Croatia is a small country with a population of 4.15 million. Why is football so good?

Croatia has a strong football tradition, despite its relatively small population. Several factors contribute to the country's success in the sport:

Passion for the sport: Football is the most popular sport in Croatia, and the passion for the game runs deep in the country's culture. Many young Croatians grow up playing football and dream of representing their nation on the international stage.

Strong football infrastructure: The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has invested in developing a robust infrastructure, including youth academies, training facilities, and coaching programs. This has helped to nurture and develop talented players from a young age.

Talent identification and development: Croatia has been successful in identifying and nurturing talented players, many of whom have gone on to play for top European clubs. This exposure to high-level competition has helped these players develop their skills further, which in turn benefits the national team.

Quality coaching: Croatia has a tradition of producing excellent coaches who have a deep understanding of the game. These coaches have played a significant role in developing the country's football talent and implementing successful tactics at both club and international levels.

Unity and team spirit: Croatian football teams have often displayed a strong sense of unity and camaraderie. This team spirit, along with a fighting mentality, has helped the national team punch above its weight in international competitions, such as reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final.

Legacy of successful players: Croatia has a history of producing world-class players, such as Davor Šuker, Zvonimir Boban, and Luka Modrić. These players have inspired future generations to strive for greatness and maintain the high standards set by their predecessors.