How Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals; team stats, key players, tactics

Topics: FIFA World Cup, Russia, Croatia, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic

Croatia have been growing in confidence as the World Cup progresses, and the Vatreni now face a test against hosts Russia for a spot in the semi-finals.

Every World Cup in history has had its breakout team, and this summer, it's Croatia who is definitely making a huge splash in Russia. The Vatreni faced a very tough group stage campaign as Croatia was placed in this tournament's "Group of Death" featuring Argentina, Nigeria, and Iceland.

Most people expected them to at best, qualify as runners-up. At worst, Zlatko Dalic's side would be on the first flight back to Zagreb. However, the men in the red and white checkered shirts have managed to exceed all expectations and are just a game away from the semi-finals.

Here's a quick look at Croatia's path to the quarter-finals at this summer's World Cup.

How they got here

Croatia had to play Greece in the play-offs after surprisingly finishing second behind debutant side Iceland. Nonetheless, the Vatreni saw off the 2004 EURO winners without much fuss to book their ticket to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Along the way in qualifying, Ante Cacic was sacked after a series of bad results, with Dalic appointed in his stead.

It paid off. Since arriving in Russia, Croatia has been virtually flawless. The highlight of the team's campaign was a stunning 3-0 defeat of Argentina, and the Vatreni capped that off with a 2-1 win over minnows Iceland to make sure they finished their group sans defeat.

Not bad for a team some didn't even expect to get out of their group. While Dalic's troops were not always at their very best against Denmark, they still prevailed after a grueling 120 minutes led to a penalty shoot-out.

That means that Croatia is still unbeaten so far at this summer's World Cup, which includes their perfect group stage campaign in which the team conceded just one goal.

Croatia's 2018 World Cup so far

Games: 4

Wins: 4 (one via penalty shoot-out)

Losses: 0

Goals scored: 8

Goals conceded: 2

Leading goalscorer: Luka Modric (two goals)

Results:

Group stage, matchday one: Croatia 2-0 Nigeria
Group stage, matchday two: Argentina 0-3 Croatia
Group stage, matchday three: Iceland 1-2 Croatia
Round of 16: Croatia 1-1 Denmark; Croatia win 3-2 on penalties

Notable Stats

Croatia is just one of three teams to complete their group stage campaign sans defeat (along with Uruguay and Belgium)
The Vatreni are into their first quarter-finals since 1998...
...and back then, they went on to win third place

Key Players

Luka Modric - Croatia's skipper and the man who makes things tick in the middle of the park, the 32-year-old Real Madrid star has arguably been the best player for his side so far. A three-time Champions League winner with his club side, he showed nerves of steel to step up during the penalty shoot-out against Denmark - especially after failing to convert from the spot in extra time.

Ivan Rakitic - The Barcelona ace sealed his team's spot in the quarter-finals with his coolly taken penalty, and also scored during Croatia's 3-0 demolition of Argentina in the group stages. Alongside Modric, Perisic, and Brozovic, he's the big reason why the Vatreni can make a clear claim to boasting the strongest midfield at this summer's tournament.

Ivan Perisic - Along with fellow Inter star Marcelo Brozovic, Perisic's been another solid performer for the Vatreni in midfield. His goal late on against Iceland snatched a win for Croatia after the debutants had equalized, and his movement up and down on the wings have proven to be problematic for Croatia's opposing defenders all tournament.

Mario Mandzukic - The Juventus striker finally opened his World Cup account with a poacher's goal against Denmark. Although the midfield, namely Modric, has been largely responsible for the goals, the 32-year-old, who has rapidly become a fan favorite for Bianconeri supporters due to his industrious work-rate and willingness to track back on defense, has put in a solid shift for Croatia at this summer's tournament.

Tactical approach

Over the course of this tournament, Dalic has mostly used a 4-2-3-1-esque formation and it continues to pay off for Croatia. As such, it's hard to see him tinkering with his formation for the upcoming clash with Russia.

Where to watch Croatia vs Russia

This looks set to be a very intriguing clash between two Eastern European nations not many had fancied for a spot in the final four. But as thing stand, either Russia or Croatia will be battling for a potential - and historical - spot in the 2018 World Cup final, so it's certainly a game fans and neutrals alike will not want to miss out on.