Starting from the 6th, representatives from around the world began arriving in South Africa one after another to start preparations in advance.
The World Cup format remained the same as before.
The 32 national teams from all over the world were divided into eight groups for a single round-robin competition.
The top two teams in each group would advance to the knockout stage.
The knockout stage continued with single elimination matches until the final winner lifted the World Cup trophy.
With such a tight schedule, the test for the teams was extremely important.
In a single round-robin, each match is decisive.
This demands every team to maintain a good state and have strong abilities in adjustment and learning.
These three factors are all indispensable.
If the state is poor, the team will collapse in the group stage.
Without good adjustment ability, they won't go far in the knockout rounds.
Without learning ability, they will be helpless against unexpected tactical changes from other teams and ultimately face defeat.
Thus, every match is a tough challenge.
Winning will bring growth.
Losing could mean immediate elimination.
For Croatia, this was their first World Cup appearance since 2002, eight years later.
Compared to 2002, the Croatian national team had undergone a full rebuild.
Davor Šuker, Boban, and others had retired, marking the end of an era.
The rise of Šuker, Modrić, and others represented a new generation and a new era for Croatia.
Moreover, as European champions, they became a thorn in the side for many media and other national teams.
Looking at World Cup history, it was usually a contest between South American and European teams.
Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, France, Germany, England, Italy, Spain...
These teams dominated the championship narrative.
But in this World Cup, Croatia from Eastern Europe rose up, disrupting this balance to some extent.
Of course, Eastern Europe is technically still Europe, but inside Europe, there is strong rivalry between Eastern and Western Europe.
Differences in style, tactics, and playing philosophy caused some division.
At least for Croatia, if they could beat any Western European team, they wouldn't hold back.
And vice versa!
Croatia was watching Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain—all opponents threatening them.
Those teams were equally wary of Croatia.
The first day of open training saw a flood of media from all over the world at the Croatian training ground.
Among them were some scouts from other teams.
Šuker and the others had learned to distinguish: if a reporter just kept shooting photos, he's probably a reporter.
But if he kept his head down writing or drawing in a notebook, he was probably a scout from another team.
Croatia had also sent out many scouts to gather intelligence.
They recorded key players' form, tactical usage, training performance, etc.
Though no one would reveal too much in front of the media, some key info could still be inferred.
Suddenly, a gasp came from the journalist stands.
On the field, Šuker, Modrić, Rakitić, and Mandžukić combined in a dazzling counterattack.
With just six consecutive passes, they broke through the defense, and Šuker scored a goal from a tight angle.
Šuker was trying to keep a low profile before the tournament.
But some people weren't so modest.
"Do it again!" Dujmoviić shouted loudly.
He immediately charged forward and fired a shot like a cannonball that hit the corner of the goal.
"Awesome, right?"
Dujmoviić raised his bent arms and flexed like a strongman, full of excitement.
"Take it easy, be careful not to be targeted," Šuker quietly warned.
Dujmoviić turned his head: "Isn't that perfect? If they focus too much on me, you'll have more space to play."
Šuker was stunned.
That's true!
"I'll set you up; just score like crazy for me!" Šuker said, pumped.
Dujmoviić grinned wickedly: "I'll blast that Subašić kid to pieces!"
Next, Šuker kept feeding passes and Dujmoviić fired shot after shot, making Subašić look very troubled.
"That's enough."
Starting goalkeeper Pletikosa couldn't take it anymore.
"If you keep going, my backup keeper will be crushed."
Subašić rolled his wrist, angry but silent.
He could only resentfully watch Dujmoviić and Šuker.
"We're helping him adjust his form. What if you get hurt?" Dujmoviić said, shrugging.
"Shut your filthy mouth!" Pletikosa cursed, chasing after Dujmoviić.
Dujmoviić screamed and ran wildly across the field.
Others were used to this by now.
Taking advantage of this, Šuker, Modrić, and the others sat down on the sidelines.
"Didn't expect to play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first match!"
Modrić smirked.
Šuker grinned: "Time to thrash my former teammates!"
Bosnia was strong.
Led by Džeko, Bosnia had young forces like Baždarević, Boame, and Skol, inheriting Eastern Europe's physically tough traits and proving difficult to handle.
In the World Cup qualifiers, Bosnia dragged Croatia to the final moments, and it was Boame's winning goal that secured Croatia's spot.
The current World Cup groups were:
Group A: South Africa, France, Uruguay, MexicoGroup B: Croatia, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South KoreaGroup C: England, USA, Slovenia, AlgeriaGroup D: Germany, Ghana, Australia, SerbiaGroup E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, CameroonGroup F: Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay, New ZealandGroup G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North KoreaGroup H: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras
The groups were balanced overall, with no true "Group of Death."
But the spotlight was definitely on Group B with Croatia and Argentina together.
Two European and South American powerhouses in the same group shocked everyone but also raised excitement.
Croatia's strength was undeniable.
As the European champions, they were ranked second in FIFA's rankings, just behind five-star Brazil.
Argentina ranked eighth, and with Bosnia's strong qualifier showing, the competition was fierce.
South Korea without home advantage was seen as less threatening.
For Croatia, Argentina and Bosnia were the main threats.
Though many were more cautious about Argentina, Šuker suddenly asked:
"Have you watched Argentina's qualifiers?"
Modrić blinked: "No, I didn't know they were in our group, and I was busy with club matches after the draw."
"I did!"
Škrinja suddenly raised his hand.
Šuker looked at him approvingly.
"So, what do you think?" Šuker asked.
Šrna grinned: "It's crazy as hell!"
Šuker smiled.
"Crazy is right!"
"Players like Zanetti and Cambiasso, all UEFA Champions League winners, aren't even selected. What's Maradona thinking?"
Šrna shook his head, complaining.
He felt sorry for his club captain Zanetti and Cambiasso.
Maradona pushed for attacking football, building a powerful front line with Messi, Di María, Agüero, Higuaín, Milito, Tévez, etc.
The attack was ridiculously strong, almost overflowing enough for two top-tier forward lines.
But what about midfield?
What about defense?
Argentina was like the old Real Madrid — heavy upfront, light at the back.
Strong on home technical football and attack, but too neglectful of midfield and defense.
If Argentina used this lineup against Croatia, and failed to dominate, Croatia's powerful counterattack would hit them hard every time.
In the training base office, coaches Van Stoyak, Bilić, and others prepared.
Not only the players, but the coaches had to do more.
Especially at this pre-match stage, coaching ability was most tested.
Collecting and integrating information, preparing targeted tactics, choosing strategies...
The preliminary workload was large and crucial.
It determined if Croatia could start smoothly at the World Cup.
In 2010, Croatia bore many expectations.
As European champions, they naturally had a halo and were one of the tournament favorites.
So other teams studied them carefully.
Besides their original tactics, they had to prepare multiple tactical options.
For example, Croatia's core style was high pressing plus all-out attack and defense, somewhat like the Netherlands.
Now they were also preparing defensive counterattacks, "dog retrieving frisbee," and possession football.
While keeping the core intact, these backups gave them great tactical flexibility.
Van Stoyak and Bilić discussed collected info.
Team leader Boban looked at the documents, scratching his head, surprised:
"I thought our style was already crazy enough. Didn't expect Argentina to be even crazier."
For Boban, this Croatian team was totally different from the one he played for.
Different playing style.
Different kind of matches.
Back then, Croatia was only a dark horse and didn't attract much attention internationally.
Now, as European champions and with a superstar like Šuker, their information immediately landed on other coaches' desks.
Thus, their tactical style was diversified.
This was to avoid being singled out.
Core tactics stayed, but other tactics must also be playable.
Compared to Boban's era where one tactic was run to the end, this was richer and much more resilient.
But Boban thought this was crazy.
"Not crazy, it's madness!" Van Stoyak said without looking up.
He respected Maradona's status as a football king and his early good work.
But as the World Cup approached, Maradona started to go wild.
A genius forward line is tempting.
A luxurious attacking lineup is envy-inducing.
But ruining overall team structure by loading up the attack is useless.
You can't play six forwards in one game.
Plus, if hit on the counter, it's over.
Against weak teams it might hold, but against Croatia, Argentina won't get to keep control.
No way.
If Argentina dared to line up like that, Croatia would pluck every hair off the Pampas Eagles.
"Bosnia's counterattack is also sharp, led by Džeko pushing forward, with strong wings and overlapping fullbacks."
Bilić looked at Van Staaak.
He had learned a lot from him recently and was able to offer more insightful suggestions.
"I coached Boame once," Van Stoyak frowned.
"He was just a substitute then; I didn't consider him seriously.
"But judging by his current form, he's indeed very threatening."
"Let Šrna mark him," Bilić suggested.
"Šrna can play both fullback positions and is fast. He shut down Rooney in qualifiers, so he can limit Boame."
Van Stoyak nodded: "Yes, that's my thought.
"Against their overlaps, Šrna must follow up closely, and Dujmović must track back immediately."
Van Stoyak felt a headache coming.
Vukojević hadn't fully recovered from injury, causing trouble in defensive midfield choices.
Vukojević as sole defensive midfielder was best to free Modrić.
Now they had to use Modrić and Dujmović or Kovačić as double pivots to ensure defense.
Though they lost some ball distribution power, Rakitić linked midfield and attack, and Šuker could drop back if necessary to balance it.
"Who will you pick for the right side?"
Croatia's right wing had been problematic.
After attacking from the left, switching to the right often caused coordination issues.
"Olić is a good choice," Boban suggested.
Olić, at Bayern Munich, had won many honors and was reliable.
"Olić fits center forward better.
"But in our lineup, he's the third option behind Šuker and Mandžukić.
"Also, he lacks Mandžukić's richness in the center forward role."
Van Stoyak pondered: "Starting from this World Cup, I plan to use Perišić on the right wing."
Bilić was surprised: "Isn't Perišić too young?"
"Everyone was young once.
"Based on his previous performances, he fits this team best."
Van Stoyak said: "We can't suppress him just because he's young.
"Young players need opportunities to prove themselves."
Seeing Van Stoyak's seriousness, Bilić nodded: "Alright, you decide this."
The first day of open training ended.
In the evening, Van Stoyak called the players for a tactical briefing.
First was Šuker.
"Except a few teams using club-style tactics, most national teams rely on star power, elevating individual performance."
Van Stoyak looked seriously at Šuker: "I intend to keep increasing your tactical resources in the coming matches."
Hearing this, Šuker patted his chest: "Don't worry, I'll give you a satisfactory performance."
Van Stoyak smiled.
He felt luckier than other coaches.
Argentina had many talented forwards, but the strongest one was in his hands!
For the next half hour, Van Stoyak kept moving his tactical board, explaining to Šuker how to position, attack, and even organize attacks.
"This is your job.
"Though the responsibility is heavy, I hope you can withstand the pressure.
"How far we go depends on your performance."
Van Stoyak said and continued:
"Call Perišić here!"
In less than three minutes, Perišić came into Van Stoyak's room.
He was visibly nervous.
Mainly because it was his first time being called in for a one-on-one talk.
He was anxious but hopeful.
Van Stoyak looked at Perišić.
Unlike traditional wingers, Perišić lacked outstanding technique and was often considered a rotation substitute.
But his strengths were precise shooting and quick release.
Up front, Šuker needed lots of ball possession to secure his tactical resources, so both the center forward and right winger were somewhat squeezed.
At this time, the ability to perform without the ball was very important.
Facing Perišić's evasive and anxious gaze, Van Stoyak frowned and sternly said:
"Raise your chest, don't look so insecure!"
Perišić instinctively straightened up.
Van Stoyak said firmly:
"Do you want to start?"
Boom!
Perišić's mind exploded.
He thought he misheard.
He expected more substitute time, but Van Stoyak directly asked if he wanted to start.
This was like wanting a small piece of cheese but getting a huge cake instead.
Perišić struggled to contain his excitement.
He knew his chance had come.
"Yes! I want to start, coach! Trust me, I'll do better!"
He had to seize this opportunity!