Now one of the most experienced players in the team. Srna was just breaking into the Croatia side during the halcyon days of 96 and 98. One of the more technically gifted of the team he can play anywhere on the right and tends to take free kicks and penalties. The fact that Niko Krancjar cannot get a look in on dead balls gives you an idea of his quality. Most recently his free kicks against Australia (see video) in the World Cup and Macedonia in a Euro 2008 qualifier stand out as sublime efforts, the former an absolute belter.
Euro 2008 was an eventful few weeks for the talismanic right winger. Following a successful double winning season with Shakhtar Donetsk he played like a man on a mission, bagging his customary tournament goal with the opener in the victory against Germany. His partnership on the right with Vedran Corluka was as solid as ever whilst going forward he showed class and skill without his usual showboating, maintaining Croatia's fluid approach play and inventive teamwork.
He was unfortunate not to score one of his trademark free-kicks in the ill-fated quarter final against Turkey, Recber Rustu pulling off a stunning one-handed save in the latter stages. And so visibly upset was he by the defeat, he will be an even stronger motivational force by the time the World Cup qualifying kicks off next season.
Darijo is expected to take over from Niko Kovac as Croatia's captain this season, although this does depend somewhat on Kovac's retirement plans which have recently been put on hold.