Zlatko Dalic Steps Down As Croatia Coach After World Cup Exit

Zlatko Dalic has resigned as Croatia head coach, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year spell following the country’s World Cup elimination at the hands of Portugal.

Zlatko Dalic, 59, leaves the role after overseeing one of the most successful periods in Croatia’s football history. Dalic who was appointed in 2017, guided the Vatreni to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final before leading them to a third-place finish at the 2022 edition.

His side also finished runners-up in the 2023 Nations League. However, Croatia were knocked out in the last 16 of the postponed Euro 2020 and failed to progress beyond the group stage at Euro 2024.

The Croatia Football Federation confirmed his departure in a statement, saying: “Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia.

“Head coach, thank you for everything, the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch.”

Croatia’s World Cup campaign began with a 4-2 defeat to England before back-to-back victories over Panama and Ghana secured a place in the knockout stage.

Their hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup deep into the tournament were ended by Portugal, with Goncalo Ramos scoring a dramatic 94th-minute winner in a 2-1 defeat.

Dalic’s departure signals the start of a new chapter for Croatian football. Captain Luka Modric, now 40, is also widely expected to have played the final major tournament of his international career.