UEFA Euro Team Watch – Croatia

Croatia produced heroics in Euro 2008 qualifiers to block England's qualification. This time a more rejuvenated Croatian side will play in Euro 2012. They will have to prove themselves once again having lost their place from top 10 in FIFA rankings.

Group C opponents – Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland

Past Records in Euro

Croatia joined FIFA and UEFA in mid-1992.

Starting their European campaign in 1996, they qualified for the European Championship tournament that year. In the tournament, they beat Turkey and reigning champions Denmark to reach the quarter-finals, but lost to Germany there.

Croatia failed to qualify for Euro 2000, finishing third in the qualifying group.

Croatia reached Euro 2004 with a play-off win against Slovenia. However, they were unable to get past the group stage with a draw with France  and defeat against England.

Euro 2008

Euro 2008 qualifiers were brilliant for the Croatian side as they topped their group defeating England both the times. The run continued as they defeated Austria, Poland and Germany to reach the quarter-finals where they faced Turkey. They were eventually eliminated from the tournament on penalty shoot-outs.

Euro 2012

Road to Qualification

Croatia was placed in top tier in the qualifiers despite the loss of form since Euro 2008. In the qualification, Croatia managed to finish second behind Greece to reach the tournament finals.

                                                                    Probable Line-up

Pletikosa

Ćorluka - Schildenfeld – Šimunić – Strinić

Dujmović

Srna(c) – Modric - Kranjčar

Jelavić - Olić

Most capped Players

Josip Šimunić – 94 caps (3 goals)

Darijo Srna (captain) – 90 caps (19 goals)

Stipe Pletikosa  – 90 caps (0 goals)

Top Goalscorers

Eduardo – 22 goals

Darijo Srna – 19 goals

Ivica Olić – 15 goals

Man To Watch

                                                                Luka Modric

Luka Modric is the playmaker for Croatia. Currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur in English Premier League, he has attracted interest from top clubs of Europe, including the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United. He has been impressive at international level as well. Modric will be the man to watch in this Euro for Croatia.