Croatia's 2026 World Cup Campaign: Modrić, Young Stars, and Panama Victory
Croatia's 2026 World Cup campaign began with a 4-2 loss to England in Dallas, followed by a tense 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto. Coach Zlatko Dalić and midfielder Mateo Kovačić addressed the media, emphasizing the need to move past historic World Cup success (2018 runner-up, 2022 bronze), fix defensive errors, and rely on veteran leader Luka Modrić (celebrating his 200th appearance). Young defender Luka Vušković was praised as the future. The team faces Ghana next, aiming to advance from Group L.
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Modric Likes Dalic's Instagram Post Claiming Croatia Was Robbed of Advancement
Croatia captain Luka Modric recently liked an Instagram post from a fan account featuring head coach Zlatko Dalic's comments after Croatia's elimination by Portugal. In the post, Dalic claims that a penalty should have been awarded to Croatia against Portugal, stating 'They stole this from us.' He criticizes Croatia's position in the FIFA system, noting he is the only national team coach who did not vote in their selection as a form of rebellion. Dalic asserts that Croatia disrupted plans twice but could not do so a third time, and that the World Cup is being 'killed' by business and strange interests. Modric's public endorsement of these remarks has sparked discussion.
虎扑 - 足球Croatia Coach Dalic Criticizes FIFA, Admits Team Responsibility After World Cup Exit
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic spoke emotionally after the team's World Cup elimination, criticizing FIFA for what he perceives as a lack of respect toward Croatia. Upon returning home, Dalic stated that FIFA considers Croatia 'insignificant' and questioned why they should 'bother' the organization a third time. However, he also took responsibility for the elimination, admitting the team was 'not focused enough.' Dalic acknowledged this World Cup marks the end of an era for Croatian football, with veteran players stepping aside, but expressed optimism about young talents emerging. Regarding his own future, he said a decision will be made in a few days that is 'best for Croatian football.' Reflecting on the match against Portugal, he felt Croatia 'deserved more' but admitted giving the opponent too many chances. The article is published by Hupu, a Chinese sports community, and sourced from X.
虎扑 - 足球Croatia Coach Dalic Slams 'Bad Refereeing' in 2-1 World Cup Loss to Portugal
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic criticized the refereeing after his team's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, which eliminated Croatia from the tournament. Portugal was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, which Cristiano Ronaldo converted to equalize, before Goncalo Ramos scored the winner in the 94th minute. Dalic felt Croatia should have been given more free kicks but refused to use the officiating as an excuse. A late equalizer by Josko Gvardiol was disallowed after a review showed Igor Matanovic was offside. Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, exited without a medal. Captain Luka Modric, aged 40, likely played his last World Cup match. Dalic expressed optimism about Croatia's young talent and future but did not comment on his own future as coach.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Zlatko Dalic Criticizes Refereeing After Croatia's World Cup Loss to Portugal
Croatian national team coach Zlatko Dalic expressed strong dissatisfaction with the refereeing following his team's 2-1 elimination loss to Portugal in a World Cup match. In post-match comments, Dalic congratulated Portugal and wished them well for the rest of the tournament. He noted that Croatia's first-half defensive plan succeeded in keeping a clean sheet, and that his team created numerous chances in the second half, turning the game around. Dalic stated that Croatia did not deserve the result and could not blame his players. Instead, he criticized the referee for failing to call fouls in Croatia's favor, which he said irritated the team. He concluded by acknowledging the loss as final, stating there was nothing more Croatia could do about it.
RecordDalic: A Beautiful Era for Croatia Has Ended, a New Beginning Is Coming
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic spoke after his team's 2-1 Round of 16 loss to Portugal in the World Cup. He expressed that the outcome was undeserved, as Croatia dominated the second half and created many chances. Dalic lamented a disallowed last-minute equalizer by VAR, calling the decisions 'very unfavorable' and stating that VAR 'kills emotions.' He thanked fans for their support and acknowledged that a 'beautiful era' for Croatian football has ended, but a new beginning is ahead. Dalic praised veterans Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Mateo Kovacic, while noting that young players must learn from this defeat. He expressed confidence in Croatia's future but admitted replicating past success will be very difficult.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: Croatia Coach Dalic Expresses Fear of Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of Portugal Match
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match between Croatia and Portugal, Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic held a press conference where he expressed significant concerns about facing Portugal, particularly star player Cristiano Ronaldo. Dalic stated that Ronaldo can score at any moment and is dangerous. He also praised Portugal as one of the best organized teams in the world, highlighting their technical play, ball possession, and strong coaching under a manager who previously worked in Belgium. Dalic admitted that when analyzing Portugal, he finds no weaknesses. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 AM. Croatia, a team that excelled in recent World Cups, faces a formidable Portuguese side in this knockout stage encounter.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertDalic: Portugal-Croatia World Cup match will be decided in midfield
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic stated in a pre-match press conference on July 1, 2026, that the World Cup round of 32 match against Portugal (early Friday Spanish time) will be largely decided in midfield, where he expects a 'battle' against a Portuguese team he called one of the tournament's strongest. Dalic warned that every mistake will be punished and stressed the need for intensity, discipline, and concentration, particularly in set-piece defense, which he identified as a weakness after Croatia's group-stage matches against England and Ghana. He dismissed doubts about Portugal's group-stage performance, saying the knockout stage opens 'a new competition.' Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic highlighted the emotional context of the duel between Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, two icons likely facing one of their last World Cup opportunities. Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, blends veterans and newcomers as they face Portugal at Toronto Stadium.
FútbolZlatko Dalic expects a 'battle' against Portugal; warns Croatia cannot afford mistakes
Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalic stated in a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Portugal that the game will be a 'battle.' Dalic praised Portugal as a very strong team with top players from the best global clubs, noting their tactical and technical prowess. He emphasized that Croatia is 'forbidden from making mistakes' and must stay focused and disciplined, as any error could eliminate them. Dalic acknowledged Croatia has never beaten Portugal in official competitions. He reflected on Croatia's recent World Cup successes (final in 2018, third place in 2022) but noted the current team mixes experienced players with emerging talent. The match is scheduled for Thursday at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas.
RecordCroatia Coach Dalic Warns of Strong Portugal, Praises Ronaldo After Ghana Victory
Croatian national team coach Zlatko Dalic held a press conference following his team's 2-1 victory over Ghana, which secured Croatia's place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Dalic emphasized that while the win was an important first step, the real challenge lies ahead in a knockout match against Portugal. He praised Portugal's coach Roberto Martínez as a 'fantastic coach' and a specialist, and described Portugal as a strong team with world-class players, including Champions League winners and Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he compared to Croatia's Luka Modric. Dalic noted Portugal as a World Cup favorite but stated Croatia has nothing to fear if they remain disciplined. He also commented on Ronaldo's style, calling him a 'lurking danger' who is always hungry to score. The match between Croatia and Portugal is scheduled for June 3 at BMO Field in Toronto.
RecordCroatia Coach Dalic Praises Team After Ghana Win, Looks Ahead to World Cup Round of 16
After Croatia's 2-1 victory over Ghana in the 2026 World Cup group stage, head coach Zlatko Dalic praised his players for a technically strong performance. He acknowledged that their next opponent—either Portugal or Colombia—will be challenging but noted the team had achieved its first objective by reaching the knockout rounds. Dalic emphasized that intensive training had led to visible improvement and singled out veteran midfielder Luka Modric for his experience and consistency in controlling the game's tempo. The match was played in Toronto, where Croatia will also play their round of 16 fixture.
RecordDalic: Modric is a role model, young players growing alongside him
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic praised his team after a 2-1 victory over Ghana, securing advancement to the World Cup knockout stage. Dalic highlighted Luka Modric's exceptional performance at age 40, calling him a role model for his energy and defensive contributions. He defended his decision to start Nikola Vlasic, who scored, citing strong training performances. Dalic discussed the team's generational transition, noting young players Baturina and Sucic are growing alongside veterans. He criticized external doubters, defended the national team's legacy, and expressed confidence ahead of the next match in Toronto against either Portugal or Colombia. Dalic also questioned a disallowed goal, claiming it should have been offside.
虎扑 - 足球Dalic: Modric is the best player in Croatian history and will remain so for a long time
After Croatia's narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in the World Cup group stage, coach Zlatko Dalić expressed relief at securing three points but criticized his team's tense performance, especially in the first half. He praised Panama's organization and toughness, admitting the match was tougher than expected. Dalić highlighted Luka Modric's 200th national team appearance, calling him the greatest Croatian player in history and a phenomenal leader. The coach discussed halftime substitutions that stabilized the defense, and emphasized the need to improve ahead of the next match against Ghana, whom he described as a strong, counter-attacking side. He also acknowledged the support of Croatian fans in Canada, noting the emotional significance of playing in Toronto.
虎扑 - 足球Kovačić: We are a small country, but no matter where the team goes, there are always many fans supporting us
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup group stage match between Croatia and Panama, Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić addressed the media. He described Panama as a tough opponent that builds from the back and is strong in attack, emphasizing that there are no easy games in the World Cup. Kovačić discussed his own fitness after a difficult year, praised young teammate Luka Vušković following his performance against England, and highlighted the leadership and role model status of Luka Modrić. He noted the strong support from Croatian fans abroad, particularly in Toronto where the match is being played, and underscored unity as the team's core strength. Kovačić also acknowledged the high expectations stemming from Croatia's recent World Cup successes (runner-up in 2018, third in 2022) but stressed that past results are history and each match is a new opportunity.
虎扑 - 足球Dalić: Modrić has written a chapter of Croatian history and is a role model for everyone
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić held a pre-match press conference before the 2026 World Cup group stage match against Panama. He confirmed the team is ready despite a previous loss to England, emphasizing the need to fix defensive mistakes and improve focus. Dalić analyzed Panama's 5-4-1 formation and fast forwards, stating Croatia must be patient and control possession. He praised Luka Modrić as a phenomenon, role model, and his right-hand man on the field, noting Modrić's Ballon d'Or and leadership. Dalić also highlighted young talent Luka Vušković as the future of the national team, acknowledged strong support from the Croatian diaspora in Toronto, and addressed the mixed effects of cooling breaks. He called on Chinese fans to continue supporting Croatia, describing the team as a proud, united small nation.
虎扑 - 足球Dalic urges Croatia to be brave ahead of Panama match
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic held a press conference on Monday ahead of their second Group L match against Panama on Wednesday. Dalic acknowledged Panama as a combative and quality team, ranked among the top thirty in the world, with strong defensive organization and ambition. However, he emphasized that Croatia must behave as the favorite and be brave, asserting that Panama's performance will depend on how much Croatia allows. Croatia is coming off a 4-2 defeat to England in Dallas and needs a better result to advance to the round of 32. Dalic noted the team is ready without dilemmas. Dalic previously led Croatia to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022.
FútbolDalić: No One Predicted Croatia's World Cup Medal, But That's History
Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalić held a pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup opener against England. He acknowledged England as the toughest opponent in the group, praising their intensity and depth, while expressing confidence in Croatia's preparation. Dalić discussed key players: he noted Jude Bellingham's quality despite injury concerns, praised Marcus Rashford, and played down England's short center-back pairing. He highlighted young defender Luka Vušković as a future star who could replace Josko Gvardiol, and emphasized Luka Modrić's leadership and importance. Reflecting on Croatia's 2022 World Cup bronze medal, Dalić called it a 'world miracle' but stressed the team cannot dwell on past glory. He expressed high ambitions for the current squad, which includes a mix of veteran leaders and promising newcomers, while acknowledging the immense challenge posed by England and other top teams.
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