CROATIA have stunned tens of millions of fans across the globe by making the World Cup final, the country’s first-ever. Sunday will be the most important day for the entire Croatian team as well as their supporters, when they clash with hot favourites France for the trophy. If Croatia are to clear the last hurdle to reach the football glory, they need their attacking midfielder Ivan Perisic to fire.

Presently a player of Inter Milan, the 29-year-old Perisic began playing football at the age of 16 in the Hajduk Split youth team. When 17, the footballer drew the attention of various famous clubs, including Ajax, Anderlecht, Hertha BSC, PSV and Hamburger SV. However, Perisic decided to continue his career at French club FC Sochaux.

After being sent on loan to Belgian Roeselare, the Croatian opened his account with them in January 2009 in the Belgian Cup. After the end of the season, he returned to Sochaux and in August 2009 was purchased by Club Brugge for 250,000 euros.

Perisic became the top scorer of the Belgian Pro League with 22 goals in 37 matches for the club in 2010-11, and was chosen Player of the Year in Belgium. In May, Borussia Dortmund signed Perisic from Brugge on a five-year deal. Nevertheless they sold him in January 2013 to VfL Wolfsburg.In August 2015, Perisic joined Inter Milan on a five-year contract.

Currently brimming with confidence, Croatia are now just one victory away from the grand victory. And if Perisic is on song come Sunday, it surely would increase the east European country’s chances of reaching the game’s pinnacle.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2018