• Dalic confident Croatia’s most-capped player will continue to use his talent to drive his team forward once more
Zlatko Dalic is getting ready to experience his second FIFA World Cup. At his first, he led Croatia all the way to the final against France, and he is aiming to go far again this time around in Qatar, placing his trust in a team that combines talent aplenty with experience.
Though their qualifying campaign was far from straightforward, Croatia overcame the obstacles in their path and will take part in their sixth World Cup, spurred on by the support of a whole nation.
The star of the team will be Luka Modric, likely to grace the last global finals of his career, with Dalic confident that Croatia’s most-capped player will continue to use his immense talent to drive his team forward once more. A matter of weeks before the tournament begins, the 55-year-old spoke to FIFA.com about his aims for Qatar 2022.
Q. Making it through qualification was no easy task. How did you feel after the match against Russia?
Dalic: We’ve had a somewhat challenging route to the World Cup. We got off to a bad start with the defeat by Slovenia. We had to start from scratch after the EURO and we’ve improved in many respects. We played the last match against Russia in Split, in front of our home crowd, which was a determining factor. We had a lot of pressure on us, especially on me, as I felt a huge weight of responsibility and really wanted to get Croatia to the World Cup. We went through some hard times, but I was optimistic. I had faith in our national team and I knew that, with the help of our fans in Split, who packed out the stadium, we could qualify. It was tough, but we showed our quality and strength and won the game, qualifying directly for the World Cup. It’s our sixth appearance and we’ve won medals at two of the previous five, which represents enormous success for a small country like Croatia. Taking the team to the final was an incredible achievement.
Can you tell us something about that day?
We reached the final with the whole world watching and so many fans behind us. That day I told my players that we were making history, that we were one small step away from winning the final, that they had to try and enjoy the experience and do their best. I think it was the best Croatia have ever performed at a World Cup, especially the first half. Perhaps the luck we had had up to that point abandoned us and that’s why we didn’t win, but second place was a huge achievement for us. Croatia went down in history and achieved it’s best-ever result. When we arrived back in Zagreb after the final, almost half a million people were there to welcome us.
What role does football play in Croatian society and how important is the World Cup?
Football is one of the most important things in Croatia, like in lots of other places, and the World Cup is proof of that. During this period, Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its people full of pride and buzzing with the team. We returned home having lost [the final], but as soon as we arrived in Zagreb, in the city’s square, we got a winners’ welcome. The respect the people gave us, the celebrations, all the fans, are things I will remember forever. I will never forget that day; it was one of the best days of my life. We were overwhelmed with so many emotions and I hope Croatia can achieve the same result again, although I doubt it will happen a second time. Those emotions were spontaneous; the whole nation came out into the streets.
Unlike many coaches, you have a lot of experience in the Middle East. What can you tell us?
I spent seven years there, built my reputation and had some good results. My career has benefited from it because I’ve gained experience and knowledge. That’s why I wanted to arrive in Qatar before the World Cup started, to play a few games and let my players adapt to the conditions there. Arriving early will give us a number of advantages. My players are already used to playing big games and I think it will be a benefit to us to have that kind of experience, even if it won’t be an all-important factor.
It will almost certainly be Luka Modric’s last World Cup. How has he helped shape football in Croatia?
Knowing Modric, it might not be his last. Nothing is impossible with him – the things he does at his age are incredible. He’s improving every day and has so much energy when he plays for his national team. But yes, it will very likely be his last World Cup and I’m sure he will do his utmost to make a significant contribution. Croatia won’t be the same after Modric’s retirement.
Football in our country owes him a great deal and we will always be grateful for what he has done. For us, it’s been a pleasure to share the dressing room with him. Modric is first and foremost a great person as well as a great player, who deserves all the success he’s achieved.
You’ve also selected some young, talented players. What can you tell us about them?
During qualifying we were able to bring some new faces into the team, who have improved alongside the more experienced players. They will need to reach the level of players who have already taken part in a World Cup, but they have great potential and are our strength. They bring a lot of energy and their inclusion in the national team was necessary. They’re the ones who are coming in to provide back-up to players who are the backbone of our team.
What is Croatia’s biggest strength?
Our most precious asset is our talent, our stubbornness and our fighting spirit. We’ve had a talented generation of sportspeople, and not just in football. We’ve achieved great results and I believe our strength is our unity. We also have individual quality, which is very important, but our success in Russia was a team effort.
Do you find it easier to handle the pressure of the media and the public now?
People tend to have short memories. They forget success in a hurry and turn against you after every failure.
The same happens with the media, but it’s normal and I accept it. I’ve learned how things work and I can handle the pressure. It’s not easy but I’m ready for it, I just focus on the job in hand. Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive.
You’re now the most successful coach in Croatian history. How proud are you of what you’ve achieved?
Being the coach of the Croatia national team is something I’m proud of. Having achieved so much success with my country has brought me a lot of happiness, and my career as a coach will always represent a key period in my life when I look back after few years from now.