Croatia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup


participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. This was their second appearance after their debut-bronze madel appearance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Qualifying

Croatia was in Group 6 of UEFA's World Cup qualifications. They played alongside Belgium, Scotland, Latvia and San Marino, finished first in the group and qualified directly for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia national team started the qualification led by manager Miroslav Blažević, but after tying the initial two matches, he was replaced by Mirko Jozić.
Standings
The results of the Group Stage

Players

Altogether 28 players appeared in the qualifying matches. Boško Balaban and Robert Jarni are the only player that appeared in all 8 matches. Balaban was also the top scorer with 5 achieved goals.
Ivica Olić, Anthony Šerić, Josip Šimunić and Vladimir Vasilj did not appear in any of the qualifying matches but made the final World Cup squad.
Complete list of players in the qualifying matches
#NameGames PlayedGoals
1Boško Balaban85
1Robert Jarni80
3Robert Prosinečki72
3Davor Vugrinec72
3Dario Šimić70
6Davor Šuker61
6Robert Kovač60
6Stipe Pletikosa60
6Igor Tudor60
10Niko Kovač51
10Zvonimir Soldo51
10Boris Živković50
13Goran Vlaović41
13Daniel Šarić40
13Igor Štimac40
16Igor Bišćan30
16Mario Stanić30
16Stjepan Tomas30
19Alen Bokšić22
19Jasmin Agić20
19Milan Rapaić20
19Jurica Vranješ20
23Nenad Bjelica10
23Tomislav Butina10
23Mario Cvitanović10
23Krunoslav Jurčić10
23Željko Pavlović10
23Jurica Vučko10

World Cup preparation

World Cup Squad

Head coach: Mirko Jozić

The Tournament

Croatia was drawn into Group G. Croatia's opponents were Italy, Ecuador, Mexico. After losing to Ecuador nad Mexico nad winning Italy Croatia was eliminated from the tournament.

Matches

All times local

Croatia vs Mexico

Italy vs Croatia

Ecuador vs Croatia