Ranking: 18 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Despite France winning the 1998 World Cup, the Croatian team grabbed all the headlines for their staggering performance with a third place finish during their first appearance at a World Cup. Davor Suker exploded on the world scene when he won the Golden Boot for scoring the the highest goal scorer and Silver Ball for being the second best overall player during that tournament.
However since that edition, Croatia has failed to make any impact at any other World Cup. They did not manage to qualify for the 2012 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. They were knocked out in the group stages in the 2002 and 2006 editions.
Qualifying report: Croatia qualified for the finals after beating Iceland in their second-leg play off tie. Bayern Munich`s Mario Mandzukic opened the scoring but was soon sent off before half time. Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Darijo Srna added another at the start of the second half.
Their campaign started off brilliantly with five wins and one draw from the first six matches. But a they managed only a single point from the remaining four. Luckily, after the goal-less draw in the first leg of the play-off, their stars come to the fore.
Star Players: Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Darijo Srna and Niko Kranjcar are some of the most prominent Croatian players. Modric, who has donned the role of metronome at Real Madrid, will have a say in how Croatia play in Brazil. In front of the former Tottenham midfielder will be Bayern Munich`s star striker, Mandzukic. And Srna`s experience will help calm the nerves in the middle of the park.
Top scorer at the Cup: Davor Suker – the story of Croatian football has always been about Suker. The legendary striker, who played for Real Madrid and Arsenal, scored six goals in the 1998 World Cup in France to help his team beat teams like Germany and Netherlands to finish for the third place.
Most World Cup caps: Dario Simic – Having represented Croatia in all the age groups, the legendary full-back went on to play in 11 World Cup matches. Considered one of the best Croatian defenders, Simic was pivotal in Croatia`s superb defence in their 1998 campaign.
Team record at the Cup: Since breaking away from the Yugoslavia, Croatia have played in three world cups – 1998, 2002 and 2006. In their first ever cup, Croatians – in their famous chequered shirts, impressed the everyone by finishing third.
However, they have failed to repeat that success in the subsequent editions. With a host of recognisable international stars in their ranks, the "Blazers" would like to improve their record in Brazil.
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Coach: Niko Kovac – their former captain, who played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, arrived just in time to help them guide through a difficult period, which included their two-legged tie against Iceland in the play-off. The former Bayern Munich midfielder was looking after Croatia`s Under-21 team.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Dinamo Zagreb)
Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gordon Schildenfeld, Danijel Pranjic (both Panathinaikos), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Sammir (Getafe), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina)
Group listing: Group A - Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon
Fixtures:
June 12: Croatia v Brazil, Sao Paulo
June 18: Croatia v Cameroon, Manaus
June 23: Croatia v Mexico, Recife