The greats are leaving, but there is no fear: the youngsters are shining, Croatia will be dangerous even at Euro 2028!

The World Cup is over, and the leaders of HNS are now turning to new challenges, the European Championship in 2028, which will be hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Croatia is now facing a change of generation, but also the departure of the greatest ever – Luka Modric. It is quite certain that the long-time captain of the “fire” will not be on the island, as his role will have to be taken over by some new boys. Fortunately, this World Cup also proved that there is nothing to worry about for Croatia.

The young boys (finally) entered the scene more seriously, took on key roles in the Croatian national team. Petar Sučić (22) and Martin Baturina (23) moreć have become the main assets of our midfield this summer, both played a phenomenal tournament, were one of our most consistent players in the USA and Canada. And whoever will be the selector in the future, regardless of whether Dalić or not, that duo will have a safe position in the starting line-up of the “fiery”.

And Baturina and Sučić are moreć reached more serious football heights, both of them proved themselves very early in the Italian Serie A, the phase of adaptation to stronger football is long behind them. Sučić last season also collected the most appearances for Inter in the entire season, and Baturina did a perfect job in the spring in Como. And they are moreć took responsibility at the World Cup, relieved their parties Modrića i Kovačićabecame the present and future of Croatia.

The match with Portugal also showed that the time has come for – Igor Matanovća (23). Attacksč German Freiburg has a great season behind him, he finally became a “serious face” in the Bundesliga as well. Freiburg unexpectedly reached the final of the Europa League, Matanović scored 15 goals in the season. Stasiti attackč he got a chance against England and Ghana only in the final, he didn’t even play against Panama, but in the toughest match of the tournament, against Portugal, he proved that he is “the one”.

Matanović was a constant threat in front of Portugal’s goal, one of his goals was unfortunately (justifiably) disallowed, one of his goals was saved by the great goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Zlatko Dalić has great confidence in him, we believe that će Matanović and continue to progress, become an even more important member of the “fiery”. And the new “nine” of Croatia.

In the future, all fans of the Croatian national football team expect a lot from – Luke Vuškovića (19). The young defendč finalized the transfer to Brighton a few days ago, the English Premier League paid him an incredible 53.7 million euros. Vushković started in the duel against England, until after that we didn’t see him on the field anymore. Again, it was against England that he became our youngest starter in the history of major competitions, only he and Guardiola started a match at the European or world championships at the age of 19.

With this great čfour, they are in great years Luka Sučić (23), Gvardiol (24), Marco Pašalić (25), then Šutalo and Stanišić who are only 26 years old. There is no concern for Croatia, the “fiery” will be real, recognizable and dangerous in the era without Luka Modric. And in the next period, the development of Luka Stojkovi (22), Adrian Sege (22), Franje Ivanovi (22), and Dion Drena Beljo (24), Ivan Smol (22) will be monitored. (25), Toni Fruk (25)…

Again, some will say goodbye to the national jersey. Luka Modrić ć will quickly become “former”, Ivan Perišić (37) immediately after the match with Portugal he announced that he still has the strength for a representative career, we will see what the thoughts of Andrej Kramari (35), who for the first time in a major tournament was in the background. And 34-year-old Ante Budimir… 