Nation: Croatia
FIFA ranking: 12th
World Cup achievements: Runners-up (2018) and third place (1998)

Sky Sports' Charlotte Marsh:

The 2018 World Cup runners-up will be hoping for a similar campaign in Qatar – if not one better.

Croatia topped Group D in Russia, qualifying for the knockout rounds alongside Argentina with a 100 per cent record and conceding just one goal in the final group game against Iceland.

However, they needed extra-time in all of their remaining knockout games to reach the final. Croatia beat Denmark and hosts Russia on penalties in the last 16 and quarter-finals respectively.

Another extra-time period followed in the final four match against England, with Mario Mandzukic scoring in the 109^th minute to see Croatia through. However, they were beaten 4-2 by France in their first World Cup final, with Mandzukic scoring an own goal as well as Croatia’s second.

This year’s tournament comes shortly after a disappointing European Championships, with Croatia knocked out in the round of 16 at Euro 2020, losing 5-3 to Spain after extra-time.

However, they recently reached the finals of the Nations League ahead of Denmark, Austria and 2018 final opponents France to make the final four, in a pre-World Cup boost of confidence.

Croatia’s run to the final in Russia four years ago marked their best ever finish at a World Cup. Previously, they had finished in third place at the 1998 tournament, which was their first as an independent nation.

Group F

Fixtures & results

Most recent squad

Insight

Croatia are hitting form at the right time after disastrous Nations League and Euro 2020 campaigns following the last World Cup. They have lost just once since being knocked out in the last 16 by Spain last summer.

Zlatko Dalic began to change the set-up of his side, particularly in age, and goes into this tournament with a blend of seasoned internationals and impressive youngsters who have already begun to grab the headlines.

Rennes attacking midfielder Lovro Majer scored a sensational goal against Denmark in the Nations League in September – describing it himself as “one of the best I've scored in my career” – and has attracted Premier League transfer interest.

24-year-old Borna Sosa has also impressed at left-back and has ousted Josko Gvardiol – himself only 20 - in the position for Croatia. Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic and Sassuolo defender Martin Erlic have also impressed in defence as Dalic continues to bring through the next generation of talent

For much of their old guard, this will likely be their last World Cup. Luka Modric - although still one of the world’s best players - is 37 with Ivan Perisic, Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren all in their early 30s too.

It’s a tricky group for Croatia to navigate as well. They face Belgium – third place finishers in 2018 – Canada and Morocco in Group F.

As a fellow UEFA team, the task of Belgium will be well known. The Red Devils won the most recent meeting in 2021 with a Romelu Lukaku strike beating Croatia 1-0.

However, there has been minimal experience against Canada and Morocco – but this does not mean they will be easy games.

Canada will play at their first World Cup since 1986 and are coached by Englishman John Herdman. They have a good mix of players at MLS and European sides, including Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.

It’s a second successive World Cup for Morocco – the first time they have featured in consecutive tournaments – and also have a talented squad capable of reaching the knockout rounds.

But Croatia will still be one of the favourites to make it out of Group F and aim once again for a deep dive into the 2022 World Cup.

Player to watch

Name: Lovro Majer
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Rennes
Age: 24

[Having missed out on Euro 2020, Lovro Majer is ready to shine at his first major tournament for Croata.

He grabbed the headlines with his superb goal against Denmark just a few months ago, putting other teams at the World Cup on alert. He has earned seven of his 10 international caps in 2022, and has scored three goals so far.

The 24-year-old is known for his creativity and defence-splitting passes, which could be crucial in a deadlocked World Cup fixture. Some have already appointed him as Luka Modric’s successor, with Arsenal one of the teams linked with a move for the Rennes midfielder.

He is yet to secure regular 90 minutes for the Ligue 1 club, he does feature in every game either as a starter or off the bench. However, a star turn for Croatia could see him nail down a starting spot, or even a move elsewhere.

Where will Croatia stay?