niko Kovac.

In his place came 62-year-old Ante Cacic, who steadied the ship to see them finish group runners-up, behind Italy.

Fifa ranking: 27
Manager: Ante Cacic
Squad - Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic, Lovre Kalinic, Ivan Vargic. Defenders: Vedran Corluka, Darijo Srna, Domagoj Vida, Sime Vrsaljko, Gordon Schildenfeld, Ivan Strinic, Tin Jedvaj. Midfielders: Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Badelj, Ivan Perisic, Marko Rog, Ante Coric. Forwards: Mario Mandzukic, Nikola Kalinic, Marko Pjaca, Andrej Kramaric, Duje Cop.

Key player: Ivan Rakitic. A versatile playmaker with an eye for goal, he will be Croatia's driving force after finally stepping out of Luka Modric's shadow.

His superb close control, outstanding vision and immaculate passing are complemented by darting runs into the penalty area and his ability to unleash thundering long-range shots.

REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 08, 2016, with the headline Group Preview. Subscribe