The Contenders · Nation to Glory
Take Croatia to Glory
“midfield marathon men”
The press pack calls Croatia four million people, infinite extra times, and files them as midfield marathon men. The bookmakers put them in the contenders at 16/1 – 40/1.
▶ Play as Croatia
- The bookmakers
- The Contenders — 16/1 – 40/1
- The federation's target
- The quarter-finals
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Ladić, but louder. At the back, Šimić, but meaner. Running midfield, Prosinečki, but he enjoys training. Up front, Šuker, but two-footed.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Croatia can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Croatia
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting