World Cup finalist Croatia bringing rebuilt team to Qatar
Associated PressWas Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final a one-off? Wins over World Cup champion France, Denmark and Austria in the Nations League this year show Croatia is getting back on track following a period of underwhelming results after 2018. NEW BLOOD The veterans on the team have combined well with younger players like 20-year-old Leipzig center back Joško Gvardiol, widely considered one of Europe’s best young defensive players and already a regular in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Despite its relatively small size, Croatia is a regular at major tournaments, having only missed one World Cup since placing third in its debut in 1998 following the break-up of Yugoslavia. Croatia’s recipe for success includes a passionate soccer fanbase and elite youth academies at clubs like Champions League regular Dinamo Zagreb.