The Croatia national football team, known as "Vatreni" (The Blazers), represents Croatia in international football and is operated by the Croatian Football Federation. Based in Zagreb, the team plays its home matches at the Stadion Maksimir and other venues. Since gaining independence in the 1990s, Croatia has consistently punched above its weight on the world stage, establishing itself as a powerhouse of talent and technical skill. Their legendary peak era was their first World Cup appearance in 1998, where a golden generation featuring Davor Šuker, Zvonimir Boban, and Robert Prosinečki finished third in France, capturing the imagination of the globe. The modern era has seen Croatia reach even greater heights, finishing as runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and third in 2022, led by the midfield genius of Luka Modrić. The team's culture is characterized by fierce national pride, incredible fan support with iconic checkered shirts, and a never-say-die attitude that has produced numerous dramatic knockout-stage victories. Croatia's reputation is that of a tournament team that always delivers drama and excellence.