Croatia have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the second consecutive time, and are set to face Argentina in an enticing fixture for a spot in the final of the Qatar tournament.
They have achieved all of this after winning just one of the five games they have played so far in 90 minutes, too, which came during their 4-1 win against Canada in the group stages. In fact, Croatia have only been ahead for 56 minutes in total at World Cup 2022, an extremely impressive feat for a team among the final four left.
Regardless, they have every chance of going one step further than 2018 and lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy on Sunday 18 December, with their experienced squad and manager well-suited to the situation they find themselves in.
Despite not being the favourites out of the final four teams left in the tournament, there are still plenty of reasons as to why they could win the World Cup.
Why Croatia could win the World Cup
Croatia have proven time and again that they won't ever panic, epitomised through the statistic that eight of their last nine World Cup and Euros knockout matches have gone to extra time – the one exception being the 2018 World Cup final, where they lost 4-2 to France in normal time.
Indeed, they went a goal behind to both Japan and Brazil in the knockouts of this year's tournament, but on both occasions managed to draw level before advancing via a penalty shootout.
They are a team of penalty shootout maestros, epitomised by their flawless four spot-kicks against Brazil in the quarter-finals.
While Argentina were victorious over the Netherlands in their quarter-final penalty shootout, it's difficult to look past yet another win for Croatia if the game (likely) goes the full distance in their game.
Moreover, their midfield three - comprised of Luka Modric, Matteo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic - is sublime. The trio control games for Croatia against supposedly better opposition, keeping the ball between themselves with their inch-perfect passing and protection in tight situations.
They're not the only players in Croatia's side to worry about, though. Ivan Perisic has proven throughout the years that he can pop up with important goals and assists at crucial moments, while Josip Gvardiol at the heart of the defence is especially difficult to find a way past.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic performed heroics against Brazil keeping their goal tally to just one as well, his important saves in both the game and in the shootout helping Croatia progress in the tournament. Josip Juranovic at right-back also dealt with Vinicius Jr extremely well, and even found time to get forward and support attacks.
A team full of spirit and togetherness is essential at this stage of the World Cup, and Croatia have that in abundance. Finishing as runners-up in 2018 only bought the squad closer together, with eight key figures from that team still remaining.
They're not adverse to engaging in the dark arts, too - something absolutely required when facing this Argentina side. However, it is their underdog mentality, enhancing their desire to win, which provides them with the best opportunity as to why they can win the World Cup.
Argentina are more fancied to win, largely because of Lionel Messi, while France are expected to get past Morocco and would still be favourites against Croatia, should the pair meet in the final. Zlatko Dalic certainly won't let a repeat of 2018 happen again, though, with the manager using the heartbreak from four years ago to ensure they are the triumphant ones this time around.
The South Americans depend on Messi, though, something this tournament has proven. While it is easier said than done, stopping Messi stops Argentina, and in their performance against Brazil, Croatia proved they have the capabilities to stop talented stars.
Should Croatia play Morocco, who they contested a draw goalless draw against in the group stages, they would be favourites to win. Arguably the better side on paper, both would need to overcome their underdog status if that was the final.
