Qualifying round
Croatia didn’t manage to avoid problems in qualification. Before the its start it was quite clear that their main competitors on the way to the World Cup finals would be Belgium and Serbia. There were also Scots, who are famously known for their spirit. Wales and Macedonia were considered to have few chances.
As the qualifying round started it became evident that Serbia wouldn’t manage to struggle for top spots of the group. By the matchday six both Croatia and Belgium, had 16 points, but after that home defeat to Scotland (0:1) and away draw against Serbia (1:1) saw the Blazers finish second.
The head coach of the team Igor Štimac resigned before the playoffs. Niko Kovač became his successor.
In the playoffs the Croats faced Iceland. Goalless draw away and home victory (2:0) let Croatia go through to the World Cup finals for the fourth time in their history.
FC Dynamo Kyiv Croatian defender Domagoj Vida wasn’t the first team regular. He made six appearances in qualification (out of 12 possible) with three of them in the starting lineup.
Friendlies
Preparing for the World Cup qualifiers and finals Croatia played eight friendlies.
Domagoj Vida performed in six of them (five times among first eleven) and scored one goal – against Northern Ireland (2:1).
Domagoj Vida’s quotations
About the World Cup group stage drawing: “We’ve been drawn in a very interesting group. Of course, Brazil are favorites. Three other teams have equal chances for the second place”.
About readiness for position change: “In the friendly against Mali (May 31) I played as left back for the first time ever. I’m still to get used to this position. There’s some time left till the World Cup and I’ll do my best”.
About expectations of the World Cup: “If we finish second in our group we’ll face Spain. I guess everyone will be satisfied if we reach the round of 16”.
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