But vitally, there was a huge victory in the playoffs over Turkey. The return of Ivica Olic for the front line provided a much needed boost, and that in turn gave respite to the talented but fragile Mario Mandzukic who was able to drop into the ‘hole’ and link up with the midfield four. This change in roles meant leaving Eduardo and Nikica Jelavic on the bench, which highlights the strength in depth of the attacking options Bilic has at his disposal. Croatia went ahead after two minutes in Istanbul and then sat back and hit their opponents on the break to snatch a convincing 3-0 win, leaving them to play out a drab 0-0 draw back in Zagreb. Modric is the star attraction of this Croatia squad, but equally important in captain Darijo Srna. He plays as an attacking right-back for Shakhtar but is deployed as a winger for the national side, ensuring that they get the benefit of his crossing abilities and dead ball expertise. This also provides a balance to the squad - Bilic can field an attacking winger like Niko Kranjcar on the left of the midfield.
GK Stipe Pletikosa RB Vedran Corluka CB Josip Simunic CB Dejan Lovren LB Ivan Strinic CM Ivan Rakitic
CM Luka Modric LM Niko Kranjcar RM Darijo Srna FW Mario Mandzukic CF Ivica Olic
Key Player Luka Modric Since joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, Luka Modric has developed into one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. Olic and Jelavic will look to the diminutive playmaker to pull the strings in the center of the park and provide them the requisite service. A fine passer of the ball who also possesses sublime vision, Modric will be looking to dictate the tempo of the play against the likes of Spain and Italy.
But the weakness of Bilic’s squad lies in defence. With Kovac gone, there is not enough protection for the back four and Croatia have proven themselves inadequate at dealing with set-pieces - they conceded two silly set-piece goals to Greece in qualifying. A lack of pace is also an issue with the back four and coupled with the poor form they are having, it could spell bad news for the Croats. Prediction: Group stage exit due to lack of defensive options.