Zlatko Dalic, the 59-year-old head coach of Croatia, discussed his team’s 2-1 victory against Ghana, which allowed Luka Modric and his teammates to progress to the Round of 16 at the World Cup from Group L. Croatia needed to avoid losing to secure their advancement in the competition.
The Croatian team, known as Vatreni, did not settle for a draw, with goals from Luka Sucic in the 31st minute and Nikola Vlasic in the 83rd, sealing their victory.
This marks the fourth time in Croatia’s history that the senior national team has advanced beyond the group stages of the World Cup. Notably, they have medaled in each previous instance of advancing: silver in 2018, and bronze in both 1998 and 2022. Dalic has high hopes for this edition as well.
The coach expressed encouragement from the team’s performance, stating it echoed their style from earlier World Cup appearances.
Dalic Seeks Further Success at the World Cup: “We Were Off Early But Now We Are Back”
“It was a great victory, securing six points and moving forward. It was a tough match, and our opponent played well, but we changed our style of play, which was excellent. We’ve returned to our previous settings, reminiscent of what we had in the past years. We stumbled a bit in our first two matches, mismanaging the situation, but we are back on track.
We achieved our goal and will continue to prepare for the upcoming challenges. I must say the players were phenomenal; we positioned ourselves well on the field, and everything went according to plan.
I told the boys I believe in them, and they repaid that trust in the best possible way. Everything went well, and it’s normal for the opponent to create chances as well. We need to stay grounded; there’s no room for euphoria as we move forward,” Dalic stated, according to sportnet.hr.
Coach Dalic: “We Are Aiming Even Higher”
“Now we return to our base, aiming for something greater. I know and believe we can achieve that. We see everything in training, and I am pleased that the players haven’t been demoralized by the endless attacks and criticism—they focused solely on themselves and their work. We’ve taken a small step, but we will strive for more,” the Croatian coach added.
In the Round of 16, Croatia will face the second-placed team from Group K, which will be either Portugal or Colombia. When asked which opponent he would prefer, Dalic replied:
“We will return to our camp, starting preparations as early as tomorrow, leaving our past behind. Both opponents are tough, but it is not easy for them either when they play against Croatia. I reiterate, I believe we can achieve a good result.”
