Croatia became in independent football entity in 1991, shortly before the country gained independence from Yugoslavia. They were awarded FIFA and UEFA membership in 1993 and qualified for a major Finals at the first attempt when they made it to the 1996 European Championship Finals in England. They made it to their first World Cup Finals two years later when they finished third at the 1998 tournament in France.

Manager: Ante Cacic
Captain: Darijo Srna