Croatia Coach Niko Kovac Unveils 30-Man World Cup Squad
Croatia’s head coach Niko Kovac has announced his preliminary 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, with notable absences and inclusions. The Croatian national team will face a tough challenge in Group A, where they will compete against the host nation Brazil, Cameroon, and Mexico.
One of the most significant absences is Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Simunic, who was left out of the squad following a FIFA ban. The 35-year-old was suspended for 10 matches after he was caught singing a controversial neo-Nazi chant during Croatia’s 2-0 victory over Ireland in November. Simunic’s exclusion marks a notable change for the Croatian defense, as the veteran centre-back has been a regular in the squad for many years.
Despite this, Kovac’s squad boasts a strong array of talent, including Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, and Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic. These key players will be expected to lead Croatia through the group stages and beyond, as they aim to build on their strong performances in previous tournaments.
The 30-man squad includes a mix of experienced internationals and emerging stars from top European clubs. Some of the standout inclusions are:
Goalkeepers:
Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov, Russia)
Danijel Subasic (Monaco, France)
Ivan Zelenika (Lokomotiva, Croatia)
Defenders:
Duje Bubnjic (Udinese, Italy)
Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Dejan Lovren (Southampton, England)
Ivan Strinic (Dnipro, Ukraine)
Darijo Srna (Shakhtyor Donetsk, Ukraine)
Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine)
Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa, Italy)
Gordon Schildenfeld (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Daniel Pranjic (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Midfielders:
Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia)
Milan Badelj (Hamburg, Germany)
Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan, Italy)
Niko Kranjcar (QPR, England)
Mario Mocinic (Rijeka, Croatia)
Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Spain)
Mario Pasalic (Hajduk Split, Croatia)
Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Sammir (Getafe, Spain)
Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine)
Forwards:
Eduardo (Shakhtior Donetsk, Ukraine)
Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg, Germany)
Nikica Jelavic (Hull, England)
Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg, Germany)
Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg, Germany)
Ante Rebic (Fiorentina, Italy)
Kovac will now focus on finalizing his squad in preparation for the tournament, where Croatia will hope to make a significant impact, building on their strong World Cup performances from 1998, when they finished third. With a wealth of talent at his disposal, Kovac’s squad will be looking to push beyond the group stages and into the knockout rounds. Croatia’s fans will be eagerly anticipating the World Cup opener on June 12, with hopes high for another historic run.
