The joint preparations with Serbia and Belgrade were Croatia’s last test before the European Championships in Dubrovnik and Zagreb (January 4 – 16).
Ivica Tucak, the head coach, announced a 15-player roster for the European Championships today. Eighteen players participated in the last stage of the preparations. Three who didn’t make the cut are Ivan Krapic, Andrija Basic, and goalkeeper Mate Anic.
Krapic, who was appointed the team captain after the Tokyo Olympics, will miss a major competition for the first time in the last two years. However, Ivica Tucak said that Krapic would remain part of the team throughout the upcoming championships. He will be on the bench at all games. Krapic’s presence is very important for the national team, Tucak explained.
Returnee Luka Loncar has replaced Krapic in the centre-forward position. Goalkeeper Marko Bijac will take over the captain’s role at the European Championships.
Three players who participated in the 2023 World Championships aren’t on the roster – Krapic, Andrija Basic, and Marino Cagalj (the latter is injured). Loncar, Loren Fatovic (who was injured this summer) and Matias Biljaka are on the team instead.
Croatia at the 2024 European Championships
Goalkeepers: Marko Bijac (Olympiacos), Toni Popadic (Jug AO)
Field players: Josip Vrlic (Jadran S), Luka Loncar (Olympiacos), Rino Buric (Jug), Matias Biljaka (Jadran S), Marko Zuvela (Jug), Konstantin Kharkov (Jadran), Filip Krzic, Franko Lazic (both Jug), Zvonimir Butic (Jadran),Ante Vukicevic (Marseille), Luka Bukic, Loren Fatovic, Jerko Marinic Kragic (all Jadran S).
The hosts will play in Dubrovnik in the group phase of the Championships against Spain, Montenegro, and France.
