At this point in time, it would be remiss of anyone to write off Zlatko Dalic's Croatia ahead of an international tournament.
There were doubts that the second golden generation could repeat the feats of the 2018 FIFA World Cup where they finished runners-up to France, but, four years later, they practically did, only falling short to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.
The unprecedented results is now at a crossroads as Dalic grapples with a soft reboot of their most successful era.
There remains evergreen staples such as Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, who form an experienced backbone where emerging talents like Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo and Josko Gvardiol have been able to cement themselves into.
Though bronze and silver medals at the World Cup and UEFA Nations League respectively show this consistency is able to continue, there are chinks in the armour that the current crop will want to put right.
Namely, the country's performance at the European Championships.
A thrilling 5-3 defeat to Spain in 2020's round of 16 meant Croatia have failed to make it past the quarter final stage in their six tournament appearance since becoming independent from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Qualifying this time round was not plain sailing either. They finished second to Turkey and were fortunate that Wales, who beat them in Cardiff, slipped up against Armenia and the group winners.
Prior to travelling to Neuruppin (their base over the summer), they face Portugal and North Macedonia.
In a tough qualifying group that comprised of former finalists England and Italy, as well as Ukraine, North Macedonia were unable to replicate their heroics from 2020, where they reached the finals for the very first time.
It was not a campaign to remember, losing all of their matches to the Netherlands, Austria and Ukraine. But it has certainly been a nation of the rise.
A draw against England in March and notable victories at Germany and Italy in recent years - the latter of which being in a 2018 World Cup play-off - means they can be a tricky opposition to contend with.
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Team News
Croatia
Nikola Vlasic (adductor) will not be available. Ivan Perisic is still easing his way back from a long term injury and so may not be risked.
Luka Modric has a quick turn around from his sixth UEFA Champions League final victory and may only feature from the bench.
North Macedonia
Captain Enis Bardhi (shoulder) is a big miss for the visitors, who are otherwise free of fitness concerns.
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Likely Line Ups
Croatia
Livakovic; Stanisic, Vida, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Sucic; Kramaric, Budmir, Pjaca
Dimitrievski; Manev, Musliu, Serafimov; Dimoski, Atanasov, Alimi, Alioski; Elmas; Ristovski, Miovski
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Key Players
Croatia: Andrej Kramaric
Off the back of a seventeen goal strong season for Hoffenheim, Kramaric's importance to his national team endures.
The most experienced number nine in the side, his versatility out wide will be utilised this summer due to the form of striker Ante Budmir.
He finished the Bundesliga season in dazzling form, with seven goals and five assists in the last seven outings, including a hat-trick against Bayern Munich on the final day.
His attacking proficiency, work ethic and major tournament history will be vital in Croatia's chances this summer.
North Macedonia: Eljif Elmas
Speaking of flexibility, Elmas' ingenuity will be central to North Macedonia's creative output in this encounter.
He is the most likely candidate for filling in for Bardhi in the ten role instead of his usual place up top for his country.
His attacking returns since joining RB Leipzig in January has been less than spectacular, failing to net or set up any goals for the German side so far.
Three assists in another friendly win over Armenia at the tail end of last year show his playmaking abilities, which will be the onus on him this time too.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Stadion HNK Rijeka in Rijeka, Croatia.
What time is kick-off?
18:00 BST.
How can I watch?
In the UK, the match will be available on Premier Sports 2.
