Advertisement
Croatia eyes another memorable FIFA World Cup campaign
28th June, 2026 10:40 AM
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic believes his team’s journey at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has only just begun, insisting that reaching the knockout rounds is merely “a small step” after Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Ghana.
The result secured Croatia second place in Group L, behind England, after the team bounced back from an opening-match defeat by recording successive wins against Panama and Ghana. It also marked Croatia’s third consecutive qualification for the World Cup knockout phase.
Dalic’s reflections
Reflecting on the achievement, Dalic stressed that his players cannot afford to become complacent.
“This is an important victory, but it is only a small step,” Dalic said. “There are still many difficult matches ahead of us. We have to keep working because this result alone means nothing.” He said.
The Croatian coach acknowledged that the country’s impressive performances at recent World Cups have naturally increased expectations among supporters and observers.
“We have done great things, and because of that, expectations are very high. We created those expectations ourselves,” he said.
Dalic admitted that matching previous accomplishments is often harder than achieving them for the first time.
“It is much easier to achieve success once than to repeat it. We managed to do it in Qatar, and this year we will try to do the same. I hope we will succeed, but it certainly won’t be easy.”
The coach also highlighted the influence of veteran captain Luka Modric, who earned his 201st international cap and provided the decisive assist from a corner kick.
“That is his character and his energy,” Dalic said. “He never gives up. He made the assist, came back to defend twice, and actually finished the match stronger than he started it.” He said.
Modric’s last dance
Despite the possibility that this could be Modric’s final World Cup appearance, Dalic said the midfielder remains fully dedicated to helping Croatia progress as far as possible in the tournament.
“He knows this could be his last World Cup and he wants to finish it in the best possible way,” Dalic said. “I only wish him good health.”
Croatia’s next challenge comes on July 2,2026, when they take on Portugal in the Round of 32.
