Croatia national football team
Encyclopedia
The Croatia national football team represents Croatia
in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation
, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by former player Slaven Bilić
. A FIFA
-recognized national side had previously represented the short-lived Banovina of Croatia
and Independent State of Croatia
in nineteen friendly matches
between 1940 and 1944. This team was dissolved in 1945 as Croatia became a constituent federal republic of SFR Yugoslavia
. In the period between 1945 and 1990, Croatia did not field a separate team for competitive matches and Croatian players played for the Yugoslavia national football team
.
The modern Croatian team was formed in 1990, shortly before Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia, and by 1993 had gained membership in FIFA
and UEFA
. The team played their first competitive matches in the successful qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 1996, leading to their first appearance at a major tournament. In Croatia's FIFA World Cup
debut in 1998
the team finished third and provided the tournament's top scorer, Davor Šuker
. Since becoming eligible to compete in international tournaments, Croatia have missed only one World Cup
and one European Championship.
Most home matches are played at the Maksimir Stadium
in Zagreb
, with some fixtures also taking place at the Poljud Stadium in Split
or at other, smaller venues, depending on the nature of the match. The team was undefeated in its first 36 home competitive matches, the run ending with a 2008 defeat to England
. They have not lost at home since then, meaning they have lost at home once in the past 20 years.
The team was named FIFA's "Best Mover of the Year" in 1994 and 1998, the only team to win the award more than once. On admission to FIFA, Croatia was ranked 125th in the world; following the 1998 World Cup campaign, the side ranked third, making it the most volatile team in FIFA Rankings history.
expatriates in Rijeka
and Županja
in 1873; the official rulebook was recognized in 1896. By 1907 local clubs had been established in Croatia and a modern edition of the sport's laws was published. FIFA records document a Croatian national team playing a full-length fixture against domestic opposition in 1907. Before the nation's independence, Croatian footballers played for the national teams of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia
(1919–39) and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(1945–90), though during periods of political upheaval, ethnically Croatian sides sometimes formed to play unofficial matches. A hastily-arranged national side, managed by Hugo Kinert, played a few private domestic matches in 1918–19.
In 1940, Jozo Jakopić led an unofficial national team representing the Banovina of Croatia
in four friendly matches: two against Switzerland
and two against Hungary
. Croatia made their debut as an independently sanctioned team by defeating the Swiss 4–0 in Zagreb
on April 2, 1940. Following invasion by the Axis powers, the Croatian Football Federation became briefly active, joining FIFA on July 17, 1941 as the Independent State of Croatia
. The national side, under the direction of Rudolf Hitrec
, played fifteen friendly matches, fourteen as an official FIFA member. Croatia's first recorded result as a FIFA associate was a 1–1 tie with Slovakia on September 8 in Bratislava
. Further matches were played until 1945 when the Independent State of Croatia was abolished and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
assumed control, thereby ending the team's affiliation with FIFA.
From 1950 to 1956 another unofficial Croatian team was briefly active; it won games
against Indonesia
and a Yugoslav team playing as "Serbia". The Yugoslavia squad at the 1956 Summer Olympics
included Croatian footballers, as did Yugoslavia in World Cup and European Championship tournaments up to 1990.
on May 16, 1991, days before Croatia's independence referendum. Another Croatian team formed during this time; it played its first modern international game
, against the United States
, on October 17, 1990 at Maksimir Stadium
. The game, which Croatia won 2–1, was one of three games played under original manager Dražan Jerković. Croatia won twice more under his direction before Stanko Poklepović and Vlatko Marković each briefly headed the team. The match against the American side also marked the introduction of Croatia's national jersey. Designed with unique chequers, the initial kit was widely acknowledged for its originality. Croatia was still considered part of Yugoslavia until its independence declaration on October 8, 1991, but this team already served as a de facto national team.
In mid-1992 the team joined FIFA and UEFA
. The team's performances before Croatia's independence were not recorded by FIFA, so they entered the World Rankings in 125th place. Miroslav Blažević
was appointed manager and oversaw the team's qualifying campaign for Euro 96, beginning with Croatia's first officially recognized post-independence victory: a 2–0 win over Estonia
on September 4, 1994. Their first competitive defeat came on June 11, 1995, with a 1–0 away loss to Ukraine
during the same qualifying campaign. They finished on top of their qualifying group and won FIFA's 1994 Best Mover of the Year award as their international rankings rose.
Goran Vlaović
scored the team's first goal at a major tournament, a late winner against Turkey
at the City Ground
during Euro 96. After their opening victory Croatia beat reigning champions Denmark
3–0, a match in which striker Davor Šuker scored with a lob from 12 yards after receiving a long pass. He later described the goal as a favourite. Croatia lost 3–0 to Portugal
in their final group fixture but still advanced to the knockout stages, where they were beaten by eventual champions Germany
in the quarter finals.
Miroslav Blažević remained as manager during Croatia's 1998 World Cup
qualifying campaign, which ended successfully with victory over Ukraine in the play-offs. In the group stage of the World Cup, Croatia beat Jamaica
and Japan
but lost to Argentina
, before defeating Romania
to reach a quarter final tie against Germany, then ranked second in the world. Though regarded as underdogs, Croatia won 3–0, with goals from Robert Jarni
, Goran Vlaović
and Davor Šuker after Christian Wörns
was sent off for Germany.
Croatia faced the host nation, France
, in the semi-final: after a goalless first-half, Croatia took the lead, only to concede two goals by opposing defender Lilian Thuram
and lose 2–1. Croatia won third place by defeating the Netherlands
, and Davor Šuker won the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals in the tournament. This was among the best debut performances in the World Cup, and as a result, Croatia were placed third in the January 1999 FIFA World Rankings, their highest ranking to date. Croatia again won the Best Mover of the Year award in 1998. For their achievements the team of the 1990s was dubbed the "Golden Generation". Many of these players were also in the former Yugoslavia under-20 team which won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship
in Chile.
Despite these successes in their first two major competitions, Croatia finished third in their Euro 2000 qualifying group, behind Yugoslavia and Republic of Ireland
, and thus failed to qualify. Both fixtures between Croatia and Yugoslavia ended in draws; this fuelled the politically-based tension between fans of the two teams, and political protests broke out during the fixture in Belgrade
. The return match in Zagreb ended in a 2–2 draw, preventing Croatia from qualifying for the tournament.
was appointed his successor. Despite the retirement of many "Golden Generation" players, Croatia were unbeaten in their qualifying matches for the 2002 World Cup
. They commenced the tournament campaign with a narrow loss to Mexico
before producing a surprise 2–1 victory over Euro 2000 finalists Italy in the next fixture. At the tournament the team blamed the pressure of high expectations for their final fixture loss to Ecuador
which prevented their progression to the knockout stages. Jozić resigned and was replaced in July 2002 by former Fenerbahçe
coach Otto Barić
, the team's first manager born outside the Balkans.
Under Barić Croatia performed indifferently in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, reaching the tournament finals with a playoff 2-1 on aggregate win against Slovenia, with Dado Pršo
's crucial goal in the second leg. At the tournament Croatia drew 2–2 with reigning champions France but lost to England and were eliminated in the group stage. Barić's two-year contract ended in July 2004 and was not renewed.
, appointed to succeed Barić in July 2004, oversaw Croatia's qualification for the 2006 World Cup
without losing a match, but was accused of nepotism for selecting his son Niko
for the national squad. Croatia lost their opening game to Brazil and drew 0–0 with Japan
after Dario Srna missed a first-half penalty. A 2–2 draw with Australia, in which three players were sent off, confirmed Croatia's elimination at the group stage. The game was notable also for a mistake by referee Graham Poll
, who awarded three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Šimunić
, after mistaking him for an Australian player due to his Australian accent. Poll, heavily criticized for losing control of the match, retired from refereeing shortly afterwards.
The HNS
replaced Kranjčar with Slaven Bilić
in July 2006. Bilić appointed several younger players to the squad and saw early success, including a 2–0 friendly
victory over Italy in his first match. Having controversially suspended players Dario Srna, Ivica Olić
and Boško Balaban
for missing a curfew after a turbofolk nightclub outing, Bilić led the team in qualification for Euro 2008; they topped their group, losing only one game (to Macedonia) and beating England twice, who consequently failed to qualify for the first time since 1984.
After primary striker Eduardo da Silva
suffered a compound fracture while playing in the English Premier League, Bilić was forced to alter his tournament squad significantly and recruited Nikola Kalinić
and Nikola Pokrivač
, neither of whom had yet played competitive games for the national team. The team received criticism after poor attacking performances in warm-up games against Scotland
and Moldova
, but at the tournament beat Austria
, Germany
, and Poland
to reach the quarter finals with maximum group points for the first time in their tournament history. Niko Kovač remained team captain at what was expected to be his final international tournament, except in the final group fixture when Dario Šimić temporarily held the position. Croatia's tournament run ended dramatically when they lost a penalty shoot-out to Turkey, but secured the tournament record for fewest goals conceded (2), fewest games lost (0), and earliest goal (in the fourth minute of their opening game against Austria
—this was also the all-time earliest successful penalty at the European Championship Finals).
Amidst speculation that he would quit, manager Bilić renewed his contract, the first manager since Blažević to lead Croatia to successive tournaments. Croatia were again drawn to play England in the qualification stages of the 2010 World Cup
; the tie was voted the most anticipated of the campaign on FIFA.com. After a home win against Kazakhstan
Croatia lost at home to England, ending a fourteen-year unbeaten home record. The team was eventually burdened with a number of key injuries and went on to suffer their heaviest defeat ever, losing 5-1 to England at Wembley Stadium. Although Croatia defeated Kazakhstan in their final qualifying fixture, they were ultimately eliminated after Ukraine, who had previously defeated group leaders England, beat Andorra to gain second place in the group. Bilić was once again heavily expected to resign as national coach, but instead vowed to renew his contract and remain in charge.
Despite heavy loss of form, which also saw the team fall outside the top 10 in the FIFA rankings, Croatia were placed in the top tier of teams for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying draw
; the Croatian republic was previously a candidate to co-host the tournament with Hungary
which would have allowed the team to qualify automatically. Instead, it was chosen to be played in Poland
and Ukraine
, Croatia ultimately competed in Group F
for qualifying, and, despite being top-seeds, only finished second in the group behind Greece, succumbing to a play-off draw against Euro 2008 rivals Turkey. The buildup towards the matches garnered much global and domestic media attention, with Bilic himself referring the tie as a slight opportunity for revenge. Croatia proceeded to beat Turkey 3-0 on aggregate, with all three goals coming in the away leg in Istanbul
, thereby qualifying for the 2012 European championship at Turkey's expense.
raised an unsuccessful joint bid with the Hungarian Football Federation
to co-host the 2012 tournament, which was awarded instead to Poland and Ukraine.
for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs
matches vs. Turkey
, which were taking place on November 11 and November 15, 2011.
Caps and goals correct as of 15 November 2011, after Croatia 0-0 Turkey.
Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Sorted by caps.
Sorted by most recent callup.
UEFA European Football Championship squads:
Statistically, Dražan Jerković and Vlatko Marković are the most successful managers in Croatia's history; they both recorded victories in each of their few games in charge. Miroslav Blažević, who was the team's first official manager, holds the highest number of competitive victories, having led Croatia to their best performances at major international tournaments.
" nineteen friendly matches
, of which it won nine, drew four and lost six. Twelve players scored for the team during this period.
's record of 81 appearances.
With 45 goals scored, Davor Šuker
is Croatia's highest-scoring player. He was named Croatia's "Golden Player" at the UEFA jubilee celebration in 2004 in recognition of this achievement. Eduardo da Silva
is in a distant second position with 22 goals (as of October 2011). Mladen Petrić
holds the national team record for goals in a single match, having scored four times during Croatia's 7–0 home victory over Andorra
on October 7, 2006.
The national team's joint record for highest-scoring victory comes from two 7–0 results, over Andorra
in 2006 and Australia in 1998. Croatia's worst defeat is also a joint record, the Independent State of Croatia
side having twice lost 5–1 defeats to Germany in the 1940s. In the modern era Croatia lost 4–1 to Slovakia
in a 1994 friendly and 3–0 to Portugal
at Euro 96. The worst defeat in the modern period was the 5–1 loss to England in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
and UEFA
. FIFA governs Croatia's participation in global international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup
; UEFA presides over European tournaments.
The team is also governed by the Croatian Football Federation
, which governs domestic football under FIFA and UEFA affiliation. The federation is led by Vlatko Marković
, who represents the team in conferences. The federation (abbreviated HNS) governs player registration and selects the team coaching staff and pays players' salaries. Head coach Slaven Bilić
selects and organises national squad players and enforces team policies.
. The venue, built 1912 and refurbished in 1997, is named after the surrounding neighbourhood of Maksimir
. The stadium has hosted national games since Croatia's competitive home debut against Lithuania
; it also hosted the Croatian teams' home matches during World War II. The football federation and the Croatian government have agreed further improvements (among them an increase in the current forty-thousand seating capacity
) that would make Maksimir the most expensive football stadium in the world. However, in 2008, UEFA threatened to limit the number of fans allowed to attend home games after crowd discipline problems during the European Championships. Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić
declined the final renovation plans in 2008, citing high construction costs; as of December 2008 the renovations are postponed.
Home matches were occasionally played at other venues. The Poljud Stadium in Split
hosted several qualifying fixtures for Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup
. Ever since the first match in 1995 against Italy
which ended 1-1, Croatia was unable to win an official FIFA-recognised match at Poljud. That fact was known amongst the Croatian public as "Poljud curse". The unusual curse was finally broken in June 2011 with a 2-1 win against Georgia
. The team also played qualifying matches at the Gradski vrt
stadium in Osijek
and the NK Varteks stadium in Varaždin
.
) they have played home games at nine stadiums.
country code
for Croatia, HRV. "Croatia national football team" can be translated into Croatian
as "Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija" . Among the team's nicknames are Vatreni ("The Blazers") and, more recently, "Bilić Boys" (from the name of the coach, Slaven Bilić
).
, who also designed the nations coat of arms.. Although slightly altered by Nike
since its original release, the jersey has remained similar as a national identity; the checkered design is also used to represent other Croatian sports teams and athletes.
, where the team prepares for all upcoming matches. However, the HNS has announced the production of a new training ground located in Tuhelj
to accommodate further training improvements.
, the two best-supported clubs in the Croatian domestic league, the Prva HNL. The clubs' ultra
-style supporter groups, the Bad Blue Boys
of Zagreb and The Torcida
from Split
, have both been associated with hooliganism
, though violence between the two is not reported at international games. Major support for Croatia national team comes from Croats living in Bosnia & Herzegovina, followers of Mostar football club HŠK Zrinjski Mostar
, known as Ultras Zrinjski
being one of the most recognized supporters of the Croatia national team. Croatia's supporters are collectively affiliated with Uvijek Vjerni (translated as 'Always Faithful'), which is the national team's official fan association aiming to bring together all fans around the world.
Nonetheless, fan behavior at international games has led to international sanction against the side. Croatia was penalized and threatened with expulsion from UEFA for racist behaviour by fans at Euro 2004 On other occasions Croatia fans defied security regulations. During the 2006 World Cup
a fan evaded security at a German venue and approached Croatian players on the field; he was arrested for trespassing. During a friendly match against Italy
in Livorno
, a small group of Croatian fans stood in a swastika
formation in response to Italians fans waving communist
flags; UEFA penalized the Croatian football federation for the incident. Similar events occurred at Euro 2008; UEFA penalized Croatia for a display of racist banners against Turkey
and FIFA fined the Croatian football federation for racial abuse of England striker Emile Heskey
on September 10, 2008.
Croatia fans often use flares in both domestic league derby matches and in international games, a practice which, according to agent Igor Štimac
and midfielder Luka Modrić
, motivates the Croatian team. The practice is banned at most international games and Croatia fans have been reprimanded and had devices confiscated by UEFA and FIFA security staff. Croatia fans also clashed with Turkish Muslims during a Euro 2008 game against Turkey
. Security was tightened when Croats and Turks gathered in Vienna
shortly before the quarter final game of the tournament; after the match, Croatian fans resisted police and brawled with Turkish fans.
Tensions with fans of sides from other former Yugoslav states have also manifested at Croatia games. Croatia fans in the crowd at a June 3, 1990 game between Yugoslavia and the Netherlands booed the Yugoslavian national anthem
and players and cheered for the Dutch side instead. Maksimir Stadium was the scene of a riot
between Croat and Serb fans at a Dinamo Zagreb – Red Star Belgrade
game following the parliamentary election
the same year. During the 2006 World Cup brawls broke out between Bosniaks
and Croats in Mostar
.
Football is Croatia's most popular team sport
and occupied a large role in the country's independent break-up from Yugoslavia
. Nationalism
grew during the team's formation in the 1990s when Franjo Tuđman was elected president. By competing separately in both official and unofficial matches, the national team strengthened the unity of Croatian culture, an accomplishment which the predominant Catholic Church and economy were criticized for failing. Furthermore, Tuđman’s correlation with the national team became a strong force towards becoming a patriotic Croatian state. After Croatia’s success at the 1998 World Cup, Tuđman declared that "football victories shape a nation’s identity as much as wars". The team’s unanimous support grew largely after such attention from the political party. American politician and diplomat Strobe Talbott
predicted Croatia’s growth in football to influence that of the nation itself. The national team were greeted by Tuđman and 100,000 residents from all around the country after their return from the World Cup where they placed third. Tuđman spoke on behalf of the supporters by honouring the squad upon their appearance.
Though the relationship between the team and any political party has waned since Tuđman's death in 1999, the team (and football) remain patriotic traditions in Croatia as in the rest of Europe.
The team also receive constant media attention; their games are regularly broadcast live on HRT
2 also like in the rest of Europe.
Shortly after becoming manager, Slaven Bilić and his rock band released a single, "Vatreno Ludilo" (Fiery Madness), which recalled the team's progress during the 1998 World Cup and praised their present ambitions. The song reached the top position on the Croatian music charts and was widely played during Euro 2008. Because of Bilić's enthusiasm, the team was dubbed "Bilić's Boys". Other Croatian artists such as Dino Dvornik
, Connect, Prljavo Kazalište
and Baruni
have recorded songs in support of the team, among which are "Malo Nas Je al Nas Ima" (We are few, but we are many), "Samo je Jedno" (There is but one thing [in my life]), "Moj Dom je Hrvatska" (My Home is Croatia), "Srce Vatreno" (Heart of Fire), and "Hrvatska je Prvak Svijeta" (Croatia[ns] are world champions).
Additionally, the team adopted the song "Lijepa li si" (How beautiful you are) by rock artist Thompson
, mainly because of its similarity to the Croatian national anthem
. Many of Thompson's songs have been played during significant games; however, when Croatia faced Israel
in a home qualifying fixture, Thompson songs were not played due to Jewish
organisations' criticism of the band. At the conclusion of the match, the squad and management team voiced their concerns and opposed the allegations of the band's racism.
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
, Pre-independence period (above), Croatia - List of international matches, Detailed list of all Croatia's games.
All fixtures were friendly.
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation
Croatian Football Federation
The Croatian Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Croatia. It was originally formed in 1912 and is based in the capital city of Zagreb. The organisation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in Croatia...
, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by former player Slaven Bilić
Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilić is a former Croatian footballer and current head coach of the Croatia national team. His playing tenure predominantly comprised extended vocations in his hometown with Hajduk Split and a combination of foreign spells in Germany and England...
. A FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
-recognized national side had previously represented the short-lived Banovina of Croatia
Banovina of Croatia
The Banovina of Croatia or Banate of Croatia was a province of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia between 1939 and 1943 . Its capital was at Zagreb and it included most of present-day Croatia along with portions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia...
and Independent State of Croatia
Independent State of Croatia
The Independent State of Croatia was a World War II puppet state of Nazi Germany, established on a part of Axis-occupied Yugoslavia. The NDH was founded on 10 April 1941, after the invasion of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers. All of Bosnia and Herzegovina was annexed to NDH, together with some parts...
in nineteen friendly matches
Croatia national football team games - 1940s
This is a list of football games played by the Croatia national football team between 1940 and 1944.-Banovina of Croatia:Within the Banovina of Croatia, the Croatian Football Federation organized a national team which competed internationally, but was not FIFA-recognized.-Independent State of...
between 1940 and 1944. This team was dissolved in 1945 as Croatia became a constituent federal republic of SFR Yugoslavia
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
. In the period between 1945 and 1990, Croatia did not field a separate team for competitive matches and Croatian players played for the Yugoslavia national football team
Yugoslavia national football team
The Yugoslavia national football team represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in association football. It enjoyed a modicum of success in international competition. In 1992, during the Yugoslav wars, the team was suspended from international...
.
The modern Croatian team was formed in 1990, shortly before Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia, and by 1993 had gained membership in FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
and UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
. The team played their first competitive matches in the successful qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 1996, leading to their first appearance at a major tournament. In Croatia's FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
debut in 1998
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
the team finished third and provided the tournament's top scorer, Davor Šuker
Davor Šuker
Davor Šuker , is a retired Croatian footballer. He played as a striker for a number of European clubs as well as the Croatian national team, where he is the all-time top goal scorer with 45 goals....
. Since becoming eligible to compete in international tournaments, Croatia have missed only one World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
and one European Championship.
Most home matches are played at the Maksimir Stadium
Maksimir Stadium
Maksimir Stadium is a stadium in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. It takes its name from the neighbourhood of Maksimir. It is primarily the home of Dinamo Zagreb, the top football team in the country. It is also home to Dinamo Zagreb's farm team NK Lokomotiva....
in Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
, with some fixtures also taking place at the Poljud Stadium in Split
Split (city)
Split is a Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its wide port bay. With a population of 178,192 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is by far the largest Dalmatian city and...
or at other, smaller venues, depending on the nature of the match. The team was undefeated in its first 36 home competitive matches, the run ending with a 2008 defeat to England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
. They have not lost at home since then, meaning they have lost at home once in the past 20 years.
The team was named FIFA's "Best Mover of the Year" in 1994 and 1998, the only team to win the award more than once. On admission to FIFA, Croatia was ranked 125th in the world; following the 1998 World Cup campaign, the side ranked third, making it the most volatile team in FIFA Rankings history.
History
Pre-independence
Football was introduced to Croatia by EnglishEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
expatriates in Rijeka
Rijeka
Rijeka is the principal seaport and the third largest city in Croatia . It is located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea and has a population of 128,735 inhabitants...
and Županja
Županja
Županja is a city in eastern Slavonia, Croatia, located 254 km east of Zagreb. It is administratively part of the Vukovar-Syrmia county. It is inhabited by 12,185 people ....
in 1873; the official rulebook was recognized in 1896. By 1907 local clubs had been established in Croatia and a modern edition of the sport's laws was published. FIFA records document a Croatian national team playing a full-length fixture against domestic opposition in 1907. Before the nation's independence, Croatian footballers played for the national teams of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Kingdom of Yugoslavia
The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was a state stretching from the Western Balkans to Central Europe which existed during the often-tumultuous interwar era of 1918–1941...
(1919–39) and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
(1945–90), though during periods of political upheaval, ethnically Croatian sides sometimes formed to play unofficial matches. A hastily-arranged national side, managed by Hugo Kinert, played a few private domestic matches in 1918–19.
Banovina of Croatia
The Banovina of Croatia or Banate of Croatia was a province of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia between 1939 and 1943 . Its capital was at Zagreb and it included most of present-day Croatia along with portions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia...
in four friendly matches: two against Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
and two against Hungary
Hungary national football team
The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation....
. Croatia made their debut as an independently sanctioned team by defeating the Swiss 4–0 in Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
on April 2, 1940. Following invasion by the Axis powers, the Croatian Football Federation became briefly active, joining FIFA on July 17, 1941 as the Independent State of Croatia
Independent State of Croatia
The Independent State of Croatia was a World War II puppet state of Nazi Germany, established on a part of Axis-occupied Yugoslavia. The NDH was founded on 10 April 1941, after the invasion of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers. All of Bosnia and Herzegovina was annexed to NDH, together with some parts...
. The national side, under the direction of Rudolf Hitrec
Rudolf Hitrec
Rudolf Hitrec was a Croatian footballer and international manager.He played for Concordia Zagreb from 1919 to 1921 and Građanski Zagreb from 1921 to 1930. He won the national championship of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in 1923, 1926 and 1928.Hitrec played for the Yugoslav national...
, played fifteen friendly matches, fourteen as an official FIFA member. Croatia's first recorded result as a FIFA associate was a 1–1 tie with Slovakia on September 8 in Bratislava
Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and, with a population of about 431,000, also the country's largest city. Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia on both banks of the Danube River. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries.Bratislava...
. Further matches were played until 1945 when the Independent State of Croatia was abolished and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
assumed control, thereby ending the team's affiliation with FIFA.
From 1950 to 1956 another unofficial Croatian team was briefly active; it won games
Croatia v Indonesia (1956)
On September 12, 1956 Croatia hosted Indonesia in an international friendly in Zagreb. This was Croatia's only match against a foreign country while it was part of Yugoslavia.-Background:...
against Indonesia
Indonesia national football team
The Indonesia national football team represents Indonesia in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Indonesia . Prior to independence in 1945, the team competed as the Dutch East Indies national football team. Under this name, Indonesia was the first Asian team to...
and a Yugoslav team playing as "Serbia". The Yugoslavia squad at the 1956 Summer Olympics
Football at the 1956 Summer Olympics
The 1956 Olympic Games football tournament with just 11 competing nations suffered from cancellations. It was an undistinguished tournament that featured mis-matches and walkovers.-Background:...
included Croatian footballers, as did Yugoslavia in World Cup and European Championship tournaments up to 1990.
Official formation
The last Yugoslav team to field a considerable Croatian contingent played against SwedenSweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
on May 16, 1991, days before Croatia's independence referendum. Another Croatian team formed during this time; it played its first modern international game
Croatia v United States (1990)
On October 17, 1990 Croatia hosted the United States in an international friendly in Zagreb's Maksimir stadium. This was Croatia's first international match.-Background:...
, against the United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
, on October 17, 1990 at Maksimir Stadium
Maksimir Stadium
Maksimir Stadium is a stadium in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. It takes its name from the neighbourhood of Maksimir. It is primarily the home of Dinamo Zagreb, the top football team in the country. It is also home to Dinamo Zagreb's farm team NK Lokomotiva....
. The game, which Croatia won 2–1, was one of three games played under original manager Dražan Jerković. Croatia won twice more under his direction before Stanko Poklepović and Vlatko Marković each briefly headed the team. The match against the American side also marked the introduction of Croatia's national jersey. Designed with unique chequers, the initial kit was widely acknowledged for its originality. Croatia was still considered part of Yugoslavia until its independence declaration on October 8, 1991, but this team already served as a de facto national team.
In mid-1992 the team joined FIFA and UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
. The team's performances before Croatia's independence were not recorded by FIFA, so they entered the World Rankings in 125th place. Miroslav Blažević
Miroslav Blaževic
Miroslav "Ćiro" Blažević is a Bosnian Croat football manager. He is the current head coach of Mes Kerman in Iran Pro League....
was appointed manager and oversaw the team's qualifying campaign for Euro 96, beginning with Croatia's first officially recognized post-independence victory: a 2–0 win over Estonia
Estonia national football team
The Estonia national football team represents Estonia in international association football. Team members are selected by the head coach of Estonian Football Association . Estonia play their home matches at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia....
on September 4, 1994. Their first competitive defeat came on June 11, 1995, with a 1–0 away loss to Ukraine
Ukraine national football team
The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. After Ukrainian Independence and breakaway from the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Hungary on 29 April 1992...
during the same qualifying campaign. They finished on top of their qualifying group and won FIFA's 1994 Best Mover of the Year award as their international rankings rose.
"Golden Generation"
| ]]}} |
| Croatia's 3-5-2 lineup during the 1998 World Cup. Robert Prosinečki Robert Prosinecki Robert Prosinečki is a Croatian football manager and former football midfielder. Prosinečki is regarded by many as the player with best technique that ever played in and for Croatia. Former national squad teammate Zvonimir Boban, humbly, also agreed with this. His dribbling is considered... and Krunoslav Jurčić Krunoslav Jurcic Krunoslav "Kruno" Jurčić is a retired Croatian professional footballer who is now a coach.-Club career:He started his professional career at Dinamo Zagreb in 1988, before moving to Inker Zaprešić in 1991 and Uljanik Pula in 1993. He went on join Belgian side Beveren in 1995, but returned to Dinamo... also appeared in majority of matches. Initial striker Alen Bokšić Alen Bokšic Alen Bokšić is a former football attacker from Croatia. He was a renowned forward known for his technique.-Career:Bokšić was born in Makarska and started his career in the club Zmaj from Makarska. As a young player he moved to Hajduk Split and was introduced into the first team . With Hajduk, he... missed the tournament due to injury and was replaced in the starting lineup by Goran Vlaović Goran Vlaovic Goran Vlaović is a former Croatian football striker.-Club career:Vlaović started his professional career with Osijek in 1989 and moved to Dinamo Zagreb in 1992, before going abroad to play for Calcio Padova in Italy, Valencia in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece, where he retired in June 2004... . |
Goran Vlaović
Goran Vlaovic
Goran Vlaović is a former Croatian football striker.-Club career:Vlaović started his professional career with Osijek in 1989 and moved to Dinamo Zagreb in 1992, before going abroad to play for Calcio Padova in Italy, Valencia in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece, where he retired in June 2004...
scored the team's first goal at a major tournament, a late winner against Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
at the City Ground
City Ground
The City Ground is a football stadium in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, on the banks of the River Trent. It has been home to Nottingham Forest Football Club since 1898, and has a capacity of 30,602 ....
during Euro 96. After their opening victory Croatia beat reigning champions Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
3–0, a match in which striker Davor Šuker scored with a lob from 12 yards after receiving a long pass. He later described the goal as a favourite. Croatia lost 3–0 to Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
in their final group fixture but still advanced to the knockout stages, where they were beaten by eventual champions Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
in the quarter finals.
Miroslav Blažević remained as manager during Croatia's 1998 World Cup
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
qualifying campaign, which ended successfully with victory over Ukraine in the play-offs. In the group stage of the World Cup, Croatia beat Jamaica
Jamaica national football team
The Jamaica national football team is the national team of Jamaica and is controlled by the Jamaica Football Federation. After decades in CONCACAF obscurity, they gained many fans throughout the world after they qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
and Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
but lost to Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
, before defeating Romania
Romania national football team
The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil, France, and Belgium, that took part in the first three World Cups.However, after that...
to reach a quarter final tie against Germany, then ranked second in the world. Though regarded as underdogs, Croatia won 3–0, with goals from Robert Jarni
Robert Jarni
Robert Jarni is a retired Croatian footballer who played as left winger or wingback. He is now a manager, but is currently without a club after resigning from his managerial post at Istra 1961 in September 2010....
, Goran Vlaović
Goran Vlaovic
Goran Vlaović is a former Croatian football striker.-Club career:Vlaović started his professional career with Osijek in 1989 and moved to Dinamo Zagreb in 1992, before going abroad to play for Calcio Padova in Italy, Valencia in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece, where he retired in June 2004...
and Davor Šuker after Christian Wörns
Christian Wörns
Christian Wörns is a retired German footballer who played as a sweeper. Wörns was widely considered one of the finest German defenders of his generation and one of the best sweepers of his era. He started his career with Waldhof Mannheim but played the majority of his career with Bayer Leverkusen...
was sent off for Germany.
Croatia faced the host nation, France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
, in the semi-final: after a goalless first-half, Croatia took the lead, only to concede two goals by opposing defender Lilian Thuram
Lilian Thuram
Lilian Thuram is a retired professional football defender and is the most capped player in the history of the France national team, and one of the twenty most capped players of all time.He played at the top flight in France, Italy and Spain for over 15 seasons, including ten in the Serie A with both...
and lose 2–1. Croatia won third place by defeating the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
, and Davor Šuker won the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals in the tournament. This was among the best debut performances in the World Cup, and as a result, Croatia were placed third in the January 1999 FIFA World Rankings, their highest ranking to date. Croatia again won the Best Mover of the Year award in 1998. For their achievements the team of the 1990s was dubbed the "Golden Generation". Many of these players were also in the former Yugoslavia under-20 team which won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship
1987 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in Chile from October 10 to October 25, 1987. The 1987 championship was the 6th contested and won for the first time by Yugoslavia. Remarkably, in the course of the tournament the Yugoslavs defeated each of the three other semi-finalists, and...
in Chile.
Despite these successes in their first two major competitions, Croatia finished third in their Euro 2000 qualifying group, behind Yugoslavia and Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
, and thus failed to qualify. Both fixtures between Croatia and Yugoslavia ended in draws; this fuelled the politically-based tension between fans of the two teams, and political protests broke out during the fixture in Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
. The return match in Zagreb ended in a 2–2 draw, preventing Croatia from qualifying for the tournament.
Decline under Jozić and Barić (early 2000s)
Coach Blažević resigned in autumn 2000 and Mirko JozićMirko Jozic
Mirko Jozić is a retired Croatian football player and currently an active football manager.As a coach, he won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship in Chile, with the Yugoslavia U-20 national team composed of names such as Robert Prosinečki, Zvonimir Boban and Davor Šuker.He coached Chilean club...
was appointed his successor. Despite the retirement of many "Golden Generation" players, Croatia were unbeaten in their qualifying matches for the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. They commenced the tournament campaign with a narrow loss to Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
before producing a surprise 2–1 victory over Euro 2000 finalists Italy in the next fixture. At the tournament the team blamed the pressure of high expectations for their final fixture loss to Ecuador
Ecuador national football team
The Ecuadorian national football team represents Ecuador in international football competitions and is controlled by the Ecuadorian Football Federation. They generally play official home matches at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, but often play friendlies in other stadiums around the country...
which prevented their progression to the knockout stages. Jozić resigned and was replaced in July 2002 by former Fenerbahçe
Fenerbahçe Istanbul
Fenerbahçe Women's Basketball is the women's basketball department of Fenerbahçe S.K., a major sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey.Fenerbahçe play their matches in the 1.500-seated Caferağa Sport Hall...
coach Otto Barić
Otto Baric
Otto Barić is a Croatian-Austrian football manager.-1970s to 1980s:Barić started his coaching career in 1969 at West German club Germania Wiesbaden and moved after one season to Austrian club Wacker Innsbruck, where he spent next two seasons and won two consecutive league champions titles before...
, the team's first manager born outside the Balkans.
Under Barić Croatia performed indifferently in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, reaching the tournament finals with a playoff 2-1 on aggregate win against Slovenia, with Dado Pršo
Dado Pršo
Miladin "Dado" Pršo is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a striker.Pršo played for seven different teams and made over 300 league appearances as a professional...
's crucial goal in the second leg. At the tournament Croatia drew 2–2 with reigning champions France but lost to England and were eliminated in the group stage. Barić's two-year contract ended in July 2004 and was not renewed.
Kranjčar and Bilić's revival
Former Croatia international Zlatko KranjčarZlatko Kranjcar
Zlatko "Cico" Kranjcar is a Croatian football manager and former striker. He is the currently head coach of Sepahan in Iran Pro League.-Club career:...
, appointed to succeed Barić in July 2004, oversaw Croatia's qualification for the 2006 World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
without losing a match, but was accused of nepotism for selecting his son Niko
Niko Kranjcar
Niko Kranjčar is a Croatian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur and the Croatia national team.He represented two of the biggest clubs in his homeland, playing for Dinamo Zagreb before sparking controversy by making a move to their fierce rivals Hajduk Split in 2005...
for the national squad. Croatia lost their opening game to Brazil and drew 0–0 with Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
after Dario Srna missed a first-half penalty. A 2–2 draw with Australia, in which three players were sent off, confirmed Croatia's elimination at the group stage. The game was notable also for a mistake by referee Graham Poll
Graham Poll
Graham Poll is an English former football referee in the Premier League and is considered the best English referee of the last 25 years in a list maintained by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics...
, who awarded three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Šimunić
Josip Šimunic
Josip Šimunić is a Croatian footballer who plays as a defender for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian national team.-Club career:...
, after mistaking him for an Australian player due to his Australian accent. Poll, heavily criticized for losing control of the match, retired from refereeing shortly afterwards.
The HNS
Croatian Football Federation
The Croatian Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Croatia. It was originally formed in 1912 and is based in the capital city of Zagreb. The organisation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in Croatia...
replaced Kranjčar with Slaven Bilić
Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilić is a former Croatian footballer and current head coach of the Croatia national team. His playing tenure predominantly comprised extended vocations in his hometown with Hajduk Split and a combination of foreign spells in Germany and England...
in July 2006. Bilić appointed several younger players to the squad and saw early success, including a 2–0 friendly
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
victory over Italy in his first match. Having controversially suspended players Dario Srna, Ivica Olić
Ivica Olic
Ivica Olić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany and internationally for the Croatian national team.- Early career :Olić was born and raised in the village of Davor near Nova Gradiška, Croatia, Yugoslavia...
and Boško Balaban
Boško Balaban
Boško Balaban is a Croatian footballer who currently plays for Panionios in the Super League Greece as a striker. He is a former member of the Croatia national team.-Early career:...
for missing a curfew after a turbofolk nightclub outing, Bilić led the team in qualification for Euro 2008; they topped their group, losing only one game (to Macedonia) and beating England twice, who consequently failed to qualify for the first time since 1984.
After primary striker Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team...
suffered a compound fracture while playing in the English Premier League, Bilić was forced to alter his tournament squad significantly and recruited Nikola Kalinić
Nikola Kalinic
Nikola Kalinić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Ukrainian Premier League.Croatia manager Slaven Bilić described him as "the future of Croatian football".-Early career:...
and Nikola Pokrivač
Nikola Pokrivac
Nikola Pokrivač is a Croatian footballer who plays as midfielder for Dinamo Zagreb.-NK Varteks Varaždin:Pokrivač started to play football with amateur side Bratstvo Jurovec, near his hometown...
, neither of whom had yet played competitive games for the national team. The team received criticism after poor attacking performances in warm-up games against Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
and Moldova
Moldova national football team
The Moldova national football team represents Moldova in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Moldova, the governing body for football in Moldova. Moldova's home ground is Zimbru Stadium in Chişinău and their head coach is Gavril Balint...
, but at the tournament beat Austria
Austria national football team
The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
, Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
, and Poland
Poland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...
to reach the quarter finals with maximum group points for the first time in their tournament history. Niko Kovač remained team captain at what was expected to be his final international tournament, except in the final group fixture when Dario Šimić temporarily held the position. Croatia's tournament run ended dramatically when they lost a penalty shoot-out to Turkey, but secured the tournament record for fewest goals conceded (2), fewest games lost (0), and earliest goal (in the fourth minute of their opening game against Austria
Austria national football team
The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
—this was also the all-time earliest successful penalty at the European Championship Finals).
Amidst speculation that he would quit, manager Bilić renewed his contract, the first manager since Blažević to lead Croatia to successive tournaments. Croatia were again drawn to play England in the qualification stages of the 2010 World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
; the tie was voted the most anticipated of the campaign on FIFA.com. After a home win against Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan national football team
The Kazakhstan national football team represents Kazakhstan in international men's association football and is directed by Football Federation of Kazakhstan. They split from the Soviet Union national football team after independence in 1991 and joined the Asian Football Confederation's Central and...
Croatia lost at home to England, ending a fourteen-year unbeaten home record. The team was eventually burdened with a number of key injuries and went on to suffer their heaviest defeat ever, losing 5-1 to England at Wembley Stadium. Although Croatia defeated Kazakhstan in their final qualifying fixture, they were ultimately eliminated after Ukraine, who had previously defeated group leaders England, beat Andorra to gain second place in the group. Bilić was once again heavily expected to resign as national coach, but instead vowed to renew his contract and remain in charge.
Despite heavy loss of form, which also saw the team fall outside the top 10 in the FIFA rankings, Croatia were placed in the top tier of teams for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying draw
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
The qualifying competition for UEFA Euro 2012 is a series of parallel association football competitions held over 2010 and 2011 to decide the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, to be held in Poland and Ukraine...
; the Croatian republic was previously a candidate to co-host the tournament with Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
which would have allowed the team to qualify automatically. Instead, it was chosen to be played in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
and Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, Croatia ultimately competed in Group F
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F
This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010...
for qualifying, and, despite being top-seeds, only finished second in the group behind Greece, succumbing to a play-off draw against Euro 2008 rivals Turkey. The buildup towards the matches garnered much global and domestic media attention, with Bilic himself referring the tie as a slight opportunity for revenge. Croatia proceeded to beat Turkey 3-0 on aggregate, with all three goals coming in the away leg in Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
, thereby qualifying for the 2012 European championship at Turkey's expense.
World Cup record
Croatia qualified for and competed in three consecutive World Cup finals between 1998 and 2006, but failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after finishing 3rd in Group 6 of their Qualification Group behind England, and Ukraine. Although they had joined both FIFA and UEFA by 1992, they were unable to enter the 1994 World Cup as qualification had started before the side was officially recognised. The nation's best performance came in their first World Cup where they finished third. In their following two World Cup campaigns they were eliminated after finishing third in their groups.- 19301930 FIFA World CupThe 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July 1930...
to 19901990 FIFA World CupThe 1990 FIFA World Cup was the 14th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 8 June to 8 July 1990 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice. Teams representing 116 national football associations from all six populated...
– Not applicable. 19941994 FIFA World CupThe 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
– Could not enter.
| Year | Round | Position | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 19981998 FIFA World Cup The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final... |
Third place | 3 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 5 |
  20022002 FIFA World Cup The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0... |
Group Stage | 23 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
 20062006 FIFA World Cup The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six... |
Group Stage | 22 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
 20102010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
Did not qualify | |||||||
| Total | 3/4 | |||||||
| 13 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 11 |
European Championship record
Croatia's best results in UEFA Championships were quarter final finishes on their debut, in 1996, and in 2008. They did not qualify for the 2000 tournament. The HNSCroatian Football Federation
The Croatian Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Croatia. It was originally formed in 1912 and is based in the capital city of Zagreb. The organisation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in Croatia...
raised an unsuccessful joint bid with the Hungarian Football Federation
Hungarian Football Federation
The Hungarian Football Federation is the governing body of football in Hungary. It organizes the Hungarian league and the Hungarian national team. It is based in Budapest.György Szepesi was Chairman of the Hungarian Football Association from 1978 to 1986....
to co-host the 2012 tournament, which was awarded instead to Poland and Ukraine.
| UEFA European Championship record UEFA European Football Championship The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current... |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | D* | L | GS | GA |
| until 1992 | Part of | |||||||
 1996 |
Quarter Final | 7th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
  2000 |
Did not qualify | |||||||
 2004 |
Group Stage | 13th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
  2008 |
Quarter Final | 5th | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
  2012 |
Qualified | |||||||
| Total | 3/4 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 13 | |
Minor tournaments
| Year | Round | Position | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 1996 King Hassan II Tournament1996 King Hassan II International Cup Tournament The 1996 King Hassan II International Cup Tournament was the first edition of this international football competition. It took place on 11 and 12 December 1996 in Morocco. Host nation Morocco, Croatia, Nigeria and Czech Republic participated in the tournament, and all matches took place at the... |
Winners | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 1997 Kirin Cup Kirin Cup The Kirin Cup is an annual association football tournament sponsored in Japan by the Kirin Brewery Company. The host, Japan, is a participant in every edition. The tournament was founded in 1978 as an international club competition. From 1992 onwards the format was changed to a round robin national... |
Group stage | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| 1999 Korea Cup Korea Cup Korea Cup was a football competition held annually in the South Korea from 1971 to 1999. The cup, hosted by the Korea Football Association, was contested between South Korea and guest teams.... |
Winners | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 |
 2006 Carlsberg Cup2006 Carlsberg Cup The 2006 Carlsberg Cup was a football tournament held in Hong Kong over the first and fourth day of the Chinese New Year holiday .-=Head coach: Zlatko Kranjčar:=Head coach: Morten Olsen... |
Third place | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Total | ||||||||
| 2 Titles | 9 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 16 | 14 |
Recent results (2011)
| Date | Location | Opponent | Score | Scorers for Croatia | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 9, 2011 | Pula, Croatia | 4 – 2 | align=center|Eduardo Eduardo da Silva Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team... 9', Kalinić Nikola Kalinic Nikola Kalinić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Ukrainian Premier League.Croatia manager Slaven Bilić described him as "the future of Croatian football".-Early career:... , Iličević Ivo Ilicevic Ivo Iličević is a Croatian football player of Bosnian Croat descent.-Club career:Iličević began his career in the youth ranks of Viktoria Aschaffenburg, before joining Regionalliga Süd side SV Darmstadt 98 in January 2005. At the club, he quickly became a first-team regular under former Bundesliga... |
Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| March 26, 2011 | Tbilisi, Georgia Boris Paichadze Stadium The Boris Paichadze National Stadium , also known as the Dinamo Stadium, is a football stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia. It is the home stadium of FC Dinamo Tbilisi. The stadium was built in 1976 by Georgian architect Gia Kurdiani. Before then Dinamo's stadium was a smaller ground with a maximum... |
0 – 1 | Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010... |
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| March 29, 2011 | Saint-Denis, France Stade de France The Stade de France is the national stadium of France, situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 80,000, making it the fifth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for... |
0 – 0 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
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| June 3, 2011 | Split, Croatia | 2 – 1 | Mandžukić Mario Mandžukic Mario Mandžukić is a Croatian professional footballer playing for VfL Wolfsburg and Croatian national team.-Club career:Mandžukić was born in Slavonski Brod, at the time in SFR Yugoslavia.... , Kalinić Nikola Kalinic Nikola Kalinić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Ukrainian Premier League.Croatia manager Slaven Bilić described him as "the future of Croatian football".-Early career:... |
Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010... |
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| August 10, 2011 | Dublin, Ireland Aviva Stadium The Aviva Stadium is a sports stadium located in Dublin, Ireland, with a capacity for 50,000 spectators. The stadium is built on the site of the old Lansdowne Road venue, which was demolished in 2007, and replaces that stadium as home to its chief tenants: the Irish rugby union team and the... |
0 – 0 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
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| September 2, 2011 | Ta' Qali, Malta | 3 – 1 | Vukojević Ognjen Vukojevic Ognjen Vukojević is a Croatian international footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Dynamo Kyiv.-Early career:... , Badelj Milan Badelj Milan Badelj is a Croatian football midfielder, currently a member of Dinamo Zagreb. His preferred position is a deep-lying playmaker.-Club career:... , Lovren Dejan Lovren Dejan Lovren is a Croatian footballer who plays for the Olympique Lyonnais. He is also a member of the Croatia national team.-Dinamo Zagreb:Dejan Lovren started his career in the youth teams of NK Karlovac. He joined top flight club Dinamo Zagreb in 2004. On 10 June 2006 he debuted for the senior... |
Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010... |
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| September 6, 2011 | Zagreb, Croatia | 3 – 1 | Modrić Luka Modric Luka Modrić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and for the Croatia national football team.Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence. After showing promise in hometown club Zadar's youth team, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager in 2002. His... , Eduardo Eduardo da Silva Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team... , |
Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010... |
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| October 7, 2011 | Athens, Greece Karaiskakis Stadium Karaiskakis Stadium is in the Neo Faliro area of Piraeus, Greece. It is the home ground of Olympiacos F.C. and is named after Georgios Karaiskakis , hero of the Greek War of Independence, who was mortally wounded near the area.... |
0 – 2 | Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010... |
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| October 11, 2011 | Rijeka, Croatia | 2 – 0 | Eduardo Eduardo da Silva Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team... , Mandžukić Mario Mandžukic Mario Mandžukić is a Croatian professional footballer playing for VfL Wolfsburg and Croatian national team.-Club career:Mandžukić was born in Slavonski Brod, at the time in SFR Yugoslavia.... |
Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group F This page shows the standings and results for Group F of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.-Standings:- Results and fixtures :Group F fixtures were to be finalised at a meeting between the participants in Athens, Greece on 7 March 2010... |
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| November 11, 2011 | Istanbul, Turkey | 3 – 0 | Olić Ivica Olic Ivica Olić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany and internationally for the Croatian national team.- Early career :Olić was born and raised in the village of Davor near Nova Gradiška, Croatia, Yugoslavia... , Mandžukić Mario Mandžukic Mario Mandžukić is a Croatian professional footballer playing for VfL Wolfsburg and Croatian national team.-Club career:Mandžukić was born in Slavonski Brod, at the time in SFR Yugoslavia.... , Ćorluka Vedran Corluka Vedran Ćorluka is a Croatian footballer who plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur as a defender. He is also a part of the Croatia national team... |
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs The UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-off ties were played over two legs, with the first legs on 11 November and the second legs on 15 November 2011... |
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| November 15, 2011 | Zagreb, Croatia | 0 – 0 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs The UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-off ties were played over two legs, with the first legs on 11 November and the second legs on 15 November 2011... |
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UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
First leg
----Second leg
Current squad
The following is the list of players called up by manager Slaven BilićSlaven Bilic
Slaven Bilić is a former Croatian footballer and current head coach of the Croatia national team. His playing tenure predominantly comprised extended vocations in his hometown with Hajduk Split and a combination of foreign spells in Germany and England...
for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs
The UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-off ties were played over two legs, with the first legs on 11 November and the second legs on 15 November 2011...
matches vs. Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
, which were taking place on November 11 and November 15, 2011.
Caps and goals correct as of 15 November 2011, after Croatia 0-0 Turkey.
Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Sorted by caps.
| # | Name | Date of Birth (Age) | Club | Caps | Goals | Debut | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||||||
| Stipe Pletikosa Stipe Pletikosa Stipe Pletikosa is a Croatian football goalkeeper who plays for the Russian Premier League club FC Rostov and the Croatian national team, for which he has made 86 appearances.-Hajduk Split:... |
8 January 1979 (age 33) |  RostovFC Rostov FC Rostov is a Russian football club based in Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast. The club are currently members of the Russian Premier League and play at the Olimp – 2 stadium.-History:... |
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v. , 10 February 1999 | ||
| Danijel Subašić Danijel Subašic Danijel Subašić is a Croatian football goalkeeper playing for Hajduk Split in the Prva HNL.-Club career:Subašić started his professional career playing for his hometown club Zadar during the 2003–04 season... |
27 October 1984 (age 27) |  Hajduk SplitHNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split, commonly referred to as Hajduk Split or simply Hajduk, is a Croatian football club founded in 1911 and based in the city of Split. The club's home ground since 1979 is the 35,000-seater Poljud Stadium and the team's traditional home colours are white shirts with blue shorts and... |
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v. , 14 November 2009 | ||
| Ivan Kelava Ivan Kelava Ivan Kelava is a Croatian professional football goalkeeper with local powerhouse GNK Dinamo Zagreb.-Club career:Kelava has been playing for Dinamo Zagreb's youth teams since 1997, being promoted to the club's senior squad in the summer of 2006... |
20 February 1988 (age 23) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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| Defenders | |||||||
| Josip Šimunić Josip Šimunic Josip Šimunić is a Croatian footballer who plays as a defender for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian national team.-Club career:... |
18 February 1978 (age 33) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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v. , 10 November 2001 | ||
| Vedran Ćorluka Vedran Corluka Vedran Ćorluka is a Croatian footballer who plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur as a defender. He is also a part of the Croatia national team... |
5 February 1986 (age 26) |  Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
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v. , 16 August 2006 | ||
| Danijel Pranjić Danijel Pranjic Danijel Pranjić is a Croatian footballer who currently plays for German club Bayern Munich.-Club career:Pranjić started his career at Papuk. He played for NAŠK, Papuk, Belišće, and Osijek before making his move to a bigger stage at Dinamo Zagreb in 2004... |
2 December 1981 (age 30) | Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups.... |
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v. , 16 November 2004 | ||
| Dejan Lovren Dejan Lovren Dejan Lovren is a Croatian footballer who plays for the Olympique Lyonnais. He is also a member of the Croatia national team.-Dinamo Zagreb:Dejan Lovren started his career in the youth teams of NK Karlovac. He joined top flight club Dinamo Zagreb in 2004. On 10 June 2006 he debuted for the senior... * |
5 July 1989 (age 22) |  LyonOlympique Lyonnais Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The... |
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v. , 8 October 2009 | ||
| Gordon Schildenfeld Gordon Schildenfeld Gordon Schildenfeld is a Croatian football defender who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2nd Bundesliga.-Early years:Schildenfeld was born in Šibenik. His father came from Slovenia, and is of Austrian origin.-Šibenik:... |
18 March 1985 (age 26) | Eintracht Frankfurt Eintracht Frankfurt Eintracht Frankfurt is a German sports club, based in Frankfurt, Hesse that is best known for its association football club.- Club origins :... |
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v. , 14 November 2009 | ||
| Domagoj Vida Domagoj Vida Domagoj Vida is a Croatian football defender playing for Dinamo Zagreb. He can play in both centre back and right full back positions.-Career:... |
29 April 1989 (age 22) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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v. , 23 May 2010 | ||
| Šime Vrsaljko Šime Vrsaljko Šime Vrsaljko is a Croatian professional footballer who plays for Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatia national under-19 and under-21 football teams. His preferred position is right back, but he can easily play as a left one too, making him a very versatile player.... * |
10 January 1992 (age 20) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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v. , 9 February 2011 | ||
| Jurica Buljat Jurica Buljat Jurica Buljat is a Croatian football defender, currently playing for Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League.-External links:... |
12 September 1986 (age 25) |  Maccabi HaifaMaccabi Haifa F.C. Maccabi Haifa Football Club is an Israeli football team from the city of Haifa, a section of Maccabi Haifa sports club. The club has won 12 championships, 5 State Cups and 4 Toto Cups... |
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v. , 26 May 2010 | ||
| Manuel Pamić Manuel Pamic Manuel Pamić is a Croatian footballer, currently playing for AC Sparta Prague.-Career:Pamić started his career in the youth ranks of local club NK Žminj, before moving to NK Istra 1961 at 18 years of age. He impressed at the club and became a regular in the Pula squad. His talent was noticed and... |
20 August 1986 (age 25) |  Sparta Prague |
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| Midfielders | |||||||
| Darijo Srna Darijo Srna Darijo Srna is a Croatian footballer who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk as a captain and is also the captain of the Croatian national team.-Club career:Srna's talent was seen by many scouts in Croatia while he was young... (captain) |
1 May 1982 (age 29) | Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Donetsk. Shakhtar has appeared in several European competitions and currently is often a participant of the UEFA Champions League. The club became the first Ukrainian club to win the UEFA Cup in 2009, the last year... |
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v. , 20 November 2002 | ||
| Jerko Leko | 9 April 1980 (age 31) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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v. , 8 May 2002 | ||
| Luka Modrić Luka Modric Luka Modrić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and for the Croatia national football team.Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence. After showing promise in hometown club Zadar's youth team, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager in 2002. His... |
9 September 1985 (age 26) | Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
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v. , 1 March 2006 | ||
| Ivan Rakitić Ivan Rakitic Ivan Rakitić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Sevilla FC and the Croatian national team.Born in Möhlin, he started his professional career at Swiss giants Basel and spent two seasons with them before establishing popularity for his time in the German Bundesliga with Schalke 04... |
10 March 1988 (age 23) |  Sevilla |
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v. , 8 September 2007 | ||
| Ognjen Vukojević Ognjen Vukojevic Ognjen Vukojević is a Croatian international footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Dynamo Kyiv.-Early career:... |
20 December 1983 (age 28) | Dynamo Kyiv FC Dynamo Kyiv FC Dynamo Kyiv is a professional football club based in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv. Founded in 1927, the club currently participates in the Ukrainian Premier League and has spent its entire history in the top league of Soviet and later Ukrainian football... |
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v. , 16 October 2007 | ||
| Tomislav Dujmović Tomislav Dujmovic Tomislav Dujmović is a Croatian footballer who plays for FC Dynamo Moscow.- International career :Dujmović was called up by Croatian national team manager Slaven Bilić for a friendly game against Liechtenstein in Vinkovci on 14 November 2009... |
26 February 1981 (age 30) | Dynamo Moscow FC Dynamo Moscow Dynamo Moscow is a Russian football club based in Moscow, currently playing in the Russian Premier League. Dynamo's traditional kit colours are blue and white... |
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v. , 14 November 2009 | ||
| Ivan Perišić Ivan Perišic Ivan Perišić is a Croatian football player who plays as a midfielder for German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.-Career:... |
2 February 1989 (age 23) | Borussia Dortmund Borussia Dortmund Ballspielverein Borussia Dortmund, commonly BVB, are a German sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund are one of the most successful clubs in German football history. Borussia Dortmund play in the Bundesliga, the top league of German football... |
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v. , 26 March 2011 | ||
| Ivo Iličević Ivo Ilicevic Ivo Iličević is a Croatian football player of Bosnian Croat descent.-Club career:Iličević began his career in the youth ranks of Viktoria Aschaffenburg, before joining Regionalliga Süd side SV Darmstadt 98 in January 2005. At the club, he quickly became a first-team regular under former Bundesliga... |
14 September 1986 (age 25) | Hamburger SV Hamburger SV Hamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department... |
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v. , 12 October 2010 | ||
| Mato Jajalo Mato Jajalo Mato Jajalo is a Croatian football midfielder, currently playing for 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga.-Career:Jajalo rose through the ranks of Slaven Belupo and has become a starter and key player in the 2006–07 campaign, thus far scoring 4 goals in 18 appearances. On 1 June 2009, Jajalo was... |
25 May 1988 (age 23) | 1. FC Köln 1. FC Köln 1. FC Köln is a German association football club based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was formed in 1948 as a merger of the clubs Kölner Ballspiel-Club 1901 and SpVgg Sülz 07.... |
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| Forwards | |||||||
| Ivica Olić Ivica Olic Ivica Olić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany and internationally for the Croatian national team.- Early career :Olić was born and raised in the village of Davor near Nova Gradiška, Croatia, Yugoslavia... |
14 September 1979 (age 32) | Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups.... |
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v. , 13 February 2002 | ||
| Eduardo Eduardo da Silva Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team... |
25 February 1983 (age 28) | Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Donetsk. Shakhtar has appeared in several European competitions and currently is often a participant of the UEFA Champions League. The club became the first Ukrainian club to win the UEFA Cup in 2009, the last year... |
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v. , 16 November 2004 | ||
| Mario Mandžukić Mario Mandžukic Mario Mandžukić is a Croatian professional footballer playing for VfL Wolfsburg and Croatian national team.-Club career:Mandžukić was born in Slavonski Brod, at the time in SFR Yugoslavia.... |
21 May 1986 (age 25) | VfL Wolfsburg VfL Wolfsburg VfL Wolfsburg is a professional German association football club based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, who play in the Bundesliga football competition. Wolfsburg have won the Bundesliga once in their history, in the 2008–09 season, and were DFB-Pokal runners-up in 1995. The current head coach is Felix... |
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v. , 17 November 2007 | ||
| Nikica Jelavić Nikica Jelavic Nikica Jelavić is a Croatian football centre forward who plays for Scottish Premier League side Rangers and the Croatian national team.... |
27 August 1985 (age 26) |  RangersRangers F.C. Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses... |
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v. , 8 October 2009 | ||
| Nikola Kalinić Nikola Kalinic Nikola Kalinić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the Ukrainian Premier League.Croatia manager Slaven Bilić described him as "the future of Croatian football".-Early career:... |
5 January 1988 (age 24) | Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Football Club Dnipro is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Dnipropetrovsk.-BRIT:The club's franchise traces its history all the way back when the first team that was formed in 1918 by the Petrovsky factory and was called as BRIT . The team participated in the regional competition... |
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v. , 24 May 2008 | ||
- * withdrew from squad
Recent callups
The following players have also been called up to the Croatia squad in 2011 and were not named in the above squad list for various reasons, but are still eligible for selection.Sorted by most recent callup.
| Name | Date of Birth (Age) | Club | Caps | Goals | Debut | Most Recent Callup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | ||||||
| Vedran Runje Vedran Runje Vedran Runje is a Croatian football goalkeeper who is currently a free agent after his contract with RC Lens expired in 2011.-Club career:... |
10 February 1976 (age 35) | Unattached Free agent In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise.... |
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v. , 15 November 2006 | v. , 10 August 2011 |
| Vjekoslav Tomić Vjekoslav Tomic Vjekoslav Tomić is a Croatian football goalkeeper, currently playing for Karabükspor in Turkey.-External links:* at Nogometni Magazin... |
19 July 1983 (age 28) |  KarabüksporKarabükspor Kardemir Demir Çelik Karabükspor is a Turkish sports club based in Karabük, Turkey. The team was founded in 1969 after a unity between Karabük Gençlikspor and Demir Çelik Spor. The club serves in branches as football, wheelchair basketball and volleyball. Currently, the football team plays in Süper... |
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v. , 3 June 2011 | |
| Defenders | ||||||
| Ivan Strinić Ivan Strinić Ivan Strinić , is a Croatian defender who plays for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and the Croatia national football team.-External links:... |
17 July 1987 (age 24) | Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Football Club Dnipro is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Dnipropetrovsk.-BRIT:The club's franchise traces its history all the way back when the first team that was formed in 1918 by the Petrovsky factory and was called as BRIT . The team participated in the regional competition... |
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v. , 19 May 2010 | v. , 11 October 2011 |
| Midfielders | ||||||
| Niko Kranjčar Niko Kranjcar Niko Kranjčar is a Croatian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur and the Croatia national team.He represented two of the biggest clubs in his homeland, playing for Dinamo Zagreb before sparking controversy by making a move to their fierce rivals Hajduk Split in 2005... |
13 August 1984 (age 27) | Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
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v. , 18 August 2004 | v. , 11 October 2011 |
| Milan Badelj Milan Badelj Milan Badelj is a Croatian football midfielder, currently a member of Dinamo Zagreb. His preferred position is a deep-lying playmaker.-Club career:... |
25 February 1989 (age 22) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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v. , 23 May 2010 | v. , 11 October 2011 |
| Drago Gabrić | 27 September 1986 (age 25) | Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split, commonly referred to as Hajduk Split or simply Hajduk, is a Croatian football club founded in 1911 and based in the city of Split. The club's home ground since 1979 is the 35,000-seater Poljud Stadium and the team's traditional home colours are white shirts with blue shorts and... |
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v. , 14 November 2009 | v. , 3 June 2011 |
| Mladen Bartulović Mladen Bartulovic Mladen Bartulović is a Bosnian-born Croatian football player.Bartulović currently plays for FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, loaned from FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.-External links:*... |
5 October 1986 (age 25) | Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Kryvyi Rih. The club currently plays in Ukrainian Premier League and is based in the Metalurh Stadium, which seats 29,734.... |
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v. , 1 February 2006 | v. , 3 June 2011 |
| Ivan Tomečak Ivan Tomecak Ivan Tomečak is a Croatian professional footballer who currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia national under-21 football team.Tomečak started his senior football career at Lokomotiva, making 47 league appearances throughout his 18-months loan spell at Dinamo Zagreb feeder team... |
7 December 1989 (age 22) | Dinamo Zagreb |
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v. , 3 June 2011 | |
| Forwards | ||||||
| Ivan Klasnić Ivan Klasnic Ivan Klasnić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Bolton Wanderers of the Premier League. He is a Croatian international. In 2007, Klasnić underwent a kidney transplant, and became the first player to participate in a major tournament after a transplant.-St. Pauli:Klasnić started his... |
29 January 1980 (age 32) | Bolton Wanderers Bolton Wanderers F.C. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001.... |
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v. , 18 February 2004 | v. , 11 October 2011 |
| Mladen Petrić Mladen Petric Mladen Petrić is a Croatian international footballer who plays for Hamburger SV in the Fußball-Bundesliga Bundesliga. He also holds the Swiss citizenship.-Early life:... |
1 January 1981 (age 31) | Hamburger SV Hamburger SV Hamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department... |
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v. , 10 November 2001 | v. , 10 August 2011 |
| Ante Vukušić Ante Vukušić Ante Vukušić is a Croatian football striker, currently playing for Hajduk Split in the Prva HNL.-Club career:Vukušić started his career playing at youth level for his hometown club Junak Sinj... |
4 June 1991 (age 20) | Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split, commonly referred to as Hajduk Split or simply Hajduk, is a Croatian football club founded in 1911 and based in the city of Split. The club's home ground since 1979 is the 35,000-seater Poljud Stadium and the team's traditional home colours are white shirts with blue shorts and... |
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v. , 3 June 2011 | |
| Srđan Lakić | 2 October 1983 (age 28) | VfL Wolfsburg VfL Wolfsburg VfL Wolfsburg is a professional German association football club based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, who play in the Bundesliga football competition. Wolfsburg have won the Bundesliga once in their history, in the 2008–09 season, and were DFB-Pokal runners-up in 1995. The current head coach is Felix... |
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v. , 9 February 2011 | |
Previous squads
FIFA World Cup squads:- 1998 FIFA World Cup squad
- 2002 FIFA World Cup squad
- 2006 FIFA World Cup squad
UEFA European Football Championship squads:
- UEFA Euro 1996 squad
- UEFA Euro 2004 squad
- UEFA Euro 2008 squad
Managers
Before Croatia's independence distinct Croatian football federations and teams were occasionally formed separately from the official Yugoslavian organizations. Ivo Kraljević served as the manager of the initial federation, established in 1939, and organised non-sanctioned matches played by unofficial national squads up to 1956. These temporary sides, playing non-competitive fixtures, were led by seven different managers.Statistically, Dražan Jerković and Vlatko Marković are the most successful managers in Croatia's history; they both recorded victories in each of their few games in charge. Miroslav Blažević, who was the team's first official manager, holds the highest number of competitive victories, having led Croatia to their best performances at major international tournaments.
| Name | Tenure | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % | Achievements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
1990–1991 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | 3.00 | |
| |
1992 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 25.00 | 1.00 | |
| |
1993 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | 3.00 | |
| |
1994–2000 | 73 | 36 | 22 | 15 | 49.31 | 1.78 | 1996 Euro - Quarter-final 1998 World Cup 1998 FIFA World Cup The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final... - Third place |
| |
2000–2002 | 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 50.00 | 1.83 | 2002 World Cup 2002 FIFA World Cup The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0... - Group stage |
| |
2002–2004 | 24 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 45.83 | 1.70 | 2004 Euro - Group stage |
| |
2004–2006 | 25 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 44.00 | 1.64 | 2006 World Cup 2006 FIFA World Cup The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six... - Group stage |
| |
2006–present | 59 | 40 | 13 | 6 | 67.80 | 2.25 | 2008 Euro - Quarter-final |
| Totals | 207 | 112 | 58 | 36 | 54.11 | 1.90 | ||
- Last updated: Croatia 0-0 Turkey, 15 November 2011. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Most appearances
| # | Name | Clubs | Croatia career | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dario Šimić Dario Šimic Dario Šimić is a retired Croatian football player. Šimić was a versatile defender who played as full-back, sweeper or centre back. A product of Dinamo Zagreb Academy, he later played for Serie A sides Inter Milan and AC Milan and Ligue 1 side Monaco, before returning to Dinamo Zagreb in 2010,... |
Dinamo Zagreb, Internazionale F.C. Internazionale Milano Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always... , Milan A.C. Milan Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others... , Monaco AS Monaco FC Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille... |
1996–2008 | 100 | 3 |
| 2 | Josip Šimunić Josip Šimunic Josip Šimunić is a Croatian footballer who plays as a defender for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian national team.-Club career:... |
Hertha Berlin Hertha BSC Berlin Hertha Berliner Sport-Club von 1892, commonly known as Hertha BSC or Hertha Berlin, is a German association football club based in Berlin. A founding member of the German Football Association in Leipzig in 1900, the club has a long history as Berlin's best-supported side... , Hoffenheim, Dinamo Zagreb |
2001–present | 92 | 3 |
| =3 | Darijo Srna Darijo Srna Darijo Srna is a Croatian footballer who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk as a captain and is also the captain of the Croatian national team.-Club career:Srna's talent was seen by many scouts in Croatia while he was young... |
Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split, commonly referred to as Hajduk Split or simply Hajduk, is a Croatian football club founded in 1911 and based in the city of Split. The club's home ground since 1979 is the 35,000-seater Poljud Stadium and the team's traditional home colours are white shirts with blue shorts and... , Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Donetsk. Shakhtar has appeared in several European competitions and currently is often a participant of the UEFA Champions League. The club became the first Ukrainian club to win the UEFA Cup in 2009, the last year... |
2002–present | 89 | 19 |
| =3 | Stipe Pletikosa Stipe Pletikosa Stipe Pletikosa is a Croatian football goalkeeper who plays for the Russian Premier League club FC Rostov and the Croatian national team, for which he has made 86 appearances.-Hajduk Split:... |
Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split, commonly referred to as Hajduk Split or simply Hajduk, is a Croatian football club founded in 1911 and based in the city of Split. The club's home ground since 1979 is the 35,000-seater Poljud Stadium and the team's traditional home colours are white shirts with blue shorts and... , Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk FC Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Donetsk. Shakhtar has appeared in several European competitions and currently is often a participant of the UEFA Champions League. The club became the first Ukrainian club to win the UEFA Cup in 2009, the last year... , Spartak Moscow FC Spartak Moscow FC Spartak Moscow is a Russian football club from Moscow. Having won 12 Soviet championships and 9 of 19 Russian championships they are one of the country's most successful clubs. They have also won the Soviet Cup 10 times and the Russian Cup 3 times... Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... , Rostov FC Rostov FC Rostov is a Russian football club based in Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast. The club are currently members of the Russian Premier League and play at the Olimp – 2 stadium.-History:... |
1999–present | 89 | 0 |
| 5 | Robert Kovač Robert Kovac Robert Kovač is a retired Croatian football defender.- Early career :Kovač started his career in lower league clubs Rapide Wedding and Hertha Zehlendorf before making his Bundesliga debut with 1. FC Nuremberg in 1995... |
Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups.... , Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... , Borussia Dortmund Borussia Dortmund Ballspielverein Borussia Dortmund, commonly BVB, are a German sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund are one of the most successful clubs in German football history. Borussia Dortmund play in the Bundesliga, the top league of German football... , Dinamo Zagreb |
1999–2009 | 84 | 0 |
| 6 | Niko Kovač Niko Kovac Niko Kovač is a former Croatian footballer who last played as a midfielder for Red Bull Salzburg. He was the long-standing captain of Croatia before retiring from international football in January 2009... |
Bayer Leverkusen, HSV Hamburger SV Hamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department... , Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups.... , Hertha Berlin Hertha BSC Berlin Hertha Berliner Sport-Club von 1892, commonly known as Hertha BSC or Hertha Berlin, is a German association football club based in Berlin. A founding member of the German Football Association in Leipzig in 1900, the club has a long history as Berlin's best-supported side... , Red Bull Salzburg |
1996–2008 | 83 | 14 |
| 7 | Robert Jarni Robert Jarni Robert Jarni is a retired Croatian footballer who played as left winger or wingback. He is now a manager, but is currently without a club after resigning from his managerial post at Istra 1961 in September 2010.... |
Hajduk Split, Bari A.S. Bari Associazione Sportiva Bari is an Italian football club founded in 1908, they are based in Bari, Apulia and plays in Serie B. The club have spent many seasons bouncing between the top two divisions in Italian football, Serie A and Serie B.... , Torino Torino F.C. Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football.... , Juventus Juventus F.C. Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont... , Real Betis Real Betis Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín.... , Real Madrid Real Madrid C.F. Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la... , Las Palmas UD Las Palmas Unión Deportiva Las Palmas, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the autonomous community of Canary Islands... , Panathinaikos Panathinaikos FC Panathinaikos Football Club is a Greek professional football club based in Athens. Founded in 1908, they play in the Super League Greece and are one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Greek football history. They have won 20 Greek Championships and 17 Greek Cups.Panathinaikos is the most... |
1990–2002 | 81 | 1 |
| 8 | Ivica Olić Ivica Olic Ivica Olić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany and internationally for the Croatian national team.- Early career :Olić was born and raised in the village of Davor near Nova Gradiška, Croatia, Yugoslavia... |
NK Zagreb NK Zagreb NK Zagreb is a Croatian football club, from the Croatian capital of Zagreb.NK Zagreb's home is the Stadion Kranjčevićeva with capacity of 8,850. The club's fans are known as the White Angels... , Dinamo Zagreb, CSKA Moscow, Hamburger SV Hamburger SV Hamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department... , Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups.... |
2002–present | 76 | 15 |
| 9 | Davor Šuker Davor Šuker Davor Šuker , is a retired Croatian footballer. He played as a striker for a number of European clubs as well as the Croatian national team, where he is the all-time top goal scorer with 45 goals.... |
Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla Sevilla FC Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA... , Real Madrid Real Madrid C.F. Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la... , Arsenal Arsenal F.C. Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups... , West Ham United West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... , 1860 Munich TSV 1860 München Turn- und Sportverein München von 1860, commonly known as TSV 1860 München or 1860 Munich, is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. The club's football team plays in the Second Bundesliga, after relegation from the Bundesliga following the 2003–04 season... |
1990–2002 | 69 | 45 |
| 10 | Niko Kranjčar Niko Kranjcar Niko Kranjčar is a Croatian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur and the Croatia national team.He represented two of the biggest clubs in his homeland, playing for Dinamo Zagreb before sparking controversy by making a move to their fierce rivals Hajduk Split in 2005... |
Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk Split, commonly referred to as Hajduk Split or simply Hajduk, is a Croatian football club founded in 1911 and based in the city of Split. The club's home ground since 1979 is the 35,000-seater Poljud Stadium and the team's traditional home colours are white shirts with blue shorts and... , Portsmouth Portsmouth F.C. Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from... , Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
2004–present | 68 | 15 |
- Last updated: Croatia 0-0 Turkey, 15 November 2011. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Top goalscorers
| # | Name | Croatia career | Goals | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davor Šuker Davor Šuker Davor Šuker , is a retired Croatian footballer. He played as a striker for a number of European clubs as well as the Croatian national team, where he is the all-time top goal scorer with 45 goals.... |
1990–2002 | 45 | 69 |
| 2 | Eduardo da Silva Eduardo da Silva Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team... |
2004–present | 22 | 44 |
| 3 | Darijo Srna Darijo Srna Darijo Srna is a Croatian footballer who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk as a captain and is also the captain of the Croatian national team.-Club career:Srna's talent was seen by many scouts in Croatia while he was young... |
2002–present | 19 | 89 |
| =4 | Goran Vlaović Goran Vlaovic Goran Vlaović is a former Croatian football striker.-Club career:Vlaović started his professional career with Osijek in 1989 and moved to Dinamo Zagreb in 1992, before going abroad to play for Calcio Padova in Italy, Valencia in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece, where he retired in June 2004... |
1992–2002 | 15 | 52 |
| =4 | Niko Kranjčar Niko Kranjcar Niko Kranjčar is a Croatian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur and the Croatia national team.He represented two of the biggest clubs in his homeland, playing for Dinamo Zagreb before sparking controversy by making a move to their fierce rivals Hajduk Split in 2005... |
2004–present | 15 | 68 |
| =4 | Ivica Olić Ivica Olic Ivica Olić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany and internationally for the Croatian national team.- Early career :Olić was born and raised in the village of Davor near Nova Gradiška, Croatia, Yugoslavia... |
2002–present | 15 | 76 |
| 7 | Niko Kovač Niko Kovac Niko Kovač is a former Croatian footballer who last played as a midfielder for Red Bull Salzburg. He was the long-standing captain of Croatia before retiring from international football in January 2009... |
1996–2008 | 14 | 83 |
| =8 | Zvonimir Boban Zvonimir Boban Zvonimir Boban is a Croatian former football midfielder who played most of his professional career for Serie A club Milan, with whom he won four Serie A titles and the Champions League. He was a member of the Croatia national team which attained third place at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, with Boban... |
1990–1999 | 12 | 51 |
| =8 | Ivan Klasnić Ivan Klasnic Ivan Klasnić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Bolton Wanderers of the Premier League. He is a Croatian international. In 2007, Klasnić underwent a kidney transplant, and became the first player to participate in a major tournament after a transplant.-St. Pauli:Klasnić started his... |
2004–present | 12 | 41 |
| =8 | Mladen Petrić Mladen Petric Mladen Petrić is a Croatian international footballer who plays for Hamburger SV in the Fußball-Bundesliga Bundesliga. He also holds the Swiss citizenship.-Early life:... |
2001–present | 12 | 44 |
- Last updated: Croatia 0-0 Turkey, 15 November 2011. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
1940s participants
From 1940 to 1944 FIFA affiliated national teams played under the banner of the "Independent State of CroatiaIndependent State of Croatia
The Independent State of Croatia was a World War II puppet state of Nazi Germany, established on a part of Axis-occupied Yugoslavia. The NDH was founded on 10 April 1941, after the invasion of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers. All of Bosnia and Herzegovina was annexed to NDH, together with some parts...
" nineteen friendly matches
Croatia national football team games - 1940s
This is a list of football games played by the Croatia national football team between 1940 and 1944.-Banovina of Croatia:Within the Banovina of Croatia, the Croatian Football Federation organized a national team which competed internationally, but was not FIFA-recognized.-Independent State of...
, of which it won nine, drew four and lost six. Twelve players scored for the team during this period.
| # | Name | Croatia career | Goals | Caps | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franjo Wölfl Franjo Wölfl Franjo Wölfl was a Croatian footballer. He played international football first with the Kingdom of Yugoslavia national team from 1938 and then the Croatian national team from 1940 to 1944. Finally, Wölfl suited up for communist Yugoslavia's national team from 1945 to 1951.Wölfl spent much of his... |
1940–1944 | 13 | 18 | 0.72 |
| 2 | Zvonimir Cimermančić Zvonimir Cimermancic Zvonimir Cimermančić was a Croatian footballer.He began his playing career with HŠK Građanski Zagreb's youth side before moving to ŠK Slavija Varaždin. In 1938 he returned to Građanski and in the following season won the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's last national championship... |
1940–1944 | 8 | 17 | 0.47 |
| 3 | August Lešnik August Lešnik August Lešnik was a Croatian footballer. Lešnik played most of his club football for Građanski Zagreb. In 1941 he was the Croatian First League's top scorer while playing for Građanski, and performed the same feat twice in the Yugoslavian First League as well: in 1938 and 1939... |
1940–1944 | 6 | 9 | 0.66 |
| =4 | Milan Antolković Milan Antolkovic Milan Antolković was a Croatian footballer who played international football for the both the Croatian and Royal Yugoslav national teams.... |
1940–1943 | 3 | 9 | 0.33 |
| =4 | Branko Pleše Branko Pleše Branko "Isusek" Pleše was a Croatian footballer who played international football for the Croatian and both the royal and communist Yugoslavian national teams.... |
1941–1944 | 3 | 13 | 0.23 |
| =6 | Slavko Pavletić Slavko Pavletic Slavko Pavletić was a Croatian football midfielder who tenured within Croatia during his spanned career. He most notably participated for the Croatia national football team during the era's of the World War. Playing only 4 games for his temporary national side, he scored 2 goals in a majority of... |
1941–1942 | 2 | 4 | 0.50 |
| =6 | Mirko Kokotović Mirko Kokotovic Mirko Kokotović was a Croatian footballer who played international football for the both the Croatian and Royal Yugoslavian national teams.... |
1940–1944 | 2 | 15 | 0.13 |
| =8 | Slavko Beda Slavko Beda Slavko Beda was a Croatian footballer who played internationally for the Croatian national team.He started his career with Concordia Zagreb in 1939 and stayed with the club until its disbanding... |
1941 | 1 | 1 | 1.00 |
| =8 | Antun Lokošek Antun Lokošek Antun Lokošek was a Croatian footballer who played for Hašk-Građanski during the ruling under Yugoslavia. During his career, he also played for the short lived Croatia national football team during the 1940s. He recorded only a single cap at national level, scoring in his only appearance against... |
1944 | 1 | 1 | 1.00 |
| =8 | Zvonko Jazbec Zvonko Jazbec Zvonko Jazbec was a Croatian football goalkeeper. He spent his career at HŠK Concordia Zagreb during the early years of Yugoslavia.... |
1940 | 1 | 3 | 0.33 |
| =8 | Florijan Matekalo Florijan Matekalo Florijan Matekalo was a Croatian and Yugoslav footballer and manager. He played for both the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's national team and the Banovina of Croatia's national team.Matekalo started his career with local side Elektrobosna Jajce before moving to Slavija Sarajevo... |
1940 | 1 | 4 | 0.25 |
| =8 | Ratko Kacijan | 1940–1943 | 1 | 10 | 0.10 |
Records
Dario Šimić, with 100 appearances before his 2008 retirement, is Croatia's most capped international player, surpassing Robert JarniRobert Jarni
Robert Jarni is a retired Croatian footballer who played as left winger or wingback. He is now a manager, but is currently without a club after resigning from his managerial post at Istra 1961 in September 2010....
's record of 81 appearances.
With 45 goals scored, Davor Šuker
Davor Šuker
Davor Šuker , is a retired Croatian footballer. He played as a striker for a number of European clubs as well as the Croatian national team, where he is the all-time top goal scorer with 45 goals....
is Croatia's highest-scoring player. He was named Croatia's "Golden Player" at the UEFA jubilee celebration in 2004 in recognition of this achievement. Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team...
is in a distant second position with 22 goals (as of October 2011). Mladen Petrić
Mladen Petric
Mladen Petrić is a Croatian international footballer who plays for Hamburger SV in the Fußball-Bundesliga Bundesliga. He also holds the Swiss citizenship.-Early life:...
holds the national team record for goals in a single match, having scored four times during Croatia's 7–0 home victory over Andorra
Andorra national football team
The Andorra national football team represents Andorra in association football and is controlled by the Andorran Football Federation, the governing body for football in Andorra. The team has enjoyed very little success due to the Principality's tiny population, the fourth smallest of any UEFA...
on October 7, 2006.
The national team's joint record for highest-scoring victory comes from two 7–0 results, over Andorra
Andorra national football team
The Andorra national football team represents Andorra in association football and is controlled by the Andorran Football Federation, the governing body for football in Andorra. The team has enjoyed very little success due to the Principality's tiny population, the fourth smallest of any UEFA...
in 2006 and Australia in 1998. Croatia's worst defeat is also a joint record, the Independent State of Croatia
Independent State of Croatia
The Independent State of Croatia was a World War II puppet state of Nazi Germany, established on a part of Axis-occupied Yugoslavia. The NDH was founded on 10 April 1941, after the invasion of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers. All of Bosnia and Herzegovina was annexed to NDH, together with some parts...
side having twice lost 5–1 defeats to Germany in the 1940s. In the modern era Croatia lost 4–1 to Slovakia
Slovakia national football team
The Slovakia national football team represents Slovakia in association football and is controlled by the Slovak Football Association , the governing body for football in Slovakia. Slovakia's home stadium is Štadión Pasienky and their head coach is Vladimír Weiss...
in a 1994 friendly and 3–0 to Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
at Euro 96. The worst defeat in the modern period was the 5–1 loss to England in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Hierarchy
The Croatian team is a fully licensed member of FIFAFIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
and UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
. FIFA governs Croatia's participation in global international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
; UEFA presides over European tournaments.
The team is also governed by the Croatian Football Federation
Croatian Football Federation
The Croatian Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Croatia. It was originally formed in 1912 and is based in the capital city of Zagreb. The organisation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in Croatia...
, which governs domestic football under FIFA and UEFA affiliation. The federation is led by Vlatko Marković
Vlatko Markovic
Vladimir "Vlatko" Marković Vladimir "Vlatko" Marković Vladimir "Vlatko" Marković (born 1 January 1937 in Bugojno, Kingdom of Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) is a former football player, football manager, and current president of Croatian Football Federation ....
, who represents the team in conferences. The federation (abbreviated HNS) governs player registration and selects the team coaching staff and pays players' salaries. Head coach Slaven Bilić
Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilić is a former Croatian footballer and current head coach of the Croatia national team. His playing tenure predominantly comprised extended vocations in his hometown with Hajduk Split and a combination of foreign spells in Germany and England...
selects and organises national squad players and enforces team policies.
Stadium
Most home matches take place at the Maksimir Stadium in ZagrebZagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
. The venue, built 1912 and refurbished in 1997, is named after the surrounding neighbourhood of Maksimir
Maksimir
Maksimir is one of the neighborhoods of Zagreb, Croatia. Maksimir stadium and Maksimir Park are located in it. It was named after the bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac....
. The stadium has hosted national games since Croatia's competitive home debut against Lithuania
Lithuania national football team
The national football team of Lithuania is under the auspices of the Lithuanian Football Federation. It played its first match in 1923. In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union; the country regained its independence in 1990 and played their first match as a new nation against Georgia on...
; it also hosted the Croatian teams' home matches during World War II. The football federation and the Croatian government have agreed further improvements (among them an increase in the current forty-thousand seating capacity
Seating capacity
Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats...
) that would make Maksimir the most expensive football stadium in the world. However, in 2008, UEFA threatened to limit the number of fans allowed to attend home games after crowd discipline problems during the European Championships. Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić
Milan Bandic
Milan Bandić is an influential Croatian politician currently serving his fourth term as mayor of Croatia's capital, Zagreb. Between 2000 and 2009, he was a prominent member of the Social Democratic Party of Croatia . In 2007, he unsuccessfully ran for party president. However, he remained one of...
declined the final renovation plans in 2008, citing high construction costs; as of December 2008 the renovations are postponed.
Home matches were occasionally played at other venues. The Poljud Stadium in Split
Split (city)
Split is a Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its wide port bay. With a population of 178,192 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is by far the largest Dalmatian city and...
hosted several qualifying fixtures for Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
. Ever since the first match in 1995 against Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
which ended 1-1, Croatia was unable to win an official FIFA-recognised match at Poljud. That fact was known amongst the Croatian public as "Poljud curse". The unusual curse was finally broken in June 2011 with a 2-1 win against Georgia
Georgia national football team
The Georgia national football team is the national association football team of Georgia and is controlled by the Georgian Football Federation. The Georgian team's first match took place in 1990, while Georgia was still part of the Soviet Union. The team have attempted to qualify for each major...
. The team also played qualifying matches at the Gradski vrt
Gradski vrt
Gradski vrt is a multi-use stadium in the Croatian city of Osijek. It is home to two Croatian football clubs, NK Osijek and Fortuna VNO Osijek.It has a capacity of 22,050 .- History :...
stadium in Osijek
Osijek
Osijek is the fourth largest city in Croatia with a population of 83,496 in 2011. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural centre of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia, as well as the administrative centre of Osijek-Baranja county...
and the NK Varteks stadium in Varaždin
Varaždin
Varaždin is a city in north Croatia, north of Zagreb on the highway A4. The total population is 47,055, with 38,746 on of the city settlement itself . The centre of Varaždin county is located near the Drava river, at...
.
Home venues record
Since Croatia's first fixture (October 17, 1990 vs. United StatesUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
) they have played home games at nine stadiums.
| Venue | City | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | Points per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadion Maksimir | Zagreb Zagreb Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city... |
48 | 32 | 14 | 2 | 102 | 25 | 2.29 |
| Stadion Kantrida | Rijeka Rijeka Rijeka is the principal seaport and the third largest city in Croatia . It is located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea and has a population of 128,735 inhabitants... |
11 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 4 | 2.81 |
| Stadion Poljud | Split Split (city) Split is a Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its wide port bay. With a population of 178,192 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is by far the largest Dalmatian city and... |
10 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 0.90 |
| Stadion Anđelko Herjavec | Varaždin Varaždin Varaždin is a city in north Croatia, north of Zagreb on the highway A4. The total population is 47,055, with 38,746 on of the city settlement itself . The centre of Varaždin county is located near the Drava river, at... |
6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 2.33 |
| Stadion Gradski vrt | Osijek Osijek Osijek is the fourth largest city in Croatia with a population of 83,496 in 2011. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural centre of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia, as well as the administrative centre of Osijek-Baranja county... |
6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 2.33 |
| Stadion Aldo Drosina | Pula Pula Pula is the largest city in Istria County, Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula, with a population of 62,080 .Like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, and unspoiled nature. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing,... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1.50 |
| Stadion Kranjčevićeva | Zagreb Zagreb Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city... |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3.00 |
| Stadion Šubićevac Stadion Šubicevac Stadion Šubićevac is a small association football stadium in Šibenik, Croatia. It serves as home stadium for the HNK Šibenik football club. The stadium has a capacity of 8,000 . It is named after the historic Croatian noble house of Šubić. The stadium was in the Communist era known as Rade Končar... |
Šibenik Šibenik Šibenik is a historic town in Croatia, with population of 51,553 . It is located in central Dalmatia where the river Krka flows into the Adriatic Sea... |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1.00 |
| Stadion HNK Cibalia | Vinkovci Vinkovci Vinkovci is a city in Croatia, in the Vukovar-Syrmia County. In the 2011 census, the total population of the city was 35,375, making it the largest town of the county... |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3.00 |
| Totals | 83 | 52 | 25 | 6 | 168 | 53 | 2.18 | |
- Last updated: Croatia 0-0 Turkey, 15 November 2011. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Names
Under the official FIFA Trigramme the team’s name is abbreviated as CRO; this acronym is used to identify the team in FIFA and media. The team is also identified under the International Organization for StandardizationInternational Organization for Standardization
The International Organization for Standardization , widely known as ISO, is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization promulgates worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial...
country code
ISO 3166-1 alpha-3
ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes are three-letter country codes defined in ISO 3166-1, part of the ISO 3166 standard published by the International Organization for Standardization , to represent countries, dependent territories, and special areas of geographical interest...
for Croatia, HRV. "Croatia national football team" can be translated into Croatian
Croatian language
Croatian is the collective name for the standard language and dialects spoken by Croats, principally in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbian province of Vojvodina and other neighbouring countries...
as "Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija" . Among the team's nicknames are Vatreni ("The Blazers") and, more recently, "Bilić Boys" (from the name of the coach, Slaven Bilić
Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilić is a former Croatian footballer and current head coach of the Croatia national team. His playing tenure predominantly comprised extended vocations in his hometown with Hajduk Split and a combination of foreign spells in Germany and England...
).
Jersey
Croatia's initial jersey was designed in 1990 by Miroslav ŠutejMiroslav Šutej
Miroslav Šutej was a Croatian avant-garde painter and graphic artist.Šutej was born in Duga Resa in 1936. He studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts Zagreb and was an associate in Krsto Hegedušić's master's workshop...
, who also designed the nations coat of arms.. Although slightly altered by Nike
Nike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
since its original release, the jersey has remained similar as a national identity; the checkered design is also used to represent other Croatian sports teams and athletes.
Training
Croatia's traditional training ground is located in Čatež, SloveniaSlovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
, where the team prepares for all upcoming matches. However, the HNS has announced the production of a new training ground located in Tuhelj
Tuhelj
Tuhelj is a village and municipality in Krapina-Zagorje county in Croatia. According to the 2001 census, there are 2,181 inhabitants in the area, the majority of which are Croats. Tuhelj is famous for its spa....
to accommodate further training improvements.
Supporters
Prominent among Croatia's supporters are followers of Hajduk Split and Dinamo ZagrebDinamo Zagreb
GNK Dinamo Zagreb, commonly referred to as Dinamo Zagreb , or by their nickname Modri are a Croatian football club based in Zagreb. They play their home matches at Stadion Maksimir. They are the most successful club in Croatian football, having won thirteen Croatian championship titles, ten...
, the two best-supported clubs in the Croatian domestic league, the Prva HNL. The clubs' ultra
Ultras
Ultras are a type of sports fans renowned for their fanatical support and elaborate displays. They are predominantly European followers of football teams...
-style supporter groups, the Bad Blue Boys
Bad Blue Boys
Bad Blue Boys are an Ultras group who support the Croatian football club GNK Dinamo Zagreb.-History:Bad Blue Boys were originally founded on 17 March 1986 in Zagreb , with members from different areas of Zagreb...
of Zagreb and The Torcida
Torcida Split
Torcida is a Hajduk Split supporters group, from Croatia, founded on 28 October 1950. The name "Torcida" is the Brazilian Portuguese word for "supporters". Club fans operate from Zrinsko Frankopanska-17, Split...
from Split
Split (city)
Split is a Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its wide port bay. With a population of 178,192 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is by far the largest Dalmatian city and...
, have both been associated with hooliganism
Hooliganism
Hooliganism refers to unruly, destructive, aggressive and bullying behaviour. Such behaviour is commonly associated with sports fans. The term can also apply to general rowdy behaviour and vandalism, often under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs....
, though violence between the two is not reported at international games. Major support for Croatia national team comes from Croats living in Bosnia & Herzegovina, followers of Mostar football club HŠK Zrinjski Mostar
HŠK Zrinjski Mostar
HŠK Zrinjski Mostar is a football team from the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The club plays in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has been one of the top teams in the country over the years....
, known as Ultras Zrinjski
Ultras Zrinjski
Ultras-Zrinjski, official: Klub navijača Ultras-Zrinjski Mostar is the organisation of football supporters of the football club HSK Zrinjski Mostar. They support all sports teams under HŠK Zrinjski .The fan club's name was given in 1993...
being one of the most recognized supporters of the Croatia national team. Croatia's supporters are collectively affiliated with Uvijek Vjerni (translated as 'Always Faithful'), which is the national team's official fan association aiming to bring together all fans around the world.
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
a fan evaded security at a German venue and approached Croatian players on the field; he was arrested for trespassing. During a friendly match against Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
in Livorno
Livorno
Livorno , traditionally Leghorn , is a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the western edge of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Livorno, having a population of approximately 160,000 residents in 2009.- History :...
, a small group of Croatian fans stood in a swastika
Swastika
The swastika is an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles, in either right-facing form in counter clock motion or its mirrored left-facing form in clock motion. Earliest archaeological evidence of swastika-shaped ornaments dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization of Ancient...
formation in response to Italians fans waving communist
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
flags; UEFA penalized the Croatian football federation for the incident. Similar events occurred at Euro 2008; UEFA penalized Croatia for a display of racist banners against Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
and FIFA fined the Croatian football federation for racial abuse of England striker Emile Heskey
Emile Heskey
Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey is an English footballer who plays for Aston Villa as a striker.Born in Leicester, Heskey started his career with hometown club Leicester City after progressing through their youth system, making his first team debut in 1995...
on September 10, 2008.
Croatia fans often use flares in both domestic league derby matches and in international games, a practice which, according to agent Igor Štimac
Igor Štimac
Igor Štimac is a retired Croatian football player. He is now a football agent and a manager...
and midfielder Luka Modrić
Luka Modric
Luka Modrić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and for the Croatia national football team.Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence. After showing promise in hometown club Zadar's youth team, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager in 2002. His...
, motivates the Croatian team. The practice is banned at most international games and Croatia fans have been reprimanded and had devices confiscated by UEFA and FIFA security staff. Croatia fans also clashed with Turkish Muslims during a Euro 2008 game against Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
. Security was tightened when Croats and Turks gathered in Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
shortly before the quarter final game of the tournament; after the match, Croatian fans resisted police and brawled with Turkish fans.
Tensions with fans of sides from other former Yugoslav states have also manifested at Croatia games. Croatia fans in the crowd at a June 3, 1990 game between Yugoslavia and the Netherlands booed the Yugoslavian national anthem
Hey, Slavs
Hey, Slavs is an anthemic song dedicated to Slavic peoples. Its first lyrics were written in 1834 under the title Hey, Slovaks by Samuel Tomášik and it has since served as the anthem of the Pan-Slavic movement, the anthem of the Sokol physical education and political movement, the anthem of the...
and players and cheered for the Dutch side instead. Maksimir Stadium was the scene of a riot
Dinamo Zagreb-Red Star Belgrade riot
The Dinamo Zagreb–Red Star Belgrade riot was a football riot that took place on May 13, 1990 at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, Croatia between the Bad Blue Boys and the Delije...
between Croat and Serb fans at a Dinamo Zagreb – Red Star Belgrade
Red Star Belgrade
Red Star Belgrade is a football club from Belgrade, Serbia. The club is a part of the Red Star Sports Society.Red Star Belgrade is the most successful Serbian club, with a record of 25 national championships and 23 national cups in both Serbian and ex-Yugoslav competitions...
game following the parliamentary election
Croatian parliamentary election, 1990
Parliamentary elections were held in Croatia on 22 April 1990, with a second round of voting on 6 May. The first free elections since multi-party politics were introduced, they resulted in a victory for the Croatian Democratic Union, which won 55 of the 80 seats...
the same year. During the 2006 World Cup brawls broke out between Bosniaks
Bosniaks
The Bosniaks or Bosniacs are a South Slavic ethnic group, living mainly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a smaller minority also present in other lands of the Balkan Peninsula especially in Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia...
and Croats in Mostar
Mostar
Mostar is a city and municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the largest and one of the most important cities in the Herzegovina region and the center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation. Mostar is situated on the Neretva river and is the fifth-largest city in the country...
.
Media and public relations
Team sport
A team sport includes any sport which involves players working together towards a shared objective. A team sport is an activity in which a group of individuals, on the same team, work together to accomplish an ultimate goal which is usually to win. This can be done in a number of ways such as...
and occupied a large role in the country's independent break-up from Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
. Nationalism
Nationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what...
grew during the team's formation in the 1990s when Franjo Tuđman was elected president. By competing separately in both official and unofficial matches, the national team strengthened the unity of Croatian culture, an accomplishment which the predominant Catholic Church and economy were criticized for failing. Furthermore, Tuđman’s correlation with the national team became a strong force towards becoming a patriotic Croatian state. After Croatia’s success at the 1998 World Cup, Tuđman declared that "football victories shape a nation’s identity as much as wars". The team’s unanimous support grew largely after such attention from the political party. American politician and diplomat Strobe Talbott
Strobe Talbott
Nelson Strobridge "Strobe" Talbott III is an American foreign policy analyst associated with Yale University and the Brookings Institution, a former journalist associated with Time magazine and diplomat who served as the Deputy Secretary of State from 1994 to 2001.-Early life:Born in Dayton, Ohio...
predicted Croatia’s growth in football to influence that of the nation itself. The national team were greeted by Tuđman and 100,000 residents from all around the country after their return from the World Cup where they placed third. Tuđman spoke on behalf of the supporters by honouring the squad upon their appearance.
Though the relationship between the team and any political party has waned since Tuđman's death in 1999, the team (and football) remain patriotic traditions in Croatia as in the rest of Europe.
The team also receive constant media attention; their games are regularly broadcast live on HRT
Croatian Radiotelevision
Croatian Radiotelevision is a Croatian public broadcasting company. It operates several radio and television channels, over a domestic transmitter network as well as satellite...
2 also like in the rest of Europe.
Shortly after becoming manager, Slaven Bilić and his rock band released a single, "Vatreno Ludilo" (Fiery Madness), which recalled the team's progress during the 1998 World Cup and praised their present ambitions. The song reached the top position on the Croatian music charts and was widely played during Euro 2008. Because of Bilić's enthusiasm, the team was dubbed "Bilić's Boys". Other Croatian artists such as Dino Dvornik
Dino Dvornik
Miljenko "Dino" Dvornik was a Croatian singer, songwriter, music producer, actor and reality television star.-Early life:...
, Connect, Prljavo Kazalište
Prljavo kazalište
Prljavo kazalište is a rock and roll band from Zagreb, Croatia. Since its formation in 1977, the group changed several music styles and line ups but remained one of the top acts of both the Croatian and the former Yugoslav rock scenes.-Beginnings:Prljavo kazalište was formed in 1977 in Dubrava,...
and Baruni
Baruni
Baruni is a Croatian pop band. The group was formed in 1991.Name "baruni" was given by Tomislav Ivčić.The group was previously signed to Croatia Records, but is currently working with rival Hit Records...
have recorded songs in support of the team, among which are "Malo Nas Je al Nas Ima" (We are few, but we are many), "Samo je Jedno" (There is but one thing [in my life]), "Moj Dom je Hrvatska" (My Home is Croatia), "Srce Vatreno" (Heart of Fire), and "Hrvatska je Prvak Svijeta" (Croatia[ns] are world champions).
Additionally, the team adopted the song "Lijepa li si" (How beautiful you are) by rock artist Thompson
Marko Perkovic
Marko Perković is a Croatian musician and is the lead singer of the band Thompson since 1991....
, mainly because of its similarity to the Croatian national anthem
Lijepa naša domovino
"Lijepa naša domovino" is the national anthem of Croatia. It is often referred to as just "Lijepa naša" in Croatia, which is also a phrase widely used as a metonym for the country....
. Many of Thompson's songs have been played during significant games; however, when Croatia faced Israel
Israel national football team
The Israel national football team is the national football team of Israel, controlled by the Israel Football Association .Israel National Football is the direct successor of the Eretz Yisrael National Team during British Mandate...
in a home qualifying fixture, Thompson songs were not played due to Jewish
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
organisations' criticism of the band. At the conclusion of the match, the squad and management team voiced their concerns and opposed the allegations of the band's racism.
All-time team record
The following tables show Croatia's all-time international record, correct as of 15 November 2011.*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
Modern Croatian team (1990–present)
| Croatia all-time record (1990–present) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opponents | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | +24 | |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 6 | +4 | |
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | |
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 2 | +5 | |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 6 | +8 | |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | |
| 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 18 | −8 | |
| 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 1 | +12 | |
| 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | −6 | |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 6 | +2 | |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 8 | −2 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | |
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 4 | +8 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | |
| 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 8 | +12 | |
| 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 8 | +1 | |
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 4 | +12 | |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | |
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 | +4 | |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | −5 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | +8 | |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | |
| 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 16 | 8 | +8 | |
| 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | −1 | |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | |
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 5 | +7 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
Pre-independence team (1940–1944, 1950, 1956)
For explanation see: Croatia national football team games - 1940sCroatia national football team games - 1940s
This is a list of football games played by the Croatia national football team between 1940 and 1944.-Banovina of Croatia:Within the Banovina of Croatia, the Croatian Football Federation organized a national team which competed internationally, but was not FIFA-recognized.-Independent State of...
, Pre-independence period (above), Croatia - List of international matches, Detailed list of all Croatia's games.
All fixtures were friendly.
| Opponents | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | −10 | |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | −2 | |
| 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 9 | +16 | |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | +4 | |
| Total | 21 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 51 | 34 | +17 |
See also
- List of Croatia international footballers
- Croatia women's national football teamCroatia women's national football teamThe Croatia women's national football team represents the Republic of Croatia in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country.-World Cup record:...
- Croatia national under-21 football teamCroatia national under-21 football teamThe Croatia national under-21 football team, also known as Croatia under-21 or Croatia U21 is a youth association football national team which represents Croatia at this age level and is a feeder team for the Croatia national football team....
- Croatia national under-20 football teamCroatia national under-20 football teamThe Croatia national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of Croatia and is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Croatia.-History:...
- Croatia national under-19 football teamCroatia national under-19 football team-2012 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship :-2012 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship :-Latest squad:...
- Croatia national under-17 football teamCroatia national under-17 football teamThe Croatia national under-17 football team represents Croatia in international football at this age level and is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Croatia.The Head Coach is Ivan Gudelj...
External links
- Croatian Football Federation official website
- Official supporters' club website
- Detailed list of all Croatia's games (Last updated 9 September 2009)
- Croatia - List of international matches at RSSSFRec.Sport.Soccer Statistics FoundationThe Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation is an international amateur organization dedicated to collecting statistics about association football...
(Last updated 16 May 2008) - Croatia - Players' stats at RSSSFRec.Sport.Soccer Statistics FoundationThe Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation is an international amateur organization dedicated to collecting statistics about association football...
(Last updated 29 March 2011) - Information about Croatia at Sportnet.hrSportnet.hrSportnet.hr is a Croatian sports news website.It was launched in 2000 and covers sports news from both Croatia and the rest of the world. It is considered the largest and most detailed sports news website on the Croatian internet, primarily covering the country's most popular sports such as...
- Official website of Sportske novostiSportske novostiSportske novosti is a Croatian daily sports newspaper based in Zagreb.It was first published as a weekly magazine on 9 August 1945 . It changed its name to Narodni sport on 10 December 1945...