Serbian portal on Croatia's win: 'Slow, unwatchable, but they win'

A Serbian sports portal has analyzed Croatia's World Cup progression, characterizing their style as "slow, even unwatchable," yet ultimately effective. The portal, Mozzartsport, noted that while Croatia may no longer dominate matches as they once did, they retain a crucial "winning instinct" vital for major tournaments.

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That's Croatia! Plays slowly, even unwatchably... but wins.

Following a 2-1 victory over Ghana, Croatia secured second place in Group L, advancing to the knockout stage. Mozzartsport observed that the Croatian team, lacking key players like Mandžukić and Brozović from their peak years, has adapted its strategy. Instead of engaging in high-energy contests, they deliberately slowed the game down to control the pace, a tactic that proved successful against Ghana.

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They no longer have Mandžukić, they no longer have Brozović, they no longer have the physical strength from their best days, but they have something that is often more important in these tournaments - a winning instinct.

The analysis suggested that for neutral spectators, the match might not have been enjoyable, but for Croatia, it was a "game for survival – and victory." The report pointed to midfielders like Modrić, Kovačić, and Baturina for controlling the tempo rather than accelerating it, emphasizing that "Croatia knew it didn't need chaos, but calm."

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Croatia did not want to play a game of running and strength, because they could hardly match Ghana there. That's why they slowed down everything they could slow down.

Mozzartsport also highlighted Croatia's consistent ability to produce a player who can decide a match, citing Nikola Vlašić's late winner against Ghana. The portal concluded that while Croatia might not appear the most dominant team on the field, their deep understanding of how to win when it matters most makes them a formidable opponent in the World Cup.

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For the neutral viewer, it was not football to enjoy. For Croatia, it was football for survival - and victory. Modrić, Kovačić, and Baturina did not speed up the game, but controlled it. Croatia knew it didn't need chaos, but calm.