How they qualified: Finished 2nd in European Qualifying Group F; defeated Turkey 3-0 on aggregate in playoff.

Team Base: Warka 

A side that shocked the world in World Cup 98 and has made two quarterfinals appearances in it’s four possible European Championships, Croatia may be a young footballing nation, but it knows how to find success.

Their recent form however, has led to a number of questions being asked about how mentally prepared Slaven Bilic and his side are.

Bilic has received a lot of criticism about how his side faired in the qualifying stages and, with this summers tournament being his last, some feel he will not be able to motivate a side that knows they will be under new leadership next year.

The old guard though are ready to step up to what could be their final challenge, and with stars like Luka Modric and Darijo Srna ready to fight for the cause, Croatia have enough ability to cause a shock upset and get through the group stage.

The loss of Ivica Olic is a major loss to the side’s firepower but Everton’s Nikica Jelavic is more then capable of picking up the slack.

WFD Predicted Starting XI: 4-4-2

Pletikosa

Corluka - Vida - Simunic - Pranjic

Srna - Modric - Dujmovic - Rakitic

Jelavic - Mandzukic

WFD predicted group finish: 3rd

Match 1: June 10 v Republic of Ireland - Municipal Stadium, Poznan (20:45)

Match 2: June 14 v Italy - Municipal Stadium, Poznan (18:00)

Match 3: June 18 v Spain - PGE Arena, Gdansk (20:45)