Much of what Croatia achieve starts from the boots of Robert Prosinecki.
The mecurial midfielder, who left Portsmouth at the end of the season, is still the creative force for his national side even at the age of 32.
Prosinecki first came to the world's attention at the World Youth Championship where he was named player of the tournament as an 18-year-old.
From there he moved from Dinamo Zagreb to Red Star Belgrade before finally picking up his first cap for the national side.
One of the stars of Croatia's successful 1998 World Cup, he finally looks clear of his on-going injury problems for another stab against the world's best.