Croatian Journalists Predict Strong World Cup Run, Eyeing Quarterfinals and Beyond

As the World Cup approaches, Croatian sports journalists are offering their predictions for the national team's prospects in the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Croatian team, known as the 'Vatreni' (Flames), begins its campaign against England on June 17 in Dallas, followed by matches against Panama and Ghana.

Seven journalists from Večernji List shared their expectations, with most anticipating a strong showing. Damir Mrvec forecasts a quarterfinal finish, citing the team's quality, the invaluable experience of Luka Modrić, and the emergence of new talents like Martin Baturina. He believes reaching the quarterfinals is a realistic goal, with a semi-final or even a medal possible if the draw is favorable and key players remain injury-free.

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My prediction is that Croatia can go far again, but much will depend on the draw and the physical condition of key players. There is still immense quality in the team: Joško Gvardiol is among the best defenders in the world, while Luka Modrić's experience remains invaluable. The generational change happening through players like Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić, and Luka Vušković is also a big plus. If Croatia avoids major injuries and wins the group, it is realistic to expect the quarterfinals. That would be an objective success.

Karlo Ledinski, despite Croatia being ranked as the 18th favorite by bookmakers, also predicts a quarterfinal appearance and potentially a medal. He highlights the team's proven tournament mentality, especially in knockout stages, and their success in recent World Cups, securing a silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022. Ledinski is confident Croatia will advance from their group, given the perceived weaker opposition in Panama and Ghana, securing the necessary points for the round of 16.

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Although Croatia is only the 18th favorite for the World Cup according to bookmakers, I see them as a very likely quarterfinalist. Nobody should underestimate Dalić's Croatia, which has shown many times that it is a tournament team, especially specialized for World Cups. In the last two World Cups, we won silver (2018) and bronze (2022), and I believe we could compete for a medal again in this one. Of course, for that, we will need luck with opponents when the knockout phase begins. And until the knockout phase, I am convinced, we will certainly reach it.