Overview
- Croatia will host Slovenia in Varaždin on Sunday in their last warm‑up match before departing for the World Cup.
- Luka Modrić is reported to be back from a shoulder problem and is expected to lead the side, which would be his 198th cap.
- Croatia arrive under pressure after consecutive friendly losses, a 3-1 defeat to Brazil and a 2-0 home loss to Belgium that have highlighted defensive fragility.
- Slovenia failed to qualify for the World Cup, have struggled for form with only one win in the past year, and drew 1-1 with Cyprus in their most recent outing.
- Bookmakers heavily favour a Croatian win at roughly 2/5 and the match will be used by coach Zlatko Dalić to give minutes, test tactics, and finalise selection decisions.