The modern day Croatia national football team was formed in 1991. Before this the national team players competed for Yugoslavia. In 1993 the side had gained both Uefa and Fifa membership. The world cup in 1994 came too early for the side as qualifying was already underway when membership was achieved. Considering the team’s short footballing history they have competed well on the international stage in both world cups and European championships and have only missed out on one since beginning to attempt qualification. Perhaps their most celebrated player is Davor Suker as he still holds the record for the most goals for the national team. He was also the tournament top goal scorer in their first world cup in 1998.
Pre-independence history
Before Croatia became independent the national team players were part of the Yugoslavia national football team. Between 1930 and 1990 the side went to eight world cups including the inaugural one. The side’s best performance came in 1962 when they made it to the semi-final before being beaten by Czechoslovakia. They also lost the third placed playoff to Chile and finished fourth. As well as this they made it to three quarter finals.