What Croatia need to do to qualify for Euro 2024?

From setbacks to comebacks: Croatia's resilient journey in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers

As the Euro 2024 qualifiers approach their climax, the footballing world holds its breath in anticipation of which teams will secure their place in the prestigious tournament. Among the nations vying for qualification is Croatia, a team that has graced the world stage with its talent and resilience. With just two fixtures remaining, the question looms: What do Croatia need to do to qualify for Euro 2024?

The current standings paint a picture of intense competition, with Wales and Croatia locked in a battle for the coveted second spot in their qualifying group. As the teams stand level on points, the fate of Croatia's qualification hangs in the balance. The remaining fixtures, however, offer a glimmer of hope and present a challenging yet navigable path for the Croatian squad.

Analyzing the fixtures ahead reveals a nuanced landscape. Croatia, with two crucial matches against Latvia and Armenia, faces what might appear to be more straightforward challenges compared to their competitors. Meanwhile, Wales braces for a clash against Armenia and group-toppers Turkey. Although Turkey has already secured qualification, their competitive spirit remains, making them formidable opponents.

The significance of these matches extends beyond mere point accumulation. Wales, holding the upper hand in head-to-head records against Croatia, needs to secure victories against Armenia and Turkey to guarantee their passage to Euro 2024. Conversely, the Croatian team must capitalize on their encounters with Latvia and Armenia, ensuring maximum points to keep their Euro dreams alive.

Reflecting on Croatia's journey in the qualifiers unveils a narrative of resilience and determination. Four games into the qualifying campaign, the team seemed on the brink of despair, averaging just a point per game. A humbling defeat to Armenia in Cardiff added to the uncertainty. However, Rob Page's squad orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, clinching a 2-1 victory against World Cup semifinalists.

The win against Croatia, achieved without the services of retired Gareth Bale and oft-injured Aaron Ramsey, showcased the depth and character of the Croatian team. Harry Wilson's standout performance in the absence of key players emphasized the collective strength of the squad. Now, with Tottenham's Brennan Johnson returning to the fold, the team looks to build on their recent success and sustain their elevated performance levels.

Qualification scenario

As the intensity heightens, the prospect of the Croatian finishing third looms large. In the event that Wales secures two wins, Croatia would find themselves in a playoff situation. Fortunately for them, their impressive performance in the Nations League final offers a safety net.

UEFA's playoff system rewards the best-placed teams from the Nations League that did not qualify through the group stage. Croatia's participation in the final positions them favourably, providing a Plan B for Euro 2024 qualification. The playoff format, involving 12 teams divided into three groups, adds an extra layer of drama to the journey.

Croatia's history in playoff scenarios instils confidence. With a perfect record of five out of five qualifications, including victories against Ukraine, Slovenia, Turkey, Iceland, and Greece, the team has demonstrated their ability to navigate high-pressure situations. This pedigree bodes well for Modric & Co. as they potentially face additional qualification challenges.

While the playoff format offers a safety net, the path to Euro 2024 remains unpredictable. The final structure of the playoffs depends on the outcomes of the remaining qualifying matches. If Croatia enters the playoffs, they could potentially host Estonia in the semifinals and face formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, Poland, or other strong contenders in the final.

The draw for the host of the playoff final, set to take place shortly after the conclusion of the qualifiers, adds an extra layer of anticipation. The scenarios range from facing traditional powerhouses to emerging footballing nations, creating an environment where only the resilient and prepared will emerge victorious.

History of Croatia in Euro

Croatia's journey in the UEFA European Championship is a captivating tale of highs and lows, marked by moments of triumph and heartbreak. The team, having participated six times, showcased their resilience and footballing prowess on the European stage. The Euros of 1996 witnessed Croatia's ascent to the quarter-finals, leaving a lasting impact in their debut tournament. Fast-forward to 2008, and the team demonstrated their mettle by reaching the quarter-finals once again, displaying a consistent commitment to excellence.

However, the path hasn't always been smooth for the Croatian squad. The years 2012 and 2004 saw them bow out in the group stages, underlining the unpredictable nature of tournament football. Yet, Croatia's footballing spirit persists, evident in their recent Round of 16 appearances in 2016 and 2020, affirming their status as a formidable force in the Euro Cup's storied history.

In the quest for Euro 2024 qualification, the team stands at a crossroads. The upcoming fixtures against Latvia and Armenia are not merely matches; they are stepping stones towards footballing glory. As the team navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the resilience displayed in the face of adversity provides hope for a triumphant conclusion.

Whether through securing victories in the remaining group stage matches or via the safety net of the playoffs, Croatia's journey to Euro 2024 is an unfolding drama. The narrative, shaped by individual brilliance, team dynamics, and historical pedigree, promises football enthusiasts an exhilarating spectacle as the race to qualify reaches its climax. The footballing world watches with bated breath, eager to witness whether Croatia can script another chapter of glory in their storied history.