World Cup 2014 Preview – Croatia

It has been a wild roller coaster ride for the Croats over the past 16 years, but they're hoping that this year things will fall into place for them to make a run for the World Cup Trophy.

Failing to advance out of the group stage in 2002 and 2006 and not qualifying in 2010, all after finishing 3rd in 1998, Croatia is looking to get back into the swing of things, and it's all going to start with their main man, Darijo Srna. The 31 year old right back/right winger is an absolute terror when he joins the attack with his arsenal of pinpoint crosses and deadly free kicks. He tends to stay back and play in the defense and lead by example: typically shutting down a team's best outside attacker. He will probably leave the attacking duties to one of the best players in Europe: Luka Modrić.

Modrić plays as a central midfielder for both his club, Real Madrid, and country, but is serviceable to play more as an attacking midfielder and has the skill set to push out wide and play as a winger. If you were to compare Modrić's situation to American football, then you could say that he is like a Russell Wilson for the Seattle Seahawks: while not the best player in the league, his presence and on-field production is paramount in the success of one of the best clubs in the world.

Eduardo da Silva may be the most important part of this squad. The Brazilian born striker gives the Croats their best chance of scoring, possessing a monster leg and foot skills like very few on the planet. Getting Eduardo into open space will be priority #1 for Croatia if they intend on keeping up with the potential goal fest that could be Group A.

My prediction: Croatia finish 2nd in the host nation's group, just behind Brazil. Mexico and Cameroon are formidable foes, but considering how these teams have played recently, Croatia seem to have the 2nd highest chance of advancing to the knockout round.