| Facts : |
| • |
Croatia's FIFA World Cup experience
so far has been short but very sweet. On their
first attempt, they qualified for the 1998
FIFA World Cup in France, where they left
an indelible impression. |
| • |
In the quarter-finals Croatia defeated Germany,
and an early goal by Davor Suker put them
ahead against the hosts and eventual champions
France in their semi-final tie. But Lilian
Thuram's two goals for France ended the dream
of reaching a World Cup final, and in the
dying moments, Croatia failed to capitalise
when France went a man down for the last 15
minutes of the game. |
| • |
Four years later Croatia qualified again
but were unable to repeat their 1998 success.
They followed an opening defeat by Mexico
with a win against Italy but lost to Ecuador
and failed to reach the last sixteen. |
