Mario Mandzukic
Mario Mandzukic, nicknamed Super Mario for his relentless attacking instinct, retired from international duty with Croatia after their 2018 World Cup final loss to France. The match began with a moment of misfortune for him on the scoresheet, yet he redeemed himself by converting Croatia’s second goal. That final chapter in Moscow helped shape the end of an era for the national squad.
At 32, Mandzukic stepped away from representing Croatia, though his club career continued in the Italian league with Milan, where he played until 35 before hanging up his boots in 2021. Across 17 years in professional football, he earned 89 caps and found the net 33 times, leaving a lasting impression on fans who remember him for his bold finishing and willingness to fight until the last whistle.
There were whispers of a potential return to top level football with Barcelona as a possible destination, but the decision to retire came first. Mandzukic’s legacy for Croatia is defined not only by the goals he scored but by the leadership he showed on big nights and the resilience he conveyed after setbacks on the world stage.
Daniel Subasic
Danijel Subasic, a reliable goalkeeper who defended Croatia for more than a decade, did not extend his national team career after the run that ended in Russia in 2018. The team’s campaign in that tournament proved memorable for the Croatian faithful, despite the final outcome, and Subasic spoke about his service with a strong sense of pride and honor when he addressed the nation at the close of that chapter.
Subasic continued playing professionally, later suiting up for Hajduk Split in the Croatian First Division and having previously starred for AS Monaco in France. By the time he turned 38, he remained active in club football, maintaining a high level of performance and influence in goal that benefited his teams on a regular basis.
His career with Croatia spanned 44 appearances, a testament to his consistency, leadership, and celebrated moments between the posts. While he no longer guards Croatia’s net on international duty, his impact during his prime years is remembered by fans who followed every save and every command of the area he orchestrated with confidence.
What fans remember about Croatia’s World Cup legacy
The World Cup in Russia in 2018 remains a landmark for the Croatian team. Reaching the final marked the pinnacle of their recent achievements, and the players who contributed to that run are fondly recalled, even as a new generation has stepped forward to carry the flag in subsequent competitions. The squad’s journey that year highlighted Croatia’s technical skill, unity, and enduring fighting spirit, traits that continue to define the national setup as it evolves in the modern era.
What was the best World Cup winning team?
- France 2018
- Germany 2014
- Spain 2010
- Italy 2006
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What was the best World Cup winning team?
- France 2018
- Germany 2014
- Spain 2010
- Italy 2006
271569to vote
Source: Goal