After an impressive performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia reached the final, much was expected from the Croatian team in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Unfortunately, they could not replicate their earlier success. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind Croatia’s underperformance in the tournament, focusing on the key weaknesses that surfaced.
- Generation Gap and Squad Transition:
One of the most glaring problems was the generational shift in the Croatian squad. The 2018 Croatian team was hailed for its golden generation, including key figures like Luka Modrić, Mario Mandzukic, and Ivan Rakitić. By 2022, these players were either retired or past their prime. The younger players had big shoes to fill and faced immense pressure to perform on the global stage. While Croatia has a pool of young talent, the transition was far from seamless, and the lack of experienced guidance was evident in their gameplay.
- Lack of Consistent Goal Scoring Opportunities:
Unlike their previous campaign, the Croatian team struggled to create solid goal-scoring opportunities. The departure of Mandzukic from the team left a gap in the frontline. Despite efforts, Croatia could not find a consistent striker who could convert chances into goals effectively. They lacked the cutting edge, especially in critical moments.
- Defensive Frailties:
Although known for their compact defensive structure in the past, Croatia showed unexpected weaknesses in this area during the 2022 tournament. Missed tackles, weak marking, and vulnerability to counter-attacks were all too common. The defenders seemed to struggle with fast-paced teams, leading to the concession of easy goals.
- Inefficient Midfield Play:
The once-powerful Croatian midfield appeared to lack the command it once had under the leadership of Modrić. The coordination and the creative flow were missing, which undermined their ability to control the game and build attacking movements. Additionally, there seemed to be a lack of depth in the midfield, making it hard for the coach to make impactful changes during the game.
- Absence of a Robust Game Plan:
Croatia’s tactics and strategy seemed to be wanting in several matches. They often struggled to break down well-organized teams, and their plan B seemed non-existent. The team lacked the dynamism and strategic flexibility needed to respond to evolving game situations.
- Underperformance of Key Players:
Certain players who were expected to be the torchbearers for the team after the 2018 golden generation did not live up to the expectabination of these factors resulted in Croatia’s early exit from the World Cup 2022. Nonetheless, this experience could be a stepping stone for the young Croatian team, an opportunity to learn and prepare for future tournaments. The lessons learned from these weaknesses can guide their development process, fostering stronger performances in the years to come.