April 12, 2023 - Hajduk beat Slaven Belupo on Wednesday and will play Sibenik in the SuperSport Croatian Cup final on May 24 in Rijeka.

The second SuperSport Croatian Football Cup semi-final match was played in Koprivnica between Slaven Belupo and Hajduk on Wednesday. Recall that Šibenik sensationally defeated Dinamo in the first SuperSport Croatian Cup semi-final last week. 

Lineups

Slaven Belupo: Čović, Bosec, Božić, Tepšić, Soldo, Jambor, Marina, Mioč, Tepšić, Mudražija, Crnac, Hoxha

Hajduk: Lučić - Mikanović, Ferro, Vušković, Melnjak - Grgić, Krovinović - Pukštas, Benrahou, Mlakar - Livaja

Luka Vušković returned to Hajduk's starting 11 after missing the last round of the HNL.

Match report

The first half was wholly uneventful. Slaven Belupo had a chance to go ahead in the 6th minute had they capitalized on goalkeeper Lucic's cardinal mistake. In the next 20 or so minutes, there were no real chances for either side, and the sprinklers interrupting the match in the 30th minute was the most exciting action thus far. 

Livaja had a chance in the 32nd minute, and a nasty collision between Melnjak and Tepsic resulted in bloody heads and a stretcher to the nearest hospital for the Belupo defender. Hlevnjak entered instead of the injured Tepsic, and six minutes of stoppage time were added. 

The second half had more energy from both sides. In the 53rd minute, Pukstas crossed from the right, and Livaja shot from close range with his head. But the ball went wide of the goal. After consulting VAR, Hajduk was granted a penalty three minutes later after a handball was played in the box. Livaja scored for the Hajduk lead (0-1). 

Hajduk had a chance to increase their lead in the 76th minute, but nothing came of that action. Belupo was definitely pressuring to equalize, while Hajduk was waiting for the counterattack to bring their second goal. After five minutes of stoppage time, Hajduk held their lead and secured their spot in the final. 

Hajduk will meet Sibenik in the SuperSport Croatian Cup final on May 24 in Rijeka.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 10, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 28th round was held on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, due to the Easter holiday. This round saw Igor Bišćan debut on Dinamo's bench with a victory, while the last-placed Gorica shocked Osijek, and Hajduk only took one point against Istra at Poljud. 

Slaven Belupo - Varazdin (1-1)

Belupo and Varazdin opened the 28th round on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Koprivnica in front of 1,513 fans. 

Crnac gave Belupo the lead in the 12th minute, a result that was held for over 90 minutes when Domjanic equalized in the 6th minute of stopped time for the final 1-1. Varazdin had 69% of possession during the match with 17 total attempts on goal, four of which were on target - the same as Belupo. 

Belupo is in 6th place with 37 points, while Varazdin is in 5th with 38. Belupo plays Dinamo next, and Varazdin meets Istra. 

Hajduk - Istra 1961 (2-2)

Hajduk and Istra met for the second match on Friday at Poljud in front of 14,966 fans. 

Mlakar put Hajduk ahead in the 2nd minute for 1-0, but two quick goals from Istra followed. Hujber scored in the 19th minute and Bakrar in the 21st for the Istra lead. Mlakar scored his second goal just before halftime to level the result (2-2). The second half saw two players sent off - Borevkovic was shown a straight red card just one minute into the second half, while Maresic was shown his second yellow with 10 minutes to go. Hajduk scored in the 56th minute, but it was called offside after consulting VAR. 

Hajduk is in 2nd place with 54 points, while Istra is in 7th with 36. Hajduk plays Rijeka next without Livaja and Krovinovic (cards), and Istra meets Varazdin. 

Gorica - Osijek (2-0)

Gorica and Osijek met on Saturday, April 8, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,349 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Fucak put Gorica ahead in the 73rd minute before scoring 10 minutes later for the final 2-0. Osijek had 51% of possession during the game with 11 total attempts, while Gorica had three attempts on target, two of which ended in goals. 

Gorica is in last place with 20 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 38. Gorica plays Sibenik next, and Osijek meets Lokomotiva. 

Lokomotiva - Dinamo (1-2)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo met in the second match on Saturday in front of 3,961 fans in Zagreb. 

Lokomotiva took the lead thanks to Ibrahim in the 35th minute. Ivanusec equalized in the 50th minute, and Menalo made it 1-2 in the 79th. This was the first game under new Dinamo coach Igor Bišćan. Dinamo had 51% possession and 17 total attempts on goal, of which five were on target. 

Lokomotiva is in 8th place with 33 points, while Dinamo is in first with 63. Lokomotiva plays Osjek next and Dinamo meets Belupo. 

Rijeka - Sibenik (1-0)

Rijeka and Sibenik closed out the 28th round at Rujevica in front of 4,437 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Frigan gave Rijeka the win in the 48th minute. Rijeka dominated the match with 67% of possession and 15 total attempts on goal. 

Rijeka is in 4th place with 38 points, while Sibenik is in 9th with 24. Rijeka plays Hajdyk next and Sibenik meets Gorica. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 5, 2023 - Šibenik has knocked out Dinamo in the SuperSport Croatian Cup semi-final, beating them 2:1 at Šubićevac Stadium! 

It is the second final in history for Šibenik. Šibenik lost to Hajduk in its first final in 2010. With this loss, Dinamo continues its downward spiral, achieving only one victory in its last six appearances.

Dinamo visited Šubićevac weakened by the absence of Bruno Petković and Luka Ivanušec. Behind the Croatian champion were a series of bad results and only one victory in the last five meetings. Even so, Dinamo entered the match brilliantly and took the lead with a goal by Josip Drmić in the 40th second. 

Dinamo could have increased their lead in the 13th minute. Dominik Livaković sent a long ball to Menalo, who came out alone in front of Đaković, but the home goalkeeper saved his shot, deflecting the ball into the corner.

Šibenik had their first and only chance in the first half in the 20th minute. Dario Čanađija found Ivan Dolček in the penalty area, but he couldn't get a decent shot off. 

In the 37th minute, Dinamo shook the home team's net for the second time, and Drmić was the scorer again. However, this time VAR was not on his side. The striker was offside at the beginning of the play, and the goal was disallowed.

Dinamo had a new chance in the 57th minute. Mišić sent a great ball to Baturina, who rushed down the right wing and put it in front of the goal, but Kvržić prevented the shot.

Šibenik came back with a free kick a few minutes later, but there was no real danger in front of Livković's goal. In the 66th minute, Šibenik threw all their cards into the attack. Iker Pozzo, Dejan Radonjić, Duje Čop, and Amer Hiroš entered the game. Just six minutes later, Šibenik equalized with a goal by Spanish midfielder Pozzo.

It was a quick counter from the hosts, the Spaniard first pushed the ball to Radonjić. With a bit of luck, the ball returned to Pozzo, who scored from close range into an empty goal.

After conceding the goal, Dinamo increased their rhythm. In the 80th minute, Marko Bulat had a great shot from a free kick. Four minutes later, Dinamo hit the net again, but VAR once again ruled it offside, and Menalo's joy was short-lived.

When it seemed that the match would go into extra time, Šibenik shocked the Croatian champion. Kvržić made a perfect cross from the right, and Čop made an even better header for the incredible Šibenik victory! 

Slaven Belupo and Hajduk meet in the second semi-final on April 12 in Koprivnica, and the final is on May 24 at Rujevica in Rijeka.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 28, 2023 - After drawing against Wales at Poljud on Saturday, Croatia beat Turkey in the second round of the EURO 2024 qualifiers.

Croatia and Turkey met in Bursa on Tuesday for the second round of EURO 2024 qualifiers. This was Croatia's last match before the Nations League finals, which is held this June in Rotterdam. 

Coach Zlatko Dalić lead Croatia tonight for the 72nd time, which ties him with the undisputed record holder Miroslav Blažević.

Croatia and Turkey had played ten times so far before this match. Croatia's first victory in a major competition was against Turkey (Euro 1996), but perhaps also the biggest shock - losing on penalties in the EURO quarter-finals in Austria and Switzerland in 2008.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić made three changes in the starting lineup. Josip Stanišić, Borna Barišić, and Mario Pašalić entered the starting 11 instead of Josip Juranović, Borna Sosa, and the injured Marko Livaja.

Lineups

TURKEY: Günok, Celik, Söyuncu, Demiral, Kadioglu, Kökcu, Calhanoglu, Özcan, Ünder, Ünal, Aktüroglu

CROATIA: Livaković, Stanišić, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Barišić, Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić, Pašalić, Perišić, Kramarić

The match started at 20:45 in front of nearly 40,000 fans. Around 1500 Croatia fans were in attendance. 

Brozovic lost the ball in the penalty area in the 5th minute, forcing Livakovic to make a quick save to keep Turkey from taking an early lead. Livakovic had to save the day not even five minutes later after a Sutalo slip allowed Turkey to get a shot off. And in the 11th minute, a Turkey goal was called offside. 

Croatia started waking up shortly after and pushed into Turkey's half. Stanisic got a shot off wide of the goal in the 16th minute.

But even with their lack of concentration, Croatia found the back of the net. Stanisic was played wide on the right wing and sent the ball to Pasalic who played a one-two with Perisic and laid it off to Kovacic in the box for 0-1 Croatia! 

Croatia's lack of concentration continued after they took the lead, and another close encounter with Livakovic nearly leveled the result. Stanisic dribbled into the box and failed to get a good shot off in the 32nd minute. 

Croatia really struggled to find their footing in the first half, but the injury to Turkey's captain did not do them a favor, either.

Even with their poor play, Croatia found a way to the back of the net again. Brozovic and Modric stole the ball in Turkey's half, found Pasalic on the left whose shot went off the keeper's fingertips, and to Kovacic who scored his second goal for 0-2! 

The first half ended 0-2 for Croatia. 

Croatia attacked well in the 53rd minute, but both Kovacic and Pasalic failed to get a shot off in time.

And Croatia's best chance of the second half came five minutes later. Modric played a low ball into the box from the right side, and Pasalic side-footed to the goal with an incredible reaction from the Turkey keeper. 

Dalic made his first sub - Juranovic came on for Pasalic in the 65th minute. 

Turkey picked up the pace from the 70th minute and even had a good chance on goal which went wide of the far post. 

A brilliant attack by Kovacic, Perisic, and Kramaric almost resulted in another goal, but Kramaric's shot just missed the goal. 

Two corners for Turkey in the 80th minute had Croatia on their toes, but with 10 minutes to go, the game was still 0-2.

Modric and Kramaric came out for Majer and Musa in the 84th minute. 

Five minutes of stoppage time were added. Ivanusec came on for Perisic.

Turkey had a dangerous chance in the 2nd minute of stoppage time which Livakovic brilliantly saved, but the game ended in Croatia's favor. 

Croatia meets next in June for the Nations League Finals in Rotterdam. Croatia plays the semi-final against the Netherlands on June 14.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 25, 2023 - Croatia opened the EURO 2024 qualifiers with a draw against Wales after a last-minute goal leveled the score to 1-1.

The Croatia national team open the EURO 2024 qualifiers at Poljud Stadium on Saturday against Wales. It was Croatia's first appearance after the magnificent bronze medal result at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The great atmosphere at Poljud before the match was led by Tomislav Bralić and Klapa Intrade, who sang their biggest hits to warm up the fans. All fans were also greeted at their seats with a commemorative Croatia scarf displaying the motifs of the already widely known Vatreni jerseys in white or blue variants. Poljud was sold out for tonight's match with 33,474 in attendance. 

Croatia was in an almost unchanged lineup compared to Qatar. After the World Cup, Dejan Lovren said goodbye to the national team, and Bruno Petković did not play today due to an injury. 

Three days after Wales, Croatia will visit Turkey to continue their qualifications for the 2024 European Championship. 

Lineups

CROATIA: Livaković - Juranović, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa - Modrić, Kovačić, Brozović - Kramarić, Livaja, Perišić

WALES: Ward - Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Williams - Ampadu, Wilson, Ramse, Morrell - Moore, James

Match report 

Croatia had its first attack and shot on goal at 2:33. Gvardiol found Modric alone just outside the box. Luka's shot was saved by the keeper and resulted in Croatia's first corner kick. 

Another chance for Croatia in the 6th minute. Perisic crossed into the box for Livaja which deflected off the Wales keeper. It was another corner for Croatia. Five minutes later Juranovic launched a ball into the penalty area, but no Croatia player was there in time. 

Kova and Krama had a great attack three minutes later. Krama found Perisic on the left, but the ball had too much speed. 

Wales had their first corner in the 14th minute. Kramaric nailed a rocket at the Wales keeper a minute after that which went out for Croatia's third corner. 

Croatia possessed well and gave Wales little chance to control the game. Croatia was the first to every ball.  

Perisic has an excellent attempt in the 24th minute but shot wide of the goal. But Perisic had the best chance two minutes later when a powerful strike found the back of the net. Unfortunately, the ref called a foul on the attack, and the game remained 0-0. 

It didn't take long for Croatia to take the lead after that. In the 28th minute, Kramaric magically moved through the Wales defense and shot at the right post for 1-0 Croatia! 

Juranovic was shown a yellow card in the 30th minute. 

Luka's volley attempt in the 35th minute went just wide of the goal. Sosa tried shooting right-footed two minutes later but weakly shot at the keeper. Croatia was wholly dominating this game.

Wales was given a dangerous free kick in the 43rd minute. Kramaric selfishly shot over the post in the 45th minute when Perisic was alone in the box. The game ended 0-0 at the half.  

There were no changes to start the second half. 

A brilliant chance for Croatia in the 49th saw Kova alone in front of the keeper with an open goal but shot over. 

Livaja was subbed off in the 52nd minute with an injury. Petar Musa came on in his place for his first official debut for the national team.

Sosa played Perisic in the box in the 55th minute, but he shot at the keeper. Wales had the best chance of the match in the 60th minute. James was left alone in the box but fortunately missed the goal. 

Wales made its first 3 subs in the. 63rd minute. 

A brilliant attack from Croatia up the left wing in the 65th minute. Sosa played Perisic who found Musa. Musa's shot went wide of the goal. 

Wales made their fourth sub in the 70th minute. 

Vlasic and Pasalic were subbed on for Kramaric and Kovacic in the 75th minute. 

Croatia continued to dominate in the second half even though Wales had a few chances. Croatia had back-to-back corners in the 77th minute and even hit the post five minutes later! 

Three minutes of stoppage time were added. 

Unfortunately, seconds after Modric was subbed off, Croatia's defense fell asleep, and Broadhead equalized for 1-1. 

The match ended 1-1. 

Croatia plays Turkey next away in Bursa on March 28.  

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 24, 2023 - The Croatia national team will open the EURO 2024 qualifiers at Poljud Stadium on Saturday against Wales.

The Croatian Football Federation made an effort to provide Croatia fans with a true football spectacle in their first appearance after the magnificent bronze medal result at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The great atmosphere at Poljud before the match will be ensured by Tomislav Bralić and Klapa Intrade, who will sing their biggest hits and announce the match at the beautiful Poljud Stadium in Split. In addition, all spectators will be greeted at their seats by a commemorative Croatia scarf displaying the motifs of the already widely known Vatreni jerseys in white or blue variants.

"For the magnificent choreography of the full stadium stands, we invite the fans to wave their scarves when the players exit the tunnel and raise them during the national anthem so that the view of the stadium is even more striking," said HNS. 

Immediately before the match, an official farewell ceremony will be organized for Dejan Lovren and Ivan Strinić, who left a deep mark on the Croatia national team. Dejan won the World Cup silver medal in Russia and the bronze medal in Qatar, and Ivan won the silver medal in Russia with Croatia. 

The Poljud Stadium doors open at 6:30 pm, and a quality offer of food and drinks will be organized around the stadium.

"There is always a fantastic atmosphere at Poljud, and we are all excited to play in Split. I am convinced that it will be the same this time. The match against Wales will be another opportunity to celebrate the bronze medal with our fans and step into a new qualification cycle with a victory. Our approach to the match against Wales will certainly be at its maximum; we are eager for new successes. We know how much these points mean to us, and we will be additionally motivated in front of our fans," said Ivan Perišić for HNS.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 24, 2023 - Croatia and Wales open the EURO 2024 qualifiers at Poljud Stadium on Saturday at 20:45. Coach Zlatko Dalić and captain Luka Modrić addressed the press ahead of the important match. 

Croatia and Wales meet on Saturday at Poljud to open the EURO 2024 qualifiers. Poljud has long been sold out for Croatia's first match after winning the bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup. Dalić and Modrić addressed the press on Friday to announce the game and what we can expect. 

Luka answered questions first. He learned he is the oldest Croatia player to appear in a qualification cycle. 

"Our focus is 100% on Wales. It is important to open the qualifications with a good result. We are opening at home in front of a full stadium, and we want a win," said Modrić to begin. "I don't know if it's good or bad that I'm the oldest player to appear for Croatia in a qualifying cycle, haha. I am happy to break this record, and I am happy to play with Croatia. I need to keep going this way," he added. 

How is the team looking at this first game together since the World Cup?

"We always want to qualify as early as possible but always encounter problems during the qualifiers. The group is small, with only five teams. Therefore, we need to be maximally concentrated and focused on tomorrow. Wales and Turkey are our biggest competitors in this group. First, we need to focus on this game, and then we will think about the match against Turkey. I don't want to talk about points right now. We are the favorites in this group, and we want 6 points in these two games, but football is unpredictable.

We won two medals at the World Cup in the last five years. We also played a good EURO in 2021. Everyone is playing against us with respect and proving themselves against us. Because of that, we need to be even better." 

Luka said he wouldn't be able to achieve the success he has without everyone around him.

"Without my teammates and coach, I wouldn't be who I am. I thank all players from the beginning of my professional career, as all of these results were achieved by the team." 

How will Croatia look tomorrow, and is this Luka's last game at Poljud?

"All we can say about tomorrow is that we will give 100%. We all know about the atmosphere in Split. I said I am with Croatia until Nations League, and we will see from there."

Dalić answered the press next. 

"We are starting a new cycle. We have done incredible things in the last five years but want to achieve more. We want to start the qualifications with a win. Apart from the fact that Petković is injured and Lovren retired, we mostly have the same team we had in Qatar and will play how we did in the last World Cup game against Morocco."

What can we expect from Croatia? 

"We had a great week of training. This is a dangerous game where we have a lot to lose. The first game together after the World Cup is crucial, so this game will be very tough. We can't allow ourselves to lose points at home. We have the quality, we need to be patient, and I expect us to win. But it will be a tough game."

What does Dalić expect from Wales?

"It's a different team than during the World Cup, and there is no Gareth Bale. However, they still have good players with quality and can be dangerous in the center attack. We are in for a tough game," Dalić concluded.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 20, 2023 - The Croatia national team gathers today in Split. Coach Zlatko Dalić announced the start of the EURO 2024 qualifiers.

Croatia opens the qualifiers on March 25 at home against Wales in Split, and three days later, they visit Bursa near Turkey.

"It's nice to get together after three months and wait for the new national team games. We have achieved magnificent results in the five and a half years of my mandate. It is much more than the set goals, and we are unaware of what we have done. In addition to what we have done, I have the energy, strength, and motivation to continue with the national team, together with the players, staff, and fans. Our goal, every goal, must be to qualify for a major competition that is realistic, and everything else is a success. New competitions are ahead of us; I have a motive. In addition to the results we must achieve, we need to change generations. We have potential and quality. I am aware that we have raised the bar, and the expectations are high, but we have to reduce it to reality, be calm and go game by game. Expectations need to be justified, and we have the quality to do so," said Zlatko Dalić to open the press conference. 

He referred to the upcoming European Championship in 2024, which will be played in Germany, so many Croatia fans can be expected.

"A big competition awaits us, but we must qualify for the European Championship first. We have quality, but we must be careful and concentrate on avoiding making mistakes. It would be a big competition for us because it is in Germany, and there would be many of our fans, so it would be a big challenge. I was in Germany in 2006, in Berlin. There have never been more Croatia fans at one game," Dalić said.

Croatia is in Group D with Wales, Armenia, Turkey, and Latvia, and the two best teams will secure direct placement in the final tournament, which will be held in the summer of 2024 in Germany.

The coach claimed Croatia has never been stronger and more complete than it was in Russia.

"And now we have quality; we must put together the best possible team. We have better results at the World Cup than the Euros. We have quality, youth, and players coming up, but they can't do anything without the more experienced players. This is creating a new generation, and we must prepare for the future," said Dalić.

He commented on the current form of the players.

"We had many problems after the World Cup, but now the players are slowly returning. Brozović and Kovačić did not play for a long time, and neither did Kramarić. Now we will have five days together to try to do the best we can. The situation with the players may not be the best, but it can change, as we already know how to do," Dalić said.

Dalić once again repeated that expectations were raised very high, but one should be realistic. Finally, he commented on the condition of the players, including Bruno Petković, who was injured yesterday.

"Today, we will know the whole situation. Everyone should come. We have problems with the arrival of players, and some will not arrive due to force majeure. Petković had an MRI. He has an injury but will come, so we'll see. Ivušić is ill; he will not make it to training. Today we will have a lot of worries and discussions, but tomorrow we will be able to say more specifically," Dalić said.

He said that Luka Modrić's performance at the European Championship depends only on him and that he did not expect that he would be the coach for so long.

He also commented on the return of Torcida to the stadium for the Croatia matches.

"I constantly point out that the Croatia national team is a place of gathering and togetherness, which is what we strive for and work on. I'm glad to hear about the return of Torcida. We want the Boys, Kohorta, and Armada to come too. This is Croatia. This is our country, and we must support it. Everyone is welcome. It will be a great support for us. While I'm here, we will gather all Croats and fans," Dalić said.

After the Nations League in June, Croatia will continue their qualificationss with double programs in September (Latvia, Armenia), October (Turkey, Wales), and November (Latvia, Armenia).

"We are the favorites, but we must qualify for the European Championship and be serious. It can be tricky; initially, we have two of our competitors. Turkey is coming back, playing in their stadium, and has a motive. Croatia is a motivation for everyone because we are third in the world. If we are not serious, we will have problems," Dalić said.

He asserted that the tactics would not change much, and against Wales, we should beware of counters and semi-counters. He said it was important not to lose in Turkey and to win against Wales.

Dalić spoke about the selection of attackers and offensive players he has available, and first of all, about Marko Livaja, who will play at "his" Poljud.

"Marko Livaja is playing well, scored 17 goals, and is the top scorer in the league. Poljud is his, and he is at home. He feels very good there. He gave a lot to the national team, he scored a goal in Qatar, and I expect a lot from him," said Dalić and added:

"The position of striker and the right wing was withdrawn in Qatar. When I spoke about having strikers from HNL, you criticized me as if I did not appreciate and respect them. No, I appreciate and respect them. I meant to say they don't play at a certain level every weekend. A striker from Morocco or Davies from Canada plays against strong opponents weekly, but the same cannot be said for our strikers. They need more stimulation. We have quality. We mixed players in rush hour and on the right wing. We played Kramarić, Petković, Livaja... Pašalić or Vlašić on the wing. I'm not inclined to do that, but I don't have a permanent solution. I thought Brekalo would play in Fiorentina, but it didn't happen. We need a speedster. Everyone would play on the left with us, and we didn't have a strong one on the right, so we called Špikić, and he is our potential in the future. We called Musa, so now there's Beljo, then Ljubičić, then Šimić. We have to find another striker before the Euros. I did not write off Budimir because he is not good, but I want to see some other players. I invited Beljo and Musa to see them. We have solutions for the right wing," Dalić said.

Mislav Oršić is not playing for Southampton...

"I feel sorry for Orša, he is not part of the club, but I don't want to lose him. I said that about Vlašić before. He is not fit now, but I want to give him a chance to try to come back. If he doesn't constantly play in his club, he won't be able to play for the national team either," Dalić said.

Finally, he praised Josip Stanišić for his performances with Bayern and the national team.

Source: HRT

March 18, 2023 - The Croatian Football Federation and national team coach Zlatko Dalić have agreed to extend their cooperation until 2026.   

The Croatian Football Federation President Marijan Kustić and Croatia's most successful coach Zlatko Dalić agreed on all the details to continue the extremely successful cooperation. They signed a contract at the headquarters of the Croatian Football Federation, according to which Dalić will remain coach until the end of the cycle that includes the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

"Zlatko Dalić fulfilled absolutely all the goals that were set before him in these five and a half years, and at the same time, he had two magnificent achievements at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar and led Croatia to silver and bronze medals, thus becoming our most successful coach in history. Therefore, I am extremely pleased that we have agreed to continue our cooperation which has been brilliant so far. Zlatko not only achieved outstanding results but also created a fantastic atmosphere of togetherness within and around the team, and he also showed that he knows how to refresh the team and, at the same time, maintain the continuity of results. As before, Zlatko and the national team will have maximum support from the Federation in their work, and I deeply believe that with him at the helm, we will continue to make Croatia fans worldwide happy," said HNS president Marijan Kustić.

Dalić took over the Vatreni at a difficult time in October 2017. Since then, he has achieved impressive results. The second and third places at the World Cups in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 stand out, but Dalić also advanced to the Nations League final tournament, which will be held in the Netherlands this year, and the round of 16 of Euro 2020. Three times he qualified for the final tournaments, and in two complete qualifying cycles under his leadership, Croatia advanced as the first-placed team in the group.

"I thank President Kustić and the entire HNS for the great trust and the support I have in my work with the national team. I have often pointed out that this job is the greatest honor and pleasure I can have as a coach, and I am truly looking forward to the future with the Croatia national team. Regardless of the wonderful successes we have already achieved, I have great passion and ambition to continue working with Croatia, and I believe that there are still many great challenges ahead. In June, we will try to win the Nations League, and next summer, we want to be part of the spectacular Euro in Germany - the fulfillment of a dream to play in a big competition in front of tens of thousands of our fans. I enjoy working with our players and my great staff, and I can't imagine a more beautiful and honorable job than leading the Croatia national team," coach Zlatko Dalić said.

Source: HNS

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 6, 2023 - The EURO 2024 qualifiers begin for Croatia on March 25 against Wales at Poljud in Split.

Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić has chosen 25 players for the EURO 2024 European qualifiers, where Croatia hopes to play in their seventh European championship.

Croatia is placed in group D with Wales, Armenia, Turkey, and Latvia, and the two best teams will directly qualify for the final tournament, which will be held in Germany in 2024.

The Vatreni open the qualifiers on March 25 at home against Wales in Split, and three days later they visit Bursa to face Turkey. After the Nations League final tournament in June, Croatia will continue qualifications with double programs in September (Latvia, Armenia), October (Turkey, Wales), and November (Latvia, Armenia).

Dalić invited 25 players and added four reserves (Grbić, Jakić, Beljo, Špikić).

"We have no reason to change much from the team that won the bronze medal at the World Cup a few months ago, so there are 22 players from Qatar on the list. We called up Luka Ivanušec, who is playing in very good shape with Dinamo, and we have been wanting to see Petar Musa in the national team environment," said coach Dalić.

"Throughout January, it was evident that physically and mentally the World Cup left its mark on the national team members, but I am happy that most of them are getting in shape and I believe that everyone will be in good shape by the time of the gathering. It is extremely important for us to start well in the qualifications, especially because we start against probably the biggest rivals and we can immediately take important steps towards Germany. In this respect, it is good that we are playing the first game at home and I believe that Poljud will be filled to the last place to greet the bronze medalists," Dalić points out.

"We accept the role of favorites in this group - we have the most powerful team and a huge desire to play the Euros in Germany because we know what kind of support we would have from our fans there, that championship is a dream for all of us. However, we have enough experience to know how the qualifications can be and that full concentration and maximum approach is needed in every game, and that's how we will prepare the team, with respect for every opponent," concludes the coach.

Croatia will gather on March 20 in Split, where they will stay until March 27, when they will travel to Bursa.

List of invited players for the matches against Wales and Turkey:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Ivica Ivušić, Nediljko Labrović

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Borna Barišić, Josip Juranović, Joško Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanišić, Martin Erlić, Josip Šutalo

Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Lovro Majer, Luka Ivanušec, Luka Sučić

Attackers: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Bruno Petković, Mislav Oršić, Marko Livaja, Petar Musa

Reserves: Ivo Grbić, Kristijan Jakić, Dion Drena Beljo, Dario Špikić

Source: HNS

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