Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of Croatian national football team players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse physiological and anthropometric characteristics of Croatian national football team players, with particular focus on blood lactate concentration, relative oxygen consumption, body height, body mass, body fat percentage, and playing position. The sample consisted of 17 elite football players. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all analysed variables. The average blood lactate concentration was 10.46 ± 1.12 mmol/L, while the average relative oxygen consumption was 60.91 ± 3.15 mL/kg/min. The players demonstrated highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacities characteristic of elite football populations. Anthropometric and physiological profiles differed according to playing position, reflecting specific tactical and physical demands in modern football.