Netherlands - Croatia: two giants of European football close to a title that flees them so much

An abnormality. Only one trophy in the Oranje cabinet, none with the Vatreni. We have to go back to 1988 to see Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard et Cie win the first title of a country of 17 million inhabitants, which nevertheless knew Johan Cruyff and already participated in two World Cup finals ( 1974, 1978). From ? Only one final at the 2010 World Cup, lost to Spain (1-0, a.p.). In 20 years, Croatia has established itself as a strong nation in European and world football. The country, recognized by FIFA since 1992 after the dismantling of Yugoslavia, has already participated in three World Cup semi-finals (1998, 2018, 2022). This Wednesday, these two countries face each other in the semi-final of the League of Nations (8:45 p.m.) and are only two steps away from a first international coronation.

A final before the hour according to Ronald Koeman. "It's always difficult against Croatia," said the Dutch coach. Thinking back to the last few years, the Croatian team really left its mark on me. Just look at the last World Cup: maybe Croatia deserved a place in the final.” Opposite, the players at the checkered are also dreading this semi-final. "It's probably the most difficult match, but if you want to win something, you have to beat the toughest opponents who stand in your way," said Croatian striker Andrej Kramaric. It will be hard and interesting. It's the home team and we're the away team."

Unlucky finalists in the first edition in 2019, the Dutch this time have the chance to host all the matches of this Final Four. For its semi-final, and possibly the final, Ronald Koeman's team will play at the Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, in front of nearly 50,000 supporters. “We reached the final in 2019, we lost it, and now we have the opportunity at home to reach another final, insists the former Barça coach. Hopefully this time we will win it. It's always better to play at home because we have the support of the fans." A situation feared by Zlatko Dalić. “We are facing perhaps the toughest opponents in the tournament. The stadium will be full, the Netherlands have a fantastic team, especially in defence, says the Croatian coach, who does not want to lose the battle for the stands. I expect our supporters to be heard as well.”

To win in Rotterdam, Zlatko Dalić will be able to count on experienced players, finalists of the World Cup in Russia against the Blues and the 2018 Ballon d'Or. "Luka (Modric) carries this team to a certain extent and he's my right arm on the pitch, says the 56-year-old coach. We depend a lot on Luka's game and its quality. Besides Luka, Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić are a great help for the young people who are on the rise. An experience that is always welcome, explains Andrej Kramaric. “One day I will be able to tell my children that I played with him, smiles the 31-year-old striker. It's a really special feeling because he's one of the greatest players in football history. At his age, playing at such a level is truly incredible and a great miracle.” However, the striker from Hoffenheim in Germany wishes to warn his opponents. “We are not just Luka Modrić. All the guys here deliver quality on the pitch. We have so much talent in our team, so what happened at the World Cup or four years ago in Russia is not luck.

Among the Croats, the new generation is slow to replace the old ones. For these players, this trophy could be the culmination of a career. “We are very happy and proud to be in this Final Four, believes Luka Modric, who could retire from international football after these two meetings. It would be incredible to win a trophy with Croatia. We have done very good things with the national team but it would be great to win this trophy which is reaching out to us and achieve our goal. Andrej Kramaric will celebrate his 32nd birthday on June 19 and is well aware of the importance of these two games. "For a number of us older players, this seems like a great opportunity to mark our international career with a trophy."

Winner of Euro 1988, Ronald Koeman knows the importance of winning a trophy with his selection. “It’s the only thing the players want is to win a trophy, plants the Oranje coach. It would be really fantastic if we could win this summer.” For his part, Virgil van Dijk doesn't want to make the same mistakes as in 2019. “For the first edition, maybe we didn't fully realize that we were playing for a cup.”

It is "a historic chance" for Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic. “Qualification for the Final Four is already a success. But since we are there, we will try to win this trophy. Same speech at the national coach. “It would be really nice to win this tournament in Croatian history, ignites the former midfielder who has spent his entire career in the country. We have no pressure or imperative. But we want to win the title.” Such a short path but still a long road. After this match, the winner will face Spain or Italy as a final challenge for a coveted coronation.