Pletikosa made his international debut for Croatia in 1999, and went on to represent the country in five major tournaments. He is the fourth-most capped player in the history of the Croatia national team afterLuka Modrić,Darijo Srna andIvan Perišić, having made 114 appearances. Pletikosa retired from international football following the2014 FIFA World Cup.[7]
In the opening match of the2014 World Cup, played on 12 June against hostsBrazil, a penalty was given against Croatia that resulted in a 1–1 draw. Pletikosa made contact withNeymar's spot kick, but could not prevent it from going in. Croatia eventually lost 3–1.[13] On 17 July 2014, following the World Cup, Pletikosa announced his retirement from the national team.[14]
Pletikosa is a practisingRoman Catholic who was known to wear a T-shirt with a picture of theVirgin Mary under his uniform for good luck when he played.[15][16]