Euro 2012 Preview: Croatia

30May 2012

EURO2012

Croatia are grouped in with Spain, Italy and Ireland in Euro 2012 and so will really have their work cut out to qualify. But it is certainly within their capabilities to pull this off and split the big two of Spain and Italy. Croatia burst onto the International football scene in Euro 96 in England with some stunning performances led by the talismanic Davor Suker.

Croatia then followed that up by almost going all the way in the 1998 World Cup in France eventually losing 2-1 to the hosts and eventual winners in the semi-final. Croatia produced one of the most dramatic games in the 2008 European Championships when they played Turkey. They played Turkey in the quarter final and took the lead in the final minute of extra time which looked to have secured a place in the semi finals against Germany who they had already beaten in the group stages.

But Turkey went straight up to the other end and equalised before also winning the penalty shootout. So it is clear then that Croatia fall into the category of dangerous dark horses. A team who on their day can match any side in the world and with a bit more luck could have landed a big title by now. The short history of the Croatian national team has been littered with great performances and cavalier football.