Zlatko Dalic regards Croatia’s upcoming World Cup match against England as a critical juncture for their summer campaign, expressing that a less challenging initial game might have been more beneficial for a squad currently grappling with form and fitness challenges.
Before heading to the US, Croatia secured a 2-1 victory over Slovenia in their last friendly. However, Dalic is likely to encounter several selection challenges when they go up against England on June 17. The Manchester City duo of Mateo Kovacic and Josip Gvardiol are both returning from injury, adding to the apprehension surrounding Dalic’s squad, which finished third in the last World Cup in 2022 and was runner-up four years prior.
“Perhaps, because the first match can ruin everything,” Dalic remarked when asked if he would have preferred to face England later in the group stage. “At Euro 2024, we suffered a 3-0 defeat to Spain in our opening game and couldn’t recover. Yet, in previous tournaments, we’ve managed to beat Nigeria [in 2018] and draw with Morocco [in 2022].
“We have no choice but to focus on the present. This first game is the most crucial. Against England, we will fight with all our might and aim to secure a win.”
Luka Modric, donning a protective mask while recovering from a fractured cheekbone, netted a superb goal in Varazdin but is one of several key players for Dalic who is not fully match-fit. “Kovacic, Gvardiol, and Modric have not had much playing time recently, and they aren’t at their best,” he noted. “Especially Kovacic, who has hardly featured this season. We really need him now. It’s challenging, and we require time. Gvardiol is back, but I am aware they aren’t at optimal fitness. Our squad isn’t large, and these players are vital to us.”
Dalic was at the helm when Croatia triumphed over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, but he refrained from commenting on any lingering psychological effects on their rivals, highlighting that England has since achieved two victories over Croatia. He was complimentary about Thomas Tuchel’s team, acknowledging their extensive preparations in the US. England arrived in Miami a week prior, even though their match against Croatia in Dallas is set for June 17.
“They are a very formidable team from the best league in the world, playing an offensive and fast-paced style,” he stated. “We will need to elevate our performance.”
“I observed their match against New Zealand, but it wasn’t indicative of a typical scenario; it was something different. The seriousness of your team is evident when they arrive in America nearly 20 days in advance to prepare thoroughly. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic and will motivate my team to give our all to win the game.”
