Lovren: An impressive career crowned by two World Cup medals

Dejan Lovren's international career began very early, in Croatia's youth categories: the young defender who made it through Karlovac, Inter Zaprešić and Dinamo academy collected 48 appearances in various national selections before reaching the senior stage.

His senior debut came in October 2009 friendly in Rijeka, against - interestingly - Qatar, when head coach Slaven Bilić gave him the opportunity.

Lovren scored his first international goal in September 2011, in a EURO 2012 qualifier away win at Malta. Due to injury, however, he wasn't available for the final tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Therefore, his first major competition was the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He played three full matches in the group stage, followed by, even by his own admission, a turbulent international period. Still, he returned to regular international duty during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

On the Croatia's historic road towards the silver medal, Lovren played one of the key roles, both on and off the field. The ultimate reward came as he got the opportunity to play in the biggest match on the planet, the FIFA World Cup final.

Simultaneously, he was equally successful on the club level, as his Lyon and Southamption episodes allowed him to sign for English powerhouse Liverpool. In this epic red shirt, he won the Champions League, and brought back the Premiership title to Anfield. Further trophies came as he joined Zenit St. Petersburg. 

Lovren gave his contribution as Croatia reached EURO 2020, including a qualifying goal against Slovakia, while he also managed to score against the world champions France in the Nations League clash in Paris. At EURO 2020, he appeared against Czech Republic and Scotland.

He was indispensable as Croatia reached the World Cup in Qatar, and shone once again at the biggest stage. As the most experienced member of the national team back four, he brought the bronze medal to his beloved homeland. In the meantime, he managed to score one of the crucial goals, against Austria, in Croatia's campaign to reach the Nations League Final Four.

Thus, his final appearance for Croatia was the FIFA World Cup semifinal against Argentina, and Lovren signs off with a total of 78 caps and five international goals. After 14 years, he can look back to his Croatia career with pleasure and pride, knowing he gave everything for the national team, providing his nation with unexpected, amazing reasons to celebrate.

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