Croatia opens the World Cup group stage in Group L against their toughest opponent, Thomas Tuchel’s England, on Wednesday, June 17th at 4 pm ET in Dallas. The Vatreni are coming off two mediocre friendly performances, having used two different formations. The big question is whether Dalić opts for the reliable four-back, or was he truthful in his press conferences and lines up with three defenders?
Croatiansports.com believes that Croatia must play a 4-2-3-1.
Defence
This is a pretty straightforward selection, with superstars Joško Gvardiol and Luka Vušković at the head of the defence. Josip Stanišić has had a great season and is our best right-back option, and Josip Šutalo offers speed to complement Vušković in the centre-back duo.
Midfield
Mateo Kovačić is not fully fit and is not complementary to Modrić in a dynamic midfield. 22-year-old Petar Sučić is an elite talent and offers incredible legs, control, and decision-making next to Maestro Luka in the middle of the pitch. He is a must-start, and Dalić would be making a grave mistake dropping him for the likes of Kovačić against a quick English side. He would be the perfect Luka sub at the 60-70th minute mark.
Martin Baturina‘s breakout season with Como and his great performances in the friendlies (bar his unfortunate mistake against Slovenia) should have earned him the 10 role spearheading the Croatian attack with his creativity and ball retention. Do not be shocked to see veteran Andrej Kramarić start in Dalić’s team however.
Attack
Ivan Perišić is a lock, and so should be the only right-winger in the squad — Marco Pašalić — right?… Well, you never know. But I’d go for the quick, creative youngster from Orlando, as he has yet to put up a poor/mediocre performance in the checkers.
Up top, we need speed. Get the Moose in there. Petar Musa has the legs, the touch, and a striking shot to be at the head of our attack. Ante Budimir may have scored 17 goals in LaLiga, but he only has a mere six with the National Team in over 30 matches. I understand he is the likely starter, but I prefer Musa’s toolkit. In all honesty, the three strikers will probably not be the source of Croatia’s goals this tournament, as many will be chipped in from midfield and defence. Thus, I’d rather have the best profile at the 9. Musa can press, link up, and provide a healthier-looking Croatian attack, rather than Budimir’s slower play.
How would YOU line up in this 2018 semi-final rematch? What are your predictions for this crucial first match, which will likely decide who finishes 1st and enjoys a lighter knockout path, and who finishes 2nd, facing the Colombia/Spain gauntlet?
How is Embolo starting ?
He’s a convicted criminal I thought we don’t let those in the US ?
Weird
Also concerned about his refugee/asylum claim from Cameroon to France then Switzerland
Cameroon is home to 500,000 asylum/refugee from CAR and Nigeria – so it follows that if Cameroon is safe enough for them – then it’s not dangerous enough for native Cameroon to flee ? Just stay clear of Boko Haram and ur all good
It’s too bad Croatia isn’t a desirable country form fake asylum / refugee claimants – hopefully one day that will changes 🤞
Even Canada isn’t letting in Partey in for the Ghana Panama game
Beyond ironic
Markus –
This looks like who you want to start rather then who will start
Dalic has already confirmed that Modric, Kova, Perisic, Kramaric and Budimir will all start
Dalic respects seniority and hierarchy and we should respect Dalic and his decisions
He’s also said Vuskovic isn’t ready to start at the WC so that ain’t happening either
Read the title. “Croatiansports’ Recommended Starting XI”.
“Croatia are expected to face England with the same starting XI that played against Belgium.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Livaković – Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol- Stanišić, Modrić, Kovačić, Perišić – Petar Sučić, Baturina – Musa.”