Expectations
Croatia is a proud nation and their fans always expect a lot. It would be a failure to not get out of the group stages, no matter how tough the group is. And Group C is tough with Spain, Italy and Ireland the opposition. But Croatia have a good record against Italy; unbeaten in five games against the Azzurri. Players and manager Slaven Bilic have sounded an optimistic tone recently to give expectation levels a boost.
A lot has changed since Euro 2008, when Croatia enjoyed a honeymoon period under coach Bilic. The players still support their boss, but the fans and the media have been cool on the former West Ham defender for a while.
Bilic enjoyed cult status in the country after a great start to his career in charge and the performances at Euro 2008. The public adored his laidback, rock n' roll character, but he changed under the pressure of losing the overall support of the nation and his relationship with the press has been at an all-time low in the last year. The public is ready to move on without Bilic after the tournament, and he has already agreed to take over Lokomotiv Moscow after the Euros.
Talking-point
The main focus of debate has been the form, and the best position, of Tottenham star Luka Modric. He is the only player considered world-class and the public wants the team to be built around him. He has varied his positions, playing in the centre of a 4-4-2, on the wing or behind a lone striker, but he has not produced. His lack of goals is also a case for concern; he has eight in 54 internationals and only one since summer 2009.
But despite this, Modric is indispensable. He may have under-performed, but is still the heartbeat of this team. He is the darling of Croatian football. Even though there have been doubts and debates regarding his performances, it is with concern rather than criticism. His absence would be considered a national tragedy.
Croatians have always relied on the creativity and they've got that again in Modric, Niko Kranjcar (Tottenham) and Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla) and also in younger players like Dortmund's Ivan Perisic and the rising star Milan Badelj (Dinamo Zagreb). Their hopes have been lifted by the form of Everton's Nikica Jelavic in the last six months and Marijo Mandzukic, Wolfsburg's top scorer in the Bundesliga.
The emphatic, all-action displays of Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia captain Darijo Srna have also been crucial and his experience will help in this largely inexperienced group. With 90 caps already, Srna is third in Croatia's all-time appearance list and will soon beat Darijo Simic's record of 100 caps.
Weaknesses
The attack looks promising, but there are concerns with the defence. Croatia have been used to a reliable rearguard in the past, but the current crop is far from the level of their predecessors. Josip Simunic is past his peak, and he missed the majority of last season through injury; Lyon's Dejan Lovren has been injured as well, but should be fit for the tournament, while Vedran Corluka has regained some of his form on loan at Bayer Leverkusen after being frozen out at Tottenham.
Tournament Bet
Croatia is the kind of team that could surprise a few people if everything falls into place. They can beat anyone on their day and a win against Ireland in their first match could set them up for a place in the next round.
Croatia to qualify from Group C @ 2.767/4