Croatia continue to find ways to win while giving the impression that they have not quite achieved their full potential.
Beating Denmark and Russia on penalty kicks may not represent the most impressive resume of the four semifinalists, but the manner in which Croatia controlled all five games that they played and won exudes the self-assuredness characteristic of big teams. Watching the Croats play you get the sense that they may be playing down to the level of the opposition, that they may still have some untapped potential and another gear they could hit.
When forced into a sense of urgency, Zlatko Dalic’s men have stepped up to the occasion and regained a sense of control of the game. After a stunning opening goal from Denis Cherysev, the Croats rolled up their sleeves, kept carving out the Russian defensive lines and found an opening with their tying goal only eight minutes later. There was no panicking and you got the sense the tying goal was inevitable.  Late in the game, faced with a multitude of injuries hitting their ranks simultaneously, the Croats did not unravel, kept the Russians at bay and found a way to go ahead on the scoreboard.
In this age of parity among World Cup teams, where the margin between victory and defeat is razor thin, Croatia appear well-equipped to find themselves on the winning end in the remaining game(s). They continue to play like a complete team, without any glaring weaknesses to be exploited.
Aside from the strength of the group, Croatia can boast perhaps the finest central midfield duo remaining in the competition, with Luka Modric looking both effortless and tireless in his exploits, and Ivan Rakitic providing the defensive balance and support. Â It is a rare combination that both the central midfield players are generational talents and at the peak of their careers. Surround these two world-class players with a slew of players plying their trade at the top European clubs and you have all the ingredients for a World Cup contender.
Croatia is a team built to win now, full of experience and made up of players who have forged their skill at the highest level of club competition as well as a unit during prior Euros and World Cups with the national team. This is the moment of a generation and they appear poised to capitalize.
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