Croatia

This talented group of players have been tipped as dark horses at previous tournaments, however Croatia haven’t made it past the World Cup group stages since 1998.

Many fans have become detached from the national team, due to accusations of corruption within the Croatian Football Federation.

Even so, if the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic can find a way to gel, the Vatreni have the potential to go far in Russia.

Head Coach: Zlatko Dalic

The 51-year-old was thrown in at the deep end when he replaced Ante Cacic just three days before a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. Thankfully for Dalic, the Vatreni won 2-0 to secure a two-legged play-off with Greece.

Dalic has previously managed UAE’s Al Ain, who he led to the AFC Champions League final.

Key Player: Luka Modric

Real Madrid’s midfield lynchpin, 32, has been deployed in a more advanced role for the national side, as he offers a creative spark to unlock tight defences.

The question is: Can Croatia find a way to utilise the creative qualities of Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Racktic? - especially when there is no recognised holding midfielder in the squad.

How They Qualified

Defeats in Iceland and Turkey cost Croatia automatic promotion in a closely-contested qualifying group.

Still, a victory away to Ukraine, in Dalic’s first game, earned the Vatreni a two-legged play-off with Greece, which they won 4-1 on aggregate.

FFT Prediction: Last 16 – If it all comes together, Croatia could be a serious threat in Russia. Even so, it’s difficult to see them beating France in the last 16 – if the Vatreni finish second in the group.