September 8, 2019 - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic talks Trnava, staying humble, and the young talents leading the way through Croatia's Euro 2020 qualifications. 

Many Croatian football fans may still be wondering if that Croatia team we saw crush Slovakia 0:4 in Trnava was made of magic, or if we’re still dreaming. Sure, a team like Croatia should have had no problem winning that game, but when you take into consideration the players missing (Rakitic, Kovacic), that half of the starting lineup was a team of young reserves, and that it was perhaps the best game of football played under coach Zlatko Dalic, the shock seems a bit more warranted. 

Zlatko Dalic revealed his feelings in the aftermath for Jutarnji List.

“Everything's fine now. We played superbly, all 90 minutes, I said it was one of our best games since I have been the coach. I wouldn't single out any players because they were all great. We played decisively, aggressively, dominated, we were what Croatia should be,” Zlatko Dalic said on Saturday morning before heading to Baku. 

In public appearances before Trnava, Dalic announced a solid Croatia, however, during the week, some doubts were raised about how it would all end. Did Dalic believe this would be the result?

“This was intensified in the media, journalists emphasized the problems, but it wasn’t like that among us. I said the atmosphere was great, we were ready, and that I believed we would play the right game. We held a meeting together talking about where we are and what awaits us. Of course, the atmosphere is not like the World Cup, because the World Cup is something completely different, but the atmosphere in the team is great, and what Dejan Lovren said was not interpreted correctly, it was put in the wrong context.”

Recall, ahead of the game against Slovakia, Lovren revealed that the atmosphere in the team was poor, and far from the positivity that carried the team through Russia. 

Dalic said that he'd let these two games pass, then deal with Rakitic. What will the outcome be?

“They're not over yet. We have a game against Azerbaijan, and now we only have to think about that. No, it doesn't make sense to emphasize anything about Rakitic right now. That's what the media does.”

Ivan Perisic said that Croatia never played the way did against Slovakia in the World Cup, never for 90 minutes at that level of intensity.

“It is true that we kept a high pace for all 90 minutes, that we did not stop even when the result was very favorable. We could have scored far more goals. Slovakia is a good quality team, but they are not like Argentina or England, it wasn’t that kind of high profile match, or like some others in Russia, which had their peculiarities. The World Cup is something extraordinary, but Slovakia looked bad because we didn't let them play. We blocked them, they exploited themselves, they couldn't develop their game. The development of the match was based on our merit.”

What was the shock of being left without Tin Jedvaj on match day?

“When we were told that Tin Jedvaj had a more series injury, we didn't want to risk anything. It happened to us three times that one of our backs had to come out early in the game and that disrupted us. We played great in Elche twenty minutes into the game against Spain, then Sime Vrsaljko was injured and we fell dramatically. The same thing happened with Vrsaljako at Wembley, where we were also good at the start, and Borna Barisic leaving Budapest is the third case. These forced substitutions turned out to have a bad effect on the team, and we were defeated every time. I didn't want to gamble with Jedvaj, so it wouldn't happen again.”

Is Dalic satisfied with Bartolec?

“I did not like the option of putting Vida on the right back and Mitrovic as the stopper as it would not affect the team well. Let the stopper play stopper; the right back play right back. If one falls, another specialist comes in the position. Bartolec was trying to make an impression at first, but later he let loose, fit in, played as I asked. He is our gain and we can certainly rely on him in the future.”

Why were the attacking three Perisic - Petkovic - Rebic selected and Brekalo only introduced in the second half?

“I decided to play as we did at the World Cup, with Rebic and Perisic on . the wings, as they can give the most. Rebic was a midfielder at Eintracht, however, he plays there in the center, facing the opponent's goal and has plenty of space. In the national team it is different, he is closer to the net, in a dense space, and does not do so well. This was evident during the match in Budapest when he was imprisoned and could not reap the benefits. That's why I opted for such a variant.”

Petkovic was one of the best players in the match.

“We need a striker who can hold the ball, and he is the only one in that picture. He is a great player, he danced around his opponents, created chances, scored. We prepared with these tactics and Petkovic executed perfectly. In Petkovic, we have the type of striker we didn't have. I've said it could bring us a lot.”

In addition to qualifying for Euro, it will also be a huge benefit to form a new core of the national team for years to come. But maybe already for 2020.

“If we qualify for Euro, then rejuvenating the national team will make sense. But one thing is clear: they need new aces, hungry, ambitious young men. I said that right after Russia. Brekalo, Petkovic, Vlasic and some others are increasingly important to us.”

Could Croatia be very dangerous at Euro 2020?

“I could tell you something, but this is not the time for such stories. First, we need to collect 15 points, and then we will talk about ambitions for the Euro. We need to stay with our feet on the ground. We only have nine points; this is not enough to qualify.” 

How did Dalic conclude that 15 points would be enough? Isn’t Croatia going to need more?

“I looked at the final qualification tables in earlier cycles. In a six-team group, more points are needed, 21 or 22, but when there are five teams in the group, 15 points are always enough to pass. That is why I say that this is the limit we must reach.”

So, according to Dalic’s estimation, if Croatia defeats Azerbaijan and Hungary, they will celebrate qualifying for the Euros on October 10th in Split?

“That would be the best. According to our wishes. It doesn't matter how we get those points, just get them in the account, but we want them as soon as possible.”

It is not always easy for a mentality like Croatia’s to continue in a duel against the last-placed team in the table after a significant victory. Azerbaijan doesn’t have a single point, but we must remember what happened in 2015, when the two teams played 0-0.

“The focus must be completely on Azerbaijan; they are motivated, they have shown in Zagreb that they are good and we have no right to relax. This situation reminds me of the post-Argentina atmosphere, when I said we had to be humble. We need to stay firm on the ground. If we don't get Azerbaijan, we have done nothing.”

And who congratulated Dalic after the big win in Trnava apart from Mario Mandzukic?

“Rakltic also congratulated me; he sent a message. Not only Ivan, but also Corluka, Vrsaljko, and many others. Most of the messages I have not been able to read, my phone is full.”

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

September 6, 2019 - Croatia and Slovakia met in Trnava on Friday night as part of the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Three thousand Croatia fans made the trip to Slovakia to cheer on the 2018 World Cup finalists. 

The Croatia national football team returned on Friday to kick off the next round of the Euro 2020 qualifications. There are five games scheduled over the next three months, each of which could be decisive for Croatia’s spot in the competition next summer. The first in the series was played on Friday in Slovakia, which is followed by a visit to Baku against Azerbaijan three days later.

Croatia had an opportunity to move to the top of the group with Hungary, though Slovakia had the same plan in mind. Recall, Slovakia opened the qualifiers with a win against Hungary and a loss to Wales, but thanks to a 5:1 victory in Azerbaijan, they had a better goal differential than Croatia going into Friday’s qualifier. 

The World Cup finalists had not proven their true worth during these qualifications, though their win against Wales in Osijek gave coach Zlatko Dalic a bit of ease this summer. On Friday, however, Croatia was left without Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic, and a back injury for Tin Jedvaj put Croatia’s defense into question even more.

Croatia went into Friday’s game without the superstar lineup of the World Cup - and the starting 11 featured only captain Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Ante Rebic from the silver-medalist squad. Dalic instead had to rely on Dinamo goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in goal, Karlo Bartolec and Borna Barisic in the defense, and Nikola Vlasic and Bruno Petkovic in the attack. 

Croatia had their first real chance of the game in the 8th minute when Modric shot over the goal, which was followed by a Brozovic crossbar moments later. Livakovic saved Slovakia’s first chance at goal in the 11th minute. 

Croatia came out playing the attacking game Dalic said they would, and spent most of the first half pressuring Slovakia’s defense. However, Croatia’s biggest chance came in the 28th minute off a Modric corner when Vida missed directly in front of the goal. Croatia had three corners to Slovakia’s zero by then.

Petkovic dribbled through Slovakia’s defense in the 30th minute for a one-on-one chance with the keeper, though the goalie’s leg saved his weak shot. Just four minutes later, Perisic hit the crossbar - and in the 37th minute, Petkovic missed another chance from the penalty area. 

Opportunity after opportunity, Croatia was left without luck, that is, until the 45th minute when the young Nikola Vlasic nailed a goal in the far corner for 0:1 Croatia at the half.

The World Cup finalists kept their momentum in the second half, which shocked all spectators as a goal by Ivan Perisic increased the lead to 0:2 in the 46th minute! 

Slovakia had a chance in the 51st minute, which Livakovic had no problem saving. Petkovic had yet another chance a few minutes later but hit over the goal. An incredible play between Rebic and Perisic saw Brozovic miss. Croatia's attacking game showed no signs of slowing down, and by the 60th minute, they were running circles around Slovakia's defense. 

And then it finally happened for Dinamo star Bruno Petkovic in the 73rd minute, who danced around Slovakia's stopper to score for 0:3! 

Substitute Brekalo's fancy footwork almost increased the lead even more in the last 10 minutes of the game, and Pasalic hit just wide of the goal with five minutes to go. 

It was more than clear that Croatia wasn't done scoring yet, and a diving header by defender Dejan Lovren increased the lead to 0:4 in the 87th minute, which was the final score of the game.

The 'Vatreni' will play Azerbaijan next on Monday at 6 pm in Baku.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

September 2, 2019 - The Croatia football team gathers in Zagreb on Monday ahead of qualifying matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan for the 2020 European Championships. Zlatko Dalic addressed the press before the upcoming games, reports Gol.hr.

“Two tough matches await us, two tough away games where we will try to get a good result, and a good result will require good concentration, quality and knowledge. We will have to put forth a lot of effort and energy to get back points,” said Dalic at the beginning and also revealed team changes.

“Yesterday I spoke with Ivan Rakitic who still has not resolved his status at his club, and we have concluded that he is not ready or focused on the national team, that he cannot give his maximum that we need and he will not join us. Instead, we called up Marko Rog,” Dalic said.

Could this mean Ivan is nearing his end on the national team?

''I have no need or time to think about Ivan Rakitic. We must now focus on those who are here, and I do not have any fear of going on without him. We have Vlasic and Brekalo, players who are coming, who are full of will and ambition,” Dalic added.

“Mateo Kovacic had a medical review this morning, so we will see what the situation is with him. We have these small problems, but I am optimistic. I believe in these players who are here, and I have no doubt that we will be of good quality,” explained the coach. 

What is the condition of the players, are they happy at their clubs?

''Some are happy, some are not. Some are still working on it. The problem is that a lot of our players have had indications, it is a long transition period, there are a lot of questions, and that takes away concentration and focus. We'll have some problems on that side, but it's a normal thing, it happens every day, and I won't cry and complain."

Luka Modric isn't in his best form, either.

"I always had the least problems with Modric, he always gave his best, he is the captain of the team, and I really don't have to think much about him."

The national team will train in Zagreb until Wednesday before traveling to Trnava where they will play the first of the two Group E matches on September 6.

After three games played in the qualifications thus far, Zlatko Dalic's side is third on the table with six points, the same amount as second-placed Slovakia. In first place is Hungary with nine points, though they have also played one game more.

After Slovakia, Croatia will visit Baku to play Azerbaijan on September 9.

For the remainder of the qualifications, Croatia will meet Hungary on October 10 at Poljud, Wales in Cardiff on October 13, and Slovakia in Rijeka on November 16.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

August 19, 2019 - Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalic has called on 23 players to gather for September's appearances in Slovakia and Azerbaijan as part of the qualifications for the European Championship in 2020.

The 2018 World Cup finalists open the autumn qualifying round with two away appearances - on September 6 against Slovakia in Trnava, and on September 9 against Azerbaijan in Baku, announces HNS.

Coach Zlatko Dalic has called up 23 players, led by captain Luka Modrić, for the action, and Dinamo winger Mislav Oršić is among the names on the national team list for the first time. Dalic also selected a list of standby callups, including Andrej Kramarić, who will be called if he recovers from his current injury.

If needed, Dalić will also call on players in the young national team in agreement with coach Nenad Gračan.

Croatia gathers on September 2 in Zagreb, where they will train until the trip to Slovakia, which is scheduled for September 5.

Goalkeepers: Lovre Kalinić, Dominik Livaković, Simon Sluga

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Tin Jedvaj, Matej Mitrović, Borna Barišić, Karlo Bartolec, Mile Škorić, Dario Melnjak

Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Mateo Kovačić, Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozović, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić

Attackers: Ivan Perišić, Ante Rebić, Josip Brekalo, Bruno Petković, Mislav Oršić

Standby: Andrej Kramarić, Marko Rog, Filip Benković, Mijo Caktaš, Josip Juranović, Antonio Mirko Čolak

Summer break is ending and the Vatreni ? are getting back on the pitch in 3...2...1...

⬇ Croatia ?? squad list for the @EuroQualifiers matches against Slovakia ?? and Azerbaijan ??#BeProud #Family pic.twitter.com/poC7h6McgT

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) August 19, 2019

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

July 10, 2019 - For Croatians, July 16, 2018, is a date that is saved in our memory bank for a lifetime. One year later, the unity, pride, and happiness experienced in Croatia then will be recreated. 

Like yesterday, we remember Croatia’s outstanding World Cup in Russia, which secured them a spot in history books after they came home with the silver medal. 

“There is no better feeling than being a Croat. This is a historic match for us, not just for the 22 of us here, but for the whole country. Tomorrow, we will have 4.5 million on the pitch,” said Ivan Rakitić before the big final last year to 24 Sata. 

But even before that last game in Russia, Croatia already won the hearts of football fans around the world, whether they had Croatian blood or not. Win or lose, the only way the fans could show their appreciation was with a spectacular welcome on July 16, 2018,after an incredible World Cup campaign in Russia. More than half a million people ran to the streets of Zagreb and waited more than five hours for the team bus to make it from the airport to Ban Jelačić square, which was followed by a series of ‘welcome home’ parties across the country in the weeks after. 

But it has been one year since the summer of a lifetime; one year since Zlatko Dalić and his team met France in the final on July 15th, and one year since Croatians near and far pushed to the streets to show their pride. 

Thus, Ivan Rakitić is urging Croatians to remember the summer of a lifetime, awaken the red and white checkers in their heart, and get out on the streets of Croatia once again to remember this pertinent date in Croatian history. 

“On July 16, everyone put on your checkers and head out to the streets. Let’s celebrate the day of unity, pride, and happiness. Croatia is full of life, let's show it,” Rakitić said in a video he posted on his Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Obucite kockice i izađite na ulice, obilježimo 16.7. Dan zajedništva, ponosa i sreće....Hrvatska puna života ???? #iznadsvihhrvatska #vatreni #kockice

A post shared by Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) on Jul 9, 2019 at 5:28am PDT

Zlatko Dalić and Lovre Kalinić also invited Croatians to take part in the new celebration. 

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

Slobodan Kadić writes about the presentation of a book written by Zlatko Dalić, Croatian national football team coach, about the experiences he and his team had during last year's World Cup 2018, held in Russia, where Croatia took the silver. The book has been translated to Russian, and can now be purchased in Moscow.

Slobodan Kadić

The presentation was organized by Podravka food and pharmaceuticals company, Croatian Embassy in Moscow and Croatian Tourist Board. Numerous notable Russian celebrities came to the presentation, and the one that stood out was Stanislav Cherchesov, Russian national team coach (his team lost the quarter-finals match against Croatia). The presentation was held on Friday, June 14th - which is, not at all coincidentally, the day the World Cup 2018 in Russia started on last year.

Slobodan Kadić

Zlatko Dalić said at the presentation that it's an amazing feeling to return to Russia, and refresh the memories of a magnificent result. He thanked Podravka and Sportske novosti daily who helped tell the story of how a small county like Croatia became the most proud one in the world, the story of working together that makes everything possible. He added that he's happy that the book is available in Russian now, to thank the people of Russia for all the hospitality and beautiful moments that happened in their country, and that he and his team will never forget.

Slobodan Kadić

Marin Pucar, Podravka CEO said that Vegeta is what started the cooperation, and these days many other favourite Podravka products can be found on Russian tables. He added that they're happy to contribute to the trade and friendship between Russia and Croatia. Mario Zorko, editor-in-charge of the Sportske Novosti (the daily sports' newspaper in Croatia) which published the book was at the presentation, as well as former Croatian national team players Stipe Pletikosa and Ivica Olić, who spent parts of their careers in Russia.

The presentation was held at the Culture Centre in Moscow, a famous Croatian singer Petar Grašo performed his hits, Croatian delicacies and Croatian wine were served to the guests.

Translated by Iva Tatić

HNS announced on May 20, 2019, that Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić revealed the list of players for the games against Wales and Tunisia in June and announced the continuation of qualifications for the European Championship in 2020. 

Zlatko Dalić emphasized on this occasion that the team is aware that they must target three points against Wales:

“The players are aware of the situation and know that we were not good enough against Azerbaijan and Hungary. After Hungary, it is clear that we have to target three points against Wales, and I'm sure the great fans will help us."

June has long been regarded as a problematic term for qualifying matches, as Dalić pointed out:

"This is a tough match that we will play in a difficult time. Experiences in June are not the most enjoyable, but we do not have a lot of choices, and we will certainly not justify this. I hope the players will be ready for the preparations, and I'm glad we have more than a week to prepare for the game."

Some of the players, like those who play in the German Bundesliga, will have a ten-day rest before the gathering and should be fully prepared for the qualifying match against a tough opponent.

“The players who ended club competitions received programs to get ready for the gathering, but I'm sure many of them will have a few days of rest before we get together. It is clear to me that they are exhausted and have given their maximum to the clubs, but the players know what awaits them against Wales and know they have to be in good form. We must not underestimate Wales. Each player has a special motive, and Bale is especially dangerous. However, we will find a solution and we will try to stop them," Dalić said.

Dalić also spoke about the new names on the list, Filip Benković and Dario Melnjak:

"Over the past few months we've examined the players and we see this as a chance to strengthen the team. Melnjak is the only Croatian left-back player who has played the standard for the last six months. We watched him play and spoke to people in Turkey, and everything we heard was positive. Benković played a good season at Celtic and recovered from injury. I believe that we have not made mistakes with the new players."

Dalić also listed four players who will travel to the U-21 European Championships in Italy and San Marino in June, and added Mijo Caktaš and Mile Škorić to join the Vatreni for the friendly against Tunisia:

"I spoke with the players, and we arranged a time when they would join the preparations. The young players of the team will leave with coach Gračan immediately after June 8th to prepare for the U-21 European Championship. For the friendly against Tunisia, Caktaš and Škorić will join us, who are on the call-up list.” 

You can find the full list of players below.

Goalkeepers: Lovre Kalinić, Dominik Livaković, Simon Sluga

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Tin Jedvaj, Borna Barišić, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Karlo Bartolec, Filip Benković, Dario Melnjak

Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Mateo Kovačić, Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozović, Marko Rog, Mario Pašalić, Filip Bradarić

Attackers: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Rebić, Nikola Vlašić, Josip Brekalo, Bruno Petković

Call ups: Mile Škorić, Mijo Caktaš, Josip Posavec

?⬇ Croatia ?? squad list for June matches
1⃣ June 8 ➡ @EuropeanQualifiers match against @FAWales 2⃣ June 11 ➡ friendly match against Tunis#BeProud #Family pic.twitter.com/88bFHkAVwC

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) May 20, 2019

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

The Croatia national team will gather for the first time since March in Split next month. Before the Vatreni’s return, coach Zlatko Dalić spoke with Dnevnik Nova TV. 

April 25, 2019 - The Croatia national team will celebrate the 100th birthday of the Omiš Football Club with a friendly match on May 31 in Omiš, announced HNS. 

Namely, the football club of Omiš (NK Omiš) and the town of Omiš proposed to the Croatian Football Federation that they'd like to host the Croatia national team and 2018 World Cup finalists at the end of May in the program of marking the centenary of the club's foundation. The Croatia Football Federation’s leadership and the Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić accepted the proposal and agreed that the team would play a festive match against NK Omiš on May 31.

The World Cup finalists are looking forward to an imperative qualifier for Euro 2020 against Wales (June 8 in Osijek) and a friendly match against Tunisia (June 11 in Varaždin).

The national team will gather on May 29 in Split where they will be until the match against Omiš, after which they will prepare for Wales in Opatija before leaving for Osijek on June 7.

"We are looking forward to the meeting in Omiš, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the club that has given Croatia a few representatives, including the World Cup finalist Ivan Perišić. The match will fit into our preparation for Wales because we want to get together a little earlier so that the players do not have too much of a break after they finish their championships,” Zlatko Dalić said.

Recall, in Croatia's Euro 2020 qualifiers thus far, they have defeated Azerbaijan in Zagreb (2:1) and lost to Hungary in Budapest (1:2). After Croatia faces Wales in June, they will play Slovakia and Azerbaijan in September, Hungary and Wales in October, and Slovakia again in November for the remainder of their Euro 2020 qualifications. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić had no patience in Budapest after Croatia fell to Hungary 2:1 in their second Euro 2020 qualifier. In front of the TV cameras after the match, Dalić was in charge, but at the press conference, he responded to journalists resignedly and barely waited to escape. It’s hard to remember the last time we saw Dalić so disappointed, if we’ve ever seen it at all. After the unforgettable summer in which he led Croatia to the World Cup final and experienced the climax of his career, Dalić’s job may no longer be a fairy tale, reports Index.hr on March 25, 2019. 

The consequences of the brutal race in Russia are still present; the players are not in rhythm and are lacking fight, strength, and ideas. The defense is plagued with blunders, the attack does not exist, and defenders mostly score goals. These are serious tasks for Dalić and his decisions in this cycle will be crucial. In the World Cup, he could rely on the class and experience of players who had nothing left to lose. Modrić’s generation, one of the oldest in the tournament, was last reunited in Russia. They did not need a particular motive, a top expert or a better system. They needed a positive atmosphere, a coach that believed in himself and them, and had elementary knowledge on how to make a substitution after an hour of play. Or, more specifically: they needed a coach who wouldn't bother them and understood them. This luxury did not happen for years, as this generation was more or less successfully trained by beginners, and when the situation escalated, Modrić took over the responsibility. This could be seen in front of the cameras on Rujevica, which ultimately dismissed Ante Čacić.

Russia was the last chance for the best generation of Croatian football to achieve a concrete result and to erase the consequences of the tragic, but deserved, elimination from major tournaments of the last decade. In addition to their decision to go to the end, a lot of luck was needed to place in the World Cup final. They fought and fought hard to get everything.

Today, the Croatian national team has nothing but beautiful memories. The premiums will be spent, and they have a piece of silver they can hide behind. Unlike Russia, they now need their top strategist and manager. Dalić’s work in the team has just begun. For the Euro, Croatia is Dalić’s team - he chooses the players, makes the decisions and builds from the ground. The results will show what kind of coach he really is. The shift from generation to generation is the biggest challenge for Dalić, who has no problem with rotating and testing various options, but for now, there is no clear pattern or good results.

Dalić is aware of the problem. And even after the game, albeit obstinate, he openly said it. The solution, however, was not offered.

"The World Cup finalists are a target for everybody. Each opponent against us goes to the maximum, and we are obliged to respect each other. It is not always easy for players to do the best, sometimes some luck is needed,” Dalić said, pointing to the key issues while awaiting someone else's solution.

"Yes, we have small problems and not all players are in the rhythm. The ball was ours, but we did not do anything special. It is now classic to get goals from set pieces and corners. There is no blaming, no drama, no rationalization. Hungary was better. As a team, we were not at our level, and that's why we lost. We did not finish off Hungary, but we let them get back in the game. We did nothing in the attack, and the Hungarians were more aggressive, that's the key. In the second half we had a reckless initiative, but then that stop in play happened again,” Dalić explained.

After the World Cup Dalić achieved only three wins in eight games and received 15 goals, of which most came from set pieces and corners. These goals were also received during the World Cup. Classic, as the coach himself, said. The team is always training to defend set pieces and warns players when they are threatened, but there hasn't been a shift.

And there are no goals. After the departure of Mario Mandžukić, Croatia has no world class striker. Kramarić is successful in the Bundesliga but is not the guy who will pull up the whole team and settle the game with a couple of touches, practically without the ball. In the World Cup semifinal, Mandžukić held the ball for two minutes and did everything a real attacker needed to do in a big game. Croatia does not have such a player at the moment. There is also the worry that Croatia no longer has a secure midfield, although Croatia has a surplus of superior midfielders. Dalić has to settle everything from scratch.

Dalić tried everything against Hungary, and even changed the whole system in the last 15 minutes, leaving Croatia with three defenders and adding another attacker Bruno Petković. Dejan Lovren finished the match up top, but nobody could score.

"We changed everything, but we did not get anything," Dalić said briefly and clearly.

Dalić did not speak about the patterns, nor did he draw any possible solutions. At this point, we're not sure they actually exist. 

"These players have given so much to Croatia. And hard work and joy. A single defeat will not unhinge us. It was a deserved loss. We weren’t on our level in either of the games, but it will be better. It is up to me to do this and to be ready for Wales,” Dalić said upon his arrival in Zagreb.

"We had a bad reaction yesterday, a drop in concentration. We have to get up. Keep our heads up moving forward. One defeat will not break us. Thanks to the fans who supported us. A defeat is difficult, but we learn lessons. I said that the group is not easy. There is no easy opponent. Especially for us, everyone is eager because we are the World Cup finalists. If we are not serious and motivated as we were in the World Cup, and if we do not give everything of ourselves, it will not go well,” Dalić concluded.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.