Croatia World Cup Betting Preview: Latest odds, squad and tournament history

Having changed manager since their last 16 exit in Euro 2016, plenty will be expect Zlatko Dalic's talented squad to excel on the international stage

The "dark horses" tag will likely be used for several sides at the 2018 World Cup including Croatia although they are by no means assured of a place in the knockout stages given the strength of Group D.

After a change of manager in October 2017 Croatia needed a play-off to secure their place in Russia, albeit they rarely looked troubled during a 4-1 aggregate win over Greece.

20 points in the group stage wasn't enough to finish above Iceland during qualification and the two will meet again this summer.

Mario Mandzukic top scored with five goals but it was at the back where the Vatreni excelled, conceding just five times during qualification (four in the group and one in the play-off round).

Having made the semi-finals in France 98 and going on to finish third in that tournament, subsequent World Cups have been disappointing affairs for Croatia with group stage exits in 2002, 2006 and 2014.

However, with a FIFA World ranking of 18, there will be plenty of people expecting more from Zlatko Dalic's side this time around despite their tricky group draw.