“The greatest strength of our national team is unity”

In his introduction, Dalić said that the Vatreni’s primary goal is to enjoy the tournament rather than carry the burden of the achievements of previous generations.

“Over the last few years, we have achieved truly fantastic results—something that, for a small country like ours, would almost be considered impossible,” Dalić told FIFA. “But our determination, persistence, and quality brought us two medals from the last two World Cups, so expectations for the upcoming tournament are also high. We want to achieve the best possible result, but at the same time, I do not want to create additional pressure because of what we have already accomplished. We are entering the tournament with great desire and ambition, but above all, I want us to enjoy the World Cup.”

Whenever Dalić spoke about Croatia’s success, the conversation repeatedly returned to one name—Luka Modrić. The Vatreni captain is preparing for his fifth World Cup, joining an elite group of players that includes Lothar Matthäus, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.

“Modrić is still the key player in this team, the driving force of the national side, the man who keeps both the game and the squad together,” Dalić admitted. “Luka means a great deal to this team, as he has shown through his dedication, professionalism, performances, and conduct. He is a top professional who performs his job at the highest level. Even at 40 years of age, he remains extremely ambitious and continues to be the engine of this national team.”

Forward Andrej Kramarić believes Modrić’s influence extends far beyond matches and the football pitch.

“Three words are not enough to describe Modrić because he is truly unique—a phenomenon, something special,” said Kramarić. “We could talk about him for three days, both as a player and as a person. I think he is, and always will be, one of the most important figures in Croatia, even 500 years from now. Everything he has done for us is incredible. But equally important are his love for football, his approach, and his day-to-day motivation—especially at an age when most players have long since retired. He shows the rest of us what it takes to operate at the highest level. That requires enormous sacrifice. Luka Modrić is like a lighthouse guiding all of us. His approach is something I would one day like to pass on to my own children.”

Defender Josip Stanišić shares a similar view.

“Modrić is extremely important to us,” said Stanišić. “We are fortunate that he is still with us. Even at 40, he remains a world-class player. We know how much he brings to the team, and I think opponents view us differently when he is on the pitch. He is a leader. He always wants to win. It is fantastic for younger players to see how good he is and how much he continues to give for both club and country.”

Although Modrić remains Croatia’s central figure, Dalić does not want the team’s ambitions in North America to be weighed down by public expectations.

“Our motivation is to play for our country, our people, and our supporters, and to try to repeat the successes that our fans now expect from us,” the Croatia coach explained.

Croatia’s World Cup story spans generations, and Kramarić sees a clear connection between today’s team and the heroes of France 1998, when Slaven Bilić, Zvonimir Boban, and Golden Boot winner Davor Šuker led Croatia to a bronze medal.

“That generation inspired all of us who are here today,” Kramarić said. “You could see it at the 2018 World Cup, then again in Qatar in 2022, and in the Nations League final against Spain. All of our successes have been built on the foundation laid in 1998. They were our heroes. As a striker, I still consider Davor Šuker one of the best forwards of his era, and that entire team motivated us in everything we have achieved.”

While Kramarić highlights the influence of Croatia’s pioneers, Stanišić believes the current squad’s greatest strength lies elsewhere.

“Simply put—unity,” said Stanišić. “We have quality, but quality alone is not enough to win. You also need togetherness, and we have shown that in our matches. That is our most important characteristic. After our recent results, the World Cup has become even more significant in Croatia. It has always been important, but after two medals, the entire country is eagerly awaiting the next tournament. Everyone hopes we can bring home another great result.”

Croatia will face England, Panama, and Ghana in Group L, and Dalić knows the Vatreni must hit top form immediately if they want to make another deep World Cup run.

“Our group is definitely one of the toughest in the tournament. We open against England, a top-class and very strong opponent. The first match is always crucial, and it is important to start well. We want to give our maximum on the pitch, just as we did at the last two World Cups. Croatia has the strength and quality to achieve great things, and I sincerely hope we will show that once again.”

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