The 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France was a historic tournament for the Croatia national football team. Here's an overview of their performance during that competition:

FIFA World Cup 1998:

• Croatia entered the tournament as a relatively new footballing nation, having gained independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. Managed by Miroslav Blažević, the team featured talented players such as Davor Šuker, Zvonimir Boban, and Robert Prosinečki.

• Drawn into Group H, Croatia faced Jamaica, Japan, and Argentina in the group stage. They kicked off their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jamaica, with goals from Šuker, Boban, and Jarni.

• In their second group match, Croatia defeated Japan 1-0, with Prosinečki scoring the only goal of the game. They secured their place in the Round of 16 with a perfect record after defeating Argentina 1-0 in their final group match, with Šuker finding the back of the net.

• Advancing to the knockout stage, Croatia faced Romania in the Round of 16. They secured a 1-0 victory, with Davor Šuker scoring the decisive goal to send his team to the quarterfinals.

• In the quarterfinals, Croatia faced Germany in a highly anticipated match. Croatia produced a memorable performance, defeating Germany 3-0 to advance to the semifinals. Šuker, Prosinečki, and Vlaović were the goalscorers for Croatia in a historic victory.

• In the semifinals, Croatia faced the host nation France in a tightly contested match. Despite their best efforts, Croatia suffered a 2-1 defeat, with Šuker scoring their only goal. Croatia went on to face the Netherlands in the third-place playoff, where they secured a 2-1 victory to finish the tournament in third place.

Legacy:

• Croatia's performance in the 1998 FIFA World Cup was historic, as they exceeded expectations and made a significant impact on the tournament. Their run to the semifinals showcased the team's talent and resilience on the international stage.

• Davor Šuker emerged as one of the standout players of the tournament, winning the Golden Boot as the top scorer with six goals. His performances elevated Croatia's status in world football and earned him widespread acclaim.

• The success of the Croatia national team in the 1998 World Cup inspired future generations of players and fans, laying the foundation for continued success in international competitions.

Overall, the 1998 FIFA World Cup was a watershed moment for Croatian football, as the national team made history with their remarkable performance and left an indelible mark on the tournament.