Mario Mandžukić: Relentless fighter for ultimate success

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Mario Mandžukić's career in Croatia's jersey is closed after 11 years, 89 appearances, and 33 goals, with tireless forward from Slavonski Brod remaining one of the symbols of relentless fighting spirit on the pitch, running stamina and determination.

He made his first football steps in Ditzingen, Germany, while senior beginnings at Marsonia and Zagreb secured him a place at Dinamo Zagreb, where he was winning domestic trophies alongside First Division top goalscorer and best player titles.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

In 2010, he moved to Wolfsburg to prove his quality at Bundesliga level, and was recognized by Bayern. In his first season in Munich, he won the treble, becoming the first Croatian player to score in the Champions League final.

Then he joined Atletico Madrid, and a year later he opted for a transfer to Juventus, winning three domestic doubles in a row, and playing in another Champions League final: against Modrić and Kovačić's Real Madrid he scored a beautiful overhead kick, the goal of the season as selected by UEFA. "Mandžukić has a different engine than everybody else. His running, technique, and tactical understanding are incredible, he is a top-class striker", explained Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

His senior debut, following youth categories appearances, came under the leadership of Slaven Bilić, in 2007 friendly against Macedonia. He scored his first goal in his second appearance, in September 2008, in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against England in Zagreb.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Mandžukić gave an important contribution to successful EURO 2012 qualifying campaign, including a goal against Turkey in the play-offs. In Poland/Ukraine, he scored a brace against Republic of Ireland and once against Italy, to become a joint top-goalscorer of the entire tournament. He was also acknowledged as the Croatian Footballer of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, and was awarded the supporters' prize Vatrena krila. "He is flying on the field of play", summarized manager Bilić.

Confirming his status as one of Croatia's key players, he was efficient in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying, scoring two valuable goals against Serbia, one against Wales and one against Iceland - in the play-off return leg, when he was also sent off. In Brazil, he scored a brace in the group stage against Cameroon. 

A special place in EURO 2016 qualifying is reserved for his goal against Italy, while he managed to score a hat-trick in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Kosovo. Three days later, he scored a winner against Finland. 

As Croatia went on to win silver medal, Mandžukić was a clear first choice as a striker against Nigeria and Argentina in group stage. Against Denmark in the Round of 16, he scored the equalizer, only to mark his final two matches for Croatia with more goals: an extra-time winner against England in the semifinals, and in the World Cup final itself, against France.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

However, not even the moments of greatest glory couldn't distract him. "I'm here to do whatever it takes for the team, regardless of my position. I keep quiet, I work, and the most important thing for me is to emerge victorious. It doesn't matter if I score", Mandžukić was clear.

Still, he retires as the second-best Croatia's all-time goalscorer, behind Šuker (45) and above Eduardo Alves da Silva (29). With a silver around his neck, he can look back with pleasure at the days in his favourite jersey.

"We have made our dreams come true, achieved a historic success, and experienced an unbelievable fan support. That month, including the welcome in Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, and the entire Croatia, will remain the most important memory of my career", said Mandžukić upon closing his international chapter. 

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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