The Final Rehearsal Before the Storm

The countdown is on! Only ten days separate the footballing world from the ultimate spectacle: the World Cup. And who is ready? Croatia, obviously. The national team has arrived in Rijeka, engines revving, spirits high. Every player called up by coach Zlatko Dalić is on the pitch, drilling tactics, sharpening systems, and preparing for the hunt for another medal. But you can’t test the steel without a hammer. So, who is the first challenger? Belgium.

The clash kicks off at 18:00 on the Rujevica pitch, broadcast live on Nova TV. This isn’t just a friendly; it’s a litmus test. Croatia comes off a mini-tour in the United States, where they faced heavyweights. They beat Colombia 2-1 and fell to Brazil 3-1. Dalić called the atmosphere "fantastic," and the squad got vital experience with the climate and turf. Now, they bring that fire home.

De Bruyne and the City Connection

Belgium is no pushover. Ranked ninth by FIFA, just behind Croatia’s 11th-place standing, the Red Devils are dangerous. Leading the charge is the magician Kevin De Bruyne. But watch out for the flanks. Jeremy Doku is on fire, and he’s not alone. He shares a club with Croatian stars Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić at Manchester City. That internal rivalry adds spice to the matchup. Can Doku break down the Croatian defense he knows so well? Or will Gvardiol and Kovačić shut him down?

This is the penultimate hurdle. After Belgium, Croatia faces Slovenia on June 7 in Varaždin. Then, the real journey begins. The World Cup starts June 17 against England. Panama and Ghana await in the group stage. The stage is set. The players are ready. The question is: will the Vatreni burn brighter than ever?