Luka Modric confirmed for fifth World Cup as Croatia name squad

Luka Modric confirmed for fifth World Cup as Croatia name squad
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Even though the backbone of the Croatia team is formed around veteran stars the manager Dalic encountered challenging selections and resolved big arguments throughout the nation.

In line with expectations the dependable skipper Modric will guide the side backed by familiar midfield stalwarts Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic. Together with Modric and Kovacic four more athletes from the memorable journey to the 2018 World Cup final have made the cut: Dominik Livakovic Duje Caleta Car Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.

Yet Zlatko Dalic is introducing new faces. The emerging talent headed by Josko Gvardiol gains extra strength from promising youngsters like Martin Baturina from Como Luka Vuskovic from Hamburg and midfielder Toni Fruk from Rijeka.

Controversial selections

Revealing this group has ignited strong discussion in Croatia particularly over forward choices.

The situation of Dion Drena Beljo the leading goalscorer in the domestic league is causing much talk as he must accept a backup position. Responding to queries about this Dalic stated in a media briefing:

Well done to Dinamo and Beljo who came very close but rivalry is intense. Kramaric and Budimir are certain choices while Petar Musa is doing excellently in MLS and Igor Matanovic is outstanding in the Bundesliga. The sole cause for his exclusion from the 26 is the high standard of competition.

One other significant omission is Bruno Petkovic. Affected by fitness issues towards the close of the campaign the forward missed out as the coach concluded following talks that he lacked full readiness.

Croatias 26 man squad:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic from Dinamo Zagreb Dominik Kotarski from FC Copenhagen Ivor Pandur from Hull City.

Defenders: Josip Stanisic from Bayern Munich Kristijan Jakic from Augsburg Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City Luka Vuskovic from Hamburg Martin Erlic from Midtjylland Duje Caleta Car from Real Sociedad Josip Sutalo from Ajax Marin Pongracic from Fiorentina.

Midfielders: Luka Modric from AC Milan Mateo Kovacic from Manchester City Mario Pasalic from Atalanta Nikola Vlasic from Torino Luka Sucic from Real Sociedad Nikola Moro from Bologna Martin Baturina from Como Petar Sucic from Inter Milan Toni Fruk from Rijeka.

Forwards: Marco Pasalic from Orlando City Ivan Perisic from PSV Eindhoven Andrej Kramaric from Hoffenheim Igor Matanovic from Freiburg Petar Musa from FC Dallas Ante Budimir from Osasuna.

Reserves: Karlo Letica from Lausanne Ivan Smolcic from Como Lovro Majer from Wolfsburg Dion Drena Beljo from Dinamo Franjo Ivanovic from Benfica Luka Stojkovic from Dinamo Adrian Segecic from Portsmouth.