Zlatko Dalic's side will face tough opposition from the likes of Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria in Group D. Qualification, as a result, will not come on a silver platter knowing the prowess of their opposition.
Coach's Objective
Argentina endured a tough test to secure qualification from the South American region, Iceland still have the fighting spirit they exhibited at the Euros unblemished whereas Nigeria has the status of continental champions of Africa. For Croatia, progressing to the Round of 16 and subsequently to the quarterfinal will be nothing short of a commendable achievement.
New Faces
Duje Caleta-Car, Tin Jedvaj and Ante Rebic are among the notable young guns in the side.
Veterans
Goalkeeper Danijiel Subasic, Vedran Corluka, Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic can be listed as the band with immense experience in the side.
Absentees
Marco Rog, Matej Mitrovic, and Mario Pasalic will not be on the plane to Russia after failing to make the final 23-man list.
Croatia's Full squad list:
Goalkeepers: Lovre Kalinic, Dominik Livakovic, Danijiel Subasic
Defenders: Duje Caleta-Car, Vedran Corluka, Tin Jedvaj, Dejan Lovren, Josip Pivaric, Ivan Strinic, Domagoj Vida, Sime Vrsaljko
Midfielders: Milan Badelj, Filip Bradaric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic
Forwards: Nikola Kalinic, Andrej Kramaric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Marko Pjaca, Ante Rebic