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Sports

WORLD CUP 2014: 5 Croatian players to watch at World Cup in Brazil

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    FILE - In this June 7, 2013, file photo, Croatia's Mario Mandzukic kicks the ball during the group A World Cup qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Scotland, in Zagreb, Croatia. Mandzukic, who was red-carded in a decisive qualifier against Iceland will have his suspension carried over from qualifying so he will have to sit out against the hosts. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic,File) (The Associated Press)

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    FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2013, file photo, Iceland's Aron Gunnarsson, left, is challenged by Croatia's Luka Modric during their World Cup qualifying playoff second leg soccer match in Zagreb, Croatia. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File) (The Associated Press)

ZAGREB, Croatia – Croatia has one of the most stylish midfielders in world football, and one of the top strikers.

Combined, Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic can expect to help Croatia score some goals at the World Cup, and possibly make their way into the knockout round.

Here are five players to watch:

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LUKA MODRIC

Luke Modric is the backbone of the Croatian national team, and has become a regular in Real Madrid's central midfield.

The slender-built former Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham player can also play as an attacking midfielder or winger with his neat technical skills.

At the 2008 European Championship, Modric was included in the UEFA "Team of the Tournament," becoming only the second Croatian to achieve that honor.

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MARIO MANDZUKIC

Mario Mandzukic is the strike force of the Croatian team.

Mandzukic, who plays for Bayern Munich, is known for finding space and his off-the-ball play. He also often participates in the defense, making him highly versatile.

At Euro 2012, he and several others led the scoring chart with three goals. He also became the first Croat to score in a Champions League final, getting Bayern's first goal in 2013.

Bayern says it wants to keep him despite reported interest from several top English, Spanish and Italian teams.

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DARIJO SRNA

Croatia captain Darijo Srna is the workhorse of the team, known for his crossing and free kicks.

Srna plays for Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, and can play as a right back and at right midfield. He is the most capped player in the history of Croatian national team.

Srna had offers from clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich, but he reportedly declined them due to his loyalty to Shakhtar.

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IVAN RAKITIC

Sevilla captain and midfielder Ivan Rakitic regularly creates chances for the attackers.

Technically sound, versatile and creative in possession, Rakitic regularly tracks back to help out defensively. Croatia will look to him to supplement the goal threat of Mario Mandzukic.

Rakitic was born in Switzerland and played for the Swiss under-21 side.

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ALEN HALILOVIC

Creative midfielder Alen Halilovic, who turns 18 in June and will join Barcelona next season, is the Croatian first division's youngest ever scorer and the youngest ever debutante for the Croatian national team.

Currently playing for Dinamo Zagreb, Halilovic is considered to be one of the top young talents of European football.