2006 WORLD CUP TEAMS
Croatia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany
Croatia reached their third successive FIFA World Cup finals by finishing top of European qualifying Group 8, undefeated and with seven wins recorded in ten matches.
The most notable of these victories came against Sweden, their main rivals in the section who achieved the same points total but lost home and away to Zlatko Kranjcar’s side.
It was a 1-0 success in Gothenburg on September 8, 2004 that confirmed the extent of Croatia’s ambitions, Darijo Srna’s goal giving momentum to a campaign which had opened three days earlier with a 3-0 defeat of Hungary.
Despite losing a two-goal lead in the subsequent home draw with Bulgaria, four consecutive victories between March and June 2005 sustained their push until a second hiccup came in the form of a 1-1 draw in Malta.
Croatia now had to beat the Swedes a second time to reclaim first place in the group and a repeat performance from Srna in Zagreb on October 8 ensured they did just that.
Can Croatia pull off another strong performance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany?
For more on Croatia, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, visit Footy Football today.
Odds to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup: 60/1
Croatia’s Odds to Win Group F at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany: 5/1 Teams to meet at the Finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany
