Placed in Group D, Croatia were expected to finish second in a group that was relatively easy to call at the start of the World Cup. However, as Argentina shocked the world with their first two performances, Croatia quietly went about their business as they steamrolled their opposition in all three games. Although the pundits, at the start of the World Cup, were quite aware of the potential in the “Golden Generation” of Croatia, the sheer audacity with which they've played has left all of us pleasantly surprised.

Source: Reuters

It's easy to tell where the strength of this squad really lies. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, who play on opposite sides in the El Classico, run the show at two of the best football clubs in the world. However, when these two combine for their national team, the commanding nature of their performances is a sight to behold. Luka Modric, in particular, may confuse the onlookers with his boyish looks and diminutive stature, but his presence in any side can make the entire team look world class. He's capable of playing any role in the middle of the park, possesses an insane passing range, the stamina of a workhorse and even has a scorcher or two in him (just ask Argentina). Add to the mix, the style and panache of Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, and this midfield can send shivers down the spine of any opposition in the world.

Source: Reuters

However, while their midfield has run the show, their defenders and attackers have complimented the work done by their midfielders. The much maligned Dejan Lovren, in combination with Domadoj Vida successfully kept clean sheets in the two games they played and even kept Lionel Messi at bay in the second. While Croatian attackers haven't contributed a lot of goals, marauding pace of Ivan Perisic and the hold up play of Mario Mandzukic have been extremely crucial going forward. For anyone doubting their ruthlessness, you may recall Ante Rebic's net bursting volley from Willy Caballero's mistake against Argentina. 

Source: Reuters

Throughout the group stages, Croatia scored 7 goals and conceded just the one against Iceland. While these stats are certainly impressive, they still don't do enough justice to Croatia's performances. In a World Cup of disappointments and underdog stories, Croatia's performances have attracted no negative headlines so far. If they were to carry this momentum into the knockout rounds, they might produce their best performance since their third place finish in France '98.