Croatia's Painful Victories: Two of England's Worst 21st Century Defeats Inflicted by Vatreni

The upcoming match between Croatia and England carries particular weight, marking the 12th encounter between the two nations. England will become Croatia's most frequent opponent, rivaling France, with a 13th meeting scheduled for September in the Nations League.

However, clashes with England hold a special significance for Croatia. The Vatreni (Blazing Ones) have inflicted two of England's most difficult and painful defeats in the 21st century. On November 21, 2007, Croatia stunned England at Wembley, winning 3-2 in a Euro qualifier. This victory denied England a spot in the continental tournament, marking their only missed major tournament in the 21st century.

Eleven years later, England approached the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Russia with confidence, anticipating a return of the World Cup title after 52 years. However, in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018, they suffered a shocking 1-2 loss in extra time to Croatia. This defeat relegated England to the third-place playoff, which they also lost.

England has only reached the World Cup semi-finals twice since winning the title in 1966. Germany denied them in 1990, and Croatia did so again in 2018. As they prepare for their 12th meeting, the English approach with significant respect, despite a vast difference in market value. England's 26 World Cup players are valued at 1.36 billion euros, while Croatia's squad is worth 387 million euros. Yet, on the field, it is skill, fighting spirit, character, and heart that will decide the outcome.