While the core of the Croatia squad remains built around the national legends, Dalic had to make some tough decisions and settle major debates across the country.
As expected, the ever-reliable captain Modric will lead the team, supported by the usual midfield pillars Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic. Along with Modric and Kovacic, four further players from the historic run to the final at the 2018 World Cup have been selected: Dominik Livakovic, Duje Caleta-Car, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.
Nevertheless, Zlatko Dalic continues to bring in fresh blood. The new wave, led by Josko Gvardiol, is strengthened by the addition of young talents such as Martin Baturina (Como), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg), and midfielder Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
Bold choices
The announcement of this squad has already sparked intense debate in Croatia, especially regarding the attacking options.
The case of Dion Drena Beljo, the top scorer in the Croatian league, is a hot topic: he will have to settle for a reserve role. Asked about this decision, Dalic explained at a press conference:
"Congratulations to Dinamo and Beljo, he was very close, but the competition is fierce. Kramaric and Budimir are undisputed, while Petar Musa is performing very well in MLS and Igor Matanovic is shining in the Bundesliga. The only reason he is not among the 26 is the level of competition."
Another major absence is Bruno Petkovic. Hampered by injuries at the end of the season, the striker was not selected, with the coach deciding after discussion that he was not at 100% fitness.
Croatia's 26-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (FC Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City).
Defenders: Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Luka Modric (AC Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Martin Baturina (Como), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
Forwards: Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Ante Budimir (Osasuna).
Reserves: Karlo Letica (Lausanne), Ivan Smolcic (Como), Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Dion Drena Beljo (Dinamo), Franjo Ivanovic (Benfica), Luka Stojkovic (Dinamo), Adrian Segecic (Portsmouth).