Croatia Coach Zlatko Dalić Steps Down

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić has stepped down after nearly nine years as national team coach, following the team's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Dalić, who led Croatia to two consecutive top-three finishes at World Cups (runner-up in 2018, third in 2022), announced his departure in a statement posted by the national soccer federation.

'The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you've earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are,' the federation said in a statement on X. Dalić expressed pride in his contributions to Croatian soccer history, stating, 'I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest successes of Croatian soccer in history.' The federation did not immediately announce a replacement for the coach who oversaw Croatia's 'golden generation' which included star player Luka Modric. albergomalica.it