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Croatia’s head coach Zlatko
Dalic and his team |
Croatia's dreams of advancing in Euro 2024 were dashed when Slovenia held Euro 2020 runner-up England to a 0-0 draw, securing the last spot in the round of 16 and eliminating Croatia from contention.
Slovenia's Historic Advancement
On
June 26, inside the Cologne Stadium, Slovenian players celebrated their
historic qualification for the Euro 2024 knockout stages for the first time. Meanwhile,
across the country, Croatian legend Luka Modric and his team realized their
Euro 2024 journey had come to an end.
Croatia's Disappointing Performance
Croatia's
exit marks the end of an era for their 'golden generation.' The team, which
failed to progress past the group stage for the first time since the 2014 FIFA
World Cup, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Spain and managed only draws against
Albania and Italy in their 'group of death' games.
Key Factors in Croatia's Early Exit
Despite
entering the tournament as UEFA Nations League runner-up, Croatia was not
considered a favorite. Coach Zlatko Dalic's reliance on an aging midfield
trio—Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic—proved detrimental. The
combined age of 99 years among these players showed in their lack of zest and
creativity.
- Aging
Midfield: Modric and Kovacic, often substitutes
for their clubs, and Brozovic, who moved to Saudi Arabia, struggled to
perform at their peak.
- Missed
Opportunities for Young Talent: Dalic's
stubborn team selection excluded promising young players like Martin
Baturina, Marco Pasalic, and Luka Sucic from making their mark.
- Defensive
Woes: Croatia's defense, including standout
goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, conceded six goals in three games. This was
a stark contrast to their previous three major tournaments, where they
conceded only five goals in the group stages.
- Lack
of Offensive Power: The team relied on
33-year-old Andrej Kramaric to replace the retired Mario Mandzukic, which
hampered their ability to close out games.
Transitioning from One Golden Generation to the Next
Croatia's
first 'golden generation' emerged during Euro 1996, shortly after gaining
independence. This team, featuring stars like Davor Suker and Zvonimir Boban,
reached the World Cup semifinals in 1998.
The
current 'golden generation,' led by Modric and featuring players like Ivan
Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, and Mario Mandzukic, achieved remarkable success by
reaching the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 World Cup semifinal.
Looking Ahead
Despite their success, Croatia has yet to secure a major trophy. Euro 2024 might have been coach Zlatko Dalic’s last attempt with the current squad before ushering in a period of transition. With Modric turning 39 this year, the departure of the 'golden generation' seems imminent, paving the way for young talent to rise and continue Croatia's legacy in football.
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