There is a good mix of experienced veterans and promising rookies, and they aren’t all youthful stars, so it’s possible that Croatia‘s 2022squad may be even stronger than their 2018 finalist counterparts. What is more, Luka Modric is ready for one more World Cup dance and still reigns supreme with Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Dejan Lovren on his side, but the rest of the group has been rethought and revitalized.
Only nine of 2018’s runner-up team made the final roster for the Qatar World Cup 2022, which is a promising sign considering that the Checkered Ones have been operating with a revised squad for much of the road to the tournament.Many new arrivals, like Mario Pasalic andJosko Gvardiol, have immediately established their value.
However, the presence of Modric, Mateo Kovacic, andBrozovic in the middle makes the Croatians a formidable opponent. The three of them have more than 300 caps between them. Also, this time around, the teams have more members, which is great news given the size of the country.
Why is Mario Mandzukicmissing the Qatar 2022 World Cup?
The international football career of Mario Mandzukic ended on August 14, 2018. He retired as Croatia’s all-time number-two goalscorer with 33 goals.As a stalwart of his national team, hescored twice in the 4-2 loss to France in the 2018 World Cup Final and scored the game-winning goal in extra time against England in the Semi-Final.
“We have made our dreams come true, achieved a historic success, and experienced unbelievable support. That month, including the welcome in Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, and the entire Croatia, will remain the most important memory of my career. This has been the most beautiful national team journey, and my favourite return to homeland.
“I am more than happy, fulfilled, and extremely proud of this silver, that has been forged through years, through pain, effort, work, disappointment, and difficult moments. There is no ideal moment to retire. If possible, we would all play for Croatia until we die, since there is no prouder feeling, but I feel this moment has come for me – now. I’ve given my best for Croatia, I have contributed to the biggest success of Croatian football”, he said after announcing his national team retirement.
Mario Mandzukic then hung up his boots from soccer at the age of 35 in September 2021.Shortly after, it was announced that the former striker was officially added to the coaching staff of the Croatian national team. He has since beenworking with the head coach, Zlatko Dalic.In 89 games for the Checkered Ones, the former Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayern, and Milan striker scored 33 goals. Heisjust 45 goals behind Davor Suker for second all-time among Croatian goalscorers.
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Qatar 2022: Croatia hero Luka Modric sets new honorable record at age of 37
