The World Cup Has Swapped Suffering for Style A common language and a common goal have resulted in a homogenizing of the World Cup’s teams, and a rise in parity.
Croatia Is the World Cup Team That Refuses to Lose Croatia, a nation of four million people, needs one more win to reach a second straight World Cup final. If it happens, it will probably come on penalties, and certainly after extra time.
Every Team Left in Qatar Is a Contender France and England, Argentina and Brazil, Messi and Ronaldo: The quarterfinals offer everything except an easy path to the trophy.
Meet the First Ladies of Croatian Soccer Iva Olivari and Ivancica Sudac have served Croatia’s federation since before it joined FIFA. They have had, in different ways, the job of a lifetime.