(Football news) Croatia's run to the World Cup final in 2018 was somewhat extraordinary but they have set a new standard for them as an independent nation, after previously reaching the semifinals of the World Cup in 1998 held in France. With a squad filled with Champions League pedigree players, Zlatko Dalic's side finally clicked together on the world stage four years ago, as they stormed past Denmark and England, before eventually losing out to France in the final.

However, after their shock round of 16 exit at EURO 2020 they have regrouped since then, and Dalic will be looking to drag one more big-tournament performance from his veteran stars who might be playing their last World Cup in Qatar. They will be captained by Real Madrid star Luka Modric as Croatia will boast one of the most experienced squads at the World Cup, and Dalic will be relying on their experience to drive their momentum once again.

The most notable inclusion was that of midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who was an injury doubt in the weeks leading up to the tournament. He suffered a hamstring issue in late September, and missed all of October for Inter. Defender Vida is also an injury doubt but he appears fine and will look to surpass 100 caps for his country in Qatar. Duje Caleta-Car of Southampton and Antonio Colak of Rangers have not made the final cut while AC Milan striker Ante Rebic is not part of the preliminary squad of Dalic's final 26. Croatia start their challenge in Qatar by facing Morocco on November 23.

The Croatian National squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Ivica Ivušić, Ivo Grbić

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barišić, Josip Juranović, Joško Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanišić Martin Erlić, Josip Šutalo

Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jakić, Luka Sučić

Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Bruno Petković, Mislav Oršić, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja

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