At left-back, Borna Sosa will be the starter for Croatia. The left-back has attracted attention at the club level for his offensive output and will look to display his quality on the biggest stage of world football.  Josip Stanisic should be the ideal starter due to his defensive solidity and the balance he will provide to the defensive coverage in an attack.

Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol are the starters in defence. Gvardiol has been one of the best young centre-backs in the world this season. He compliments Lovren well is helps in progressing the ball.

Croatia will have the midfield three of Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric. Brozovic is a decent ball-winning winner midfielder that will help progress the ball. With Modric and Kovacic playing advanced as floating eights.

Ivan Persic will play on the left side of the attack and is brilliant in one-on-one situations. He is both-footed, can put crosses into the box, and cut in to score. Andrej Kramaric will lead the line, and Ante Budimir will play from the right of the attack.