Who doesn't love a fairytale, Leicester City 2015/2016
Barclay's premier league season is one that would stand the test of time. A
quick peak at one of the teams that could take the world of football by
surprise at this summer tournament.
Croatia
Despite a one-point deduction in qualifying due to a racist
gesture, Croatia still booked their place in France relatively comfortably.They
progressed as runners-up in their pool behind Italy even with that penalty and
a coaching change, with Ante Cacic the unpopular choice to replace the sacked
Niko Kovac in September. With a 60% win ratio they are a force to reckon with
in the group I dub "the group of underdogs", facings fierce
competition with Turkey, Czech and Spain. The new gaffer has his work all cut
out for him.
With time running out
on their so-called 'golden generation' to succeed on the international stage,
but this summer's tournament in France offers one last chance of glory.
Croatia's defence is a concern, despite the presence of
goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and Srna, although they were one of the meanest
teams in qualifying.It is a back four that could be breached by world-class
opponents. Whether they can get the desired protection from a talent-packed
midfield may be crucial.The middle of the park is what makes Croatia a
potentially daunting proposition. Combine Real Madrid's Modric and Barcelona's
under-appreciated Rakitic and there is a genuine threat.
Mandzukic with just a goal in 706mins for his country is a
fate the whole country would hope he corrects but Perisics form in front of
goal is something they would need more of the same.
The impressive Ante Rebić, and
his U-21 teammates Marcelo Brozović, Ivan Močinić,
Šime
Vrsaljko, Mateo Kovačić and Alen
Halilović are
undoubtedly the future of Croatian football, and blooding them in this campaign
around the likes of experienced players such as Luka Modrić, Mario
Mandžukić, Ivan
Rakitić and Vedran
Ćorluka,
may also spell the end for those who failed to impress in Brazil such
as Danijel Pranjić, Nikica Jelavić, and also the likes
ofOgnjen Vukojević and Eduardo da Silva.
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