Croatia's World Cup squad excludes former Brazil striker Goulart

### Croatia’s World Cup Squad Excludes Former Brazil Striker Goulart

Croatia has announced the final list of its 26-man World Cup squad for Russia 2018, excluding one of their most notable and successful players in recent years – former Brazilian striker Gabriel Goulart.

Goulart, who spent six seasons with Ajax Amsterdam before joining Manchester United, was considered a key player for Croatia during his time at the club. His experience, leadership, and ability to score goals were highly valued by coach Zlatko Dalic. However, following a period of uncertainty about his future with Manchester United and concerns over his health, Goulart decided to leave the club ahead of the World Cup.

The Croatian Football Association (HFF) confirmed that Goulart will not be included in the final squad, citing his decision to retire from professional football. This move comes as a disappointment to many supporters who had high hopes for his contributions to the team.

Zlatko Dalic, Croatia’s head coach, expressed his regret for this decision. "We understand that every player makes decisions based on their own circumstances, but we also respect the commitment made by Gabriel Goulart," he said. "His contribution to our team was significant, and we wish him all the best in his retirement."

While Goulart’s absence is a major loss for Croatia, the squad remains strong and experienced. The other 25 players have been selected based on their performances throughout the season and their potential to contribute to the team’s success in Russia.

The tournament kicks off in St. Petersburg on June 14, 2018, marking the start of what promises to be another exciting and competitive World Cup campaign. With the absence of a key figure like Goulart, the Croatian team will need to rely even more heavily on its depth and individual talents to navigate the challenges ahead.

As the World Cup approaches, fans and pundits alike are watching closely to see how Croatia performs without one of their most celebrated and talented strikers. Whether they can replicate their previous successes or find new ways to excel remains to be seen, but the journey starts now in Russia.