Croatia’s World Cup run: Damir Kreilach relishes “incredible moment” for homeland

Croatia are in the World Cup semifinals in Qatar 2022. Damir Kreilach couldn't attend the 2018 World cup final in Russia because he was playing for Real Salt Lake. Croatia will play Morocco in Tuesday's semifinal at 2 pm ET. If Croatia wins, Kreilsach hopes to attend their final on Dec. 18 at Lusail Stadium.

Croatia won the World Cup with a team made up of players from their homeland. Damir Kreilach is one of three active Croatian players in MLS. He has connections to the team through playing in the Under-21s. He likens the group with Croatia to Real Salt Lake. The team has high expectations given past results. They play against Argentina in a friendly on Sunday. It will be the first match of the 2023 World cup. Croatia has a population of 4 million people.

Croatia is the favorite to win the World Cup. Kreilach likes Morocco, Atlas Lions and the way they play. RSL made the Audi MLS Cup playoffs the past two seasons.  Kreilch believes Croatia's team spirit will help them reach the final. He also likes the team that wasn't favored in pre-tournament predictions.

Kreilach underwent back surgery on June 2 and didn't play from mid-April onwards last year. He's training in Croatia and he's feeling good. Kreilch is an MLS All-Star in 2021. He and Jefferson Savarino are returning Designated Players for RSL.