EURO 2016 – Croatia : High Noon in the Balkans

Ivan Perisic and Croatia left the world dazzled in the 89th minute of their final group game against tournament favourites when they snatched away top spot from a complacent Spanish side to avoid playing Italy in such an early stage of the competition. The Hard Tackle asks the crucial question on the aftermath of the Spanish Tragedy –  is it fair to even call it an upset anymore?

Croatia has a strange way of surprising us on and off the pitch. While English and Russian Ultras grabbed headlines with their petty altercations and bizzare racist outbreaks, a section of the Croatian fans plotted perhaps the biggest transgression of the tournament that too with a rationale, however unacceptable be it may. A section mind you, one shouldn’t be too hasty with labelling an entire race, a rebel without a cause. Below is the image which should go some distance vindicating Croatian fans.

Springtime in Croatian Football

Needless to point out that not all Croatian supporters were in favour of the events that transpired. The show of protest was condemned, as it should have been by fans, players and management alike but perhaps it was its very rationale that would perhaps appeal to the bent of mind more attuned towards rebellions in general. Especially more so in the context of a country whose political history has been fraught with ferment, unrest and turmoil until recently.

History is indeed rife with coincidences. It was Real Madrid’s Davor Suker, the present president of the Croatian FA, the unpopular object of present vilification along with AC Milan’s Boban who put Croatia on the map of football in another competition in France, a decade and a half ago. It was just a few years into Croatia’s independence, during the nascent years of its newly gained nationhood.

Not All That is Gold Glitters

Croatia kick started another tournament in the same country years later when another Real Madrid star scored from a stunning volley much to the annoyance of the Turkish opposition who had  fallen miserably short in terms of the footballing standards laid down in front of them. History, however, will forget the moment when the equally unpopular Ante Cacic forced the Croatian moment to its conclusion.

The same Real Madrid midfielder – Luka Modric along with star striker Mario Mandzukic were found unfit on the eve of the match against Spain, that was destined to only guarantee second spot for Croatia. Cacic responded by making more changes than he was forced to, throwing in three U21 youngsters, which was rather unexpected. Marko Pjaca (21) started in attack alongside Perisic and Fiorentina and ex-Dnipro man Nikola Kalinic.

In midfield, despite having Matteo Kovacic to replace his Real co-star Luka Modric, Cacic instead placed his trust on 20 year old Marko Rog who is relatively unknown. Cacic’s most daredevil move however was putting 20 year old Tin Jedvaj of Bayer Leverkusen at the heart of the defense, who would go on to have many physical altercations, on and off the ball with Morata.

All three youngsters especially Pjaca and Jedvaj perfomed admirably, with Perisic leading the line and Kalinic getting the all important first goal against Spain, cancelling out Morata’s opener. The true strength of a team is perhaps determined by its depth and Croatia has shown its depth against Spain. With talents like Ante Coric and Marcelo Brozovic on the bench, one can only say with certitude that similar to Belgium, this is Croatia’s golden generation, except that they have exhibited more hunger as of now.

The Balkan’s Progress

What the win against the Spaniard meant for Croatia was that they have been comfortably taken over to the less competitive pool of the Euro teams. While Italy, Spain, France and Germany will inevitably see each other before the final, Croatia have the possibility of meeting teams like Switzerland, England and  Wales in the next rounds, should they progress beyond this round. And standing in their way is an underachieving Portugal side that is yet to win a match despite progressing to the Round of 16.

The Croatians will have their full squad back as Cacic will once again be spoilt for choice especially in midfield. The Croatian team is comprised of a mixture of players from cultured leagues of Spain and Italy mixed with their homegrown talents. Croatians will ride the wave of marginal expectations with their balance of youth and experience, complemented by the leadership qualities of Srna, the underrated technical players like Milan Badelj and the world class talents of Perisic, Modric and Rakitic.