Croatia dark horses for Euro 2008?

June 3, 2008

With Euro 2008 just around the corner, many pundits have been making studious decisions as to who would be expected to go the distance and win the competition. These predictions have been primarily based upon the quality of the individual players in the team. Not much thought, i feel, into how well the team performs as a unit. Many people might rule out Croatia because of the massive loss of Eduardo, however; i feel this will only inspire them to cooperate and give maximum effort for their cause. The other aspect of Croatia i find appealing, is how coach Slaven Bilic has made this group of individual stars into somewhat of a loving family of footballers, very trusting of each other, and not allowing egotism to take hold on and off the pitch.

Croatia do indeed have a brilliant squad, with players extremely comfortable on the ball, players such as Niko Krancjar, Luka Modric, and youngster Ivan Rakitic thoroughly enhance this. Watching them playe together however makes it seem like every player in the squad is at the same level. When a team can manage this, it often is the primary ingredient for success. Teams with a reputed mass of individual quality can look like a bunch of amateurs if they don’t combine well with each other. Many believe Netherlands to be in pole position because of their seemingly incredible line up, if they cannot however be able to utilise each member of the team’s special qualities, they can practically give up now.

When Eduardo so horrifically broke his leg against Birmingham, the situation seemed rather ominous for both his clubs. Arsenal spiralled down into 3rd place from what looked like top of the table dominance. Eduardo’s absence not only brings about a negative effect on the pitch, but it is often psychologically draining to see your fellow team-mate with a leg half hanging off. This effect could play a part in Croatia’s game, but with a brilliant move from Slaven Bilic, he has reversed the situation into somewhat of a boost for the squad. This team now has something else to fight for, and they will do so, and it will make them into very stern opposition for any club.

There seems quite a strong chance that Croatia will be able to get out of their particular group. They may even have the ability to win the group, bearing in mind the fact that Germany have not looked at all convincing in their recent preparatory friendlies against Belarus and Serbia. Austria and Poland do not appear to have the same depth of quality as Croatia. It is now up to themselves to get down to business and exit their group, entering the gruelling knockout stage on the best possible note.

Croatia for me looks like the team that might spring a surprise, along the same lines as Greece managed in the last Euros, it would however not appear as much of a surprise for someone who values the sense of teamwork and unity within a squad. When there is a team that plays this well together, and has something to fight for; they should be considered the favourites. With chances of getting out of their group very high, it should be expected for this team to reach for the stars.

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