Croatia's first major tournament experience after gaining independence was at Euro96 in England, and with a side featuring such star names as Suker, Prosinecki and Boban, they set out their intent on the world stage by battling through to the quarter finals before being beaten by eventual winners Germany. The side went on to greater glory in the 1998 World Cup by finsihing third but age caught up with many players and they failed to qualify for Euro 2000. A first round exit in Portugal in Euro 2004 did nothing to brighten national spirits.
England's conquerors (twice) in qualifying Group E, Croatia strolled to Austria and Switzerland with a massive 29 points and only one defeat to Macedonia when qualification was already secured spoiled their record. Slaven Bilic's men were strong at the back and breathtaking going forward, a real return to the mid 1990s Croatian style that Bilic helped underpin as a player.
Former national team central defensive rock, Slaven Bilic has graduated along with many of his former Croatia U21s proteges to the full national side and has proven himself worthy of the job. Building a side more known for it's silky expression than it's coach's trademark tough exterior on the pitch, Bilic has shown a tactical maturity which belies his relative coaching inexperience. Giving the young players their chance has paid dividends so far and while he may not be planning on extending his reign beyond Euro 2008, a long run in the competition will do his future job prospects no arm at all.
Dinamo Zagreb are holding onto Luka Modric for grim death at the moment but a likely starring role at Euro 2008 will add enough millions onto his already blossoming reputation to make it worth their while to part with the supremely gifted playmaker.
Eduardo's horror injury means he won't be playing this summer for Croatia and his loss will be as key to Croatia's hopes as any player they are able to select. The naturalised Brazilian delivered goals for Bilic and co. and without him some of the more goalshy experienced attackers will need to step up to the plate.
