World Cup 2018: Qualities of a champion

#4 Midfield Mastery

Luka Modric & Ivan Rakitic

Watching this Croatia side is like watching a chess match. They won't overpower most teams with one massive blow. Instead, they'll break down opponents with dozens of clinical passes, strategic movement, and control of the midfield. This team defines what it means to control the game at a tactical level. We've yet to see this Croatian side in a match where they've been out-witted and that is due in large part to their midfield geniuses, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic.

It is no surprise here that Modric and Rakitic create the backbone of this Croatian team. Similar to many players around the world, these two midfielders come from massive clubs where their presence is overshadowed by bigger names (Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively).

However, when they combine in the middle of the pitch for Croatia, they are one of the best tactical duos at the international level. With their ability to interlink play and finish from distance, they bring an efficiency unrivaled by most. This duo create a dangerous midfield that most teams cannot match and they have helped this Croatian side gain notoriety on the largest stage.