When Andrej Kramaric took to the field on 15 July 2018 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Croatia had just reduced the deficit to 4-2 in the FIFA World Cup final against France. There were still 20 minutes to go, and coach Zlatko Dalic threw him into the fray hoping for a heroic comeback. But Kramaric and his team-mates could find no way back on that rainy summer afternoon, as Les Bleus were crowned world champions.
Despite that disappointment, the runners-up spot was the most important milestone in the history of Croatian football. Four years on, Kramaric knows exactly what he wants: for Croatia to try and repeat those heroics in Qatar. Currently on Hoffenheim’s books, where he is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 106 goals, the striker believes Croatia have what it takes – experience, natural ability and the right mix of veterans and emerging talents – to go far. In conversation with FIFA, the 31-year-old spoke about Croatia’s potential, Luka Modric’s leadership, the social value of football in his country and the importance of Dinamo Zagreb’s youth academy for the national team.
Croatia had to make it through a tough group to qualify for Qatar 2022, only securing their passage with victory in their last match against Russia. How did you feel when you managed to qualify?
I have to say that we were really happy to have qualified directly. Our group wasn’t easy. We had some ups and downs along the way, but I think it was well deserved. Of course, in the end it also came down to a little bit of luck. The last match against Russia was hard: the weather wasn’t good and it wasn’t easy playing on that pitch. We weren’t in great shape, but we managed to win, maybe thanks to a bit of good fortune.
Do you think Croatia’s multiple attacking options is the team’s biggest strength, and how do you feel playing for such an attack-minded side?
It’s an honour and a pleasure to play for the national team. When it comes to Croatia, there are always a lot of offensive options. First, I have to say that our greatest strength is in the midfield, with talented players like Modric, [Mateo] Kovacic, [Marcelo] Brozovic and others. I believe that’s our main strength. But as far as defence is concerned, all the footballers selected will be there because they deserve it. They will always give their best and Croatia will always be a great team.
Many of the current squad also played in the Russia 2018 final. Is it an advantage for the team to have players with this kind of experience?
It’s well known in football that it’s important to have experience. We’ll never forget those moments in Russia – they boost our self-esteem. But we know that life goes on and that we have to aim for something new, so we should try to repeat or improve on that result. It will definitely be difficult, many will doubt our ability to do it again, and all eyes will be on us after reaching the previous final. We’ll do our best. We have great potential, excellent players, and a good balance between experienced and younger players. Hopefully we can do it again.
This will probably be Luka Modric’s last World Cup. Tell us about his influence on Croatian football and the national team over the past few years.
It’s hard to describe the impact that Modric has had on football in Croatia, in Europe and in the world. What he’s done during his career can’t really be repeated. All those years in Real Madrid and on the Croatian national team, not to mention winning the Ballon d’Or, are truly memorable and unbelievable achievements. It’s a pleasure to share a dressing room, to play and to train with that type of person and player. I’m sure it’s something we’ll tell our grandchildren about. I don’t think this will be his last World Cup. Depending on how he feels, he could still play for a long time. It’ll be a lot of fun. In any case, I always appreciate the time I spend with him.
Like many of your other team-mates, you came through the Dinamo Zagreb youth academy. Can you tell us what you remember about your development there, and what role does it play in the success of the national team?
Dinamo’s youth academy is one of the most famous in Europe. I was six when I first joined the club and I’ve always received excellent training, with great coaches and in a positive atmosphere. Dinamo offers exceptional conditions for young players to develop their physical abilities. If a player is able to make it to the first team, he’ll have everything it takes to compete in European professional football. I think their youth academy is one of the top three in Europe, with many talented players. Luckily, the Croatian talents are as good as ever, so we will always have strong players. I think it’s important to have this kind of youth academy, with excellent coaches, to help new players develop.
What can you tell us about the role of football in Croatian culture? What value does it have and how important is a competition like the World Cup?
Football is one of the most important things in Croatian society. It gives people positive energy, joy and happiness. Of course, when we have great results, competitions like the EURO or the World Cup give people new hope. It’s a chance to celebrate and escape from reality. We do everything we can to make ourselves, our families, and all Croatian people happy. I hope we can do it again.
As a country with a relatively small population, do you think that Croatia has punched above its weight in football?
I don’t think that’s the case, because we have so many talented athletes, not only in football but in other sports as well. I actually think that the number of talented players may even be higher, but they don’t all get the opportunity. I think it’s great to have all these new talents in Croatia every year. That’s why I’m not surprised by our achievements. I hope it stays that way in the future.
Your goal stats have been impressive during your time at Hoffenheim. What’s the difference between playing in the Bundesliga and playing for your national team?
All players love to train and play, so we go into every match with as much focus as possible and with the desire to stay in shape. It’s hard to compare the Bundesliga to international matches with Croatia. Personally, I give every training session or match the same level of concentration, whether it’s the league or the World Cup. I’ll try to bring the goals, assists and all the experience from the years spent at Hoffenheim with me to Qatar. I hope I can do it successfully. I think the World Cup is one of the greatest competitions and what every player wants. As I said, we have a new opportunity and a great team, so I hope to be able to achieve a lot.
Zlatko Dalic was the first coach to take Croatia to a World Cup final. What are his main qualities?
Zlatko Dalic is a great coach who oversaw the biggest achievement the history of the national team. His strengths are his calmness and the decisions he makes before and during matches. Obviously us players have to listen to his instructions. What he did with the national team in Russia will never be forgotten. He will always be the best coach in our history.