Zlatko Dalić is a renowned Croatian football manager and former player, best known for his incredible achievement in leading the Croatia national football team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final. As a manager, he has earned respect and recognition for his leadership, tactical acumen, and ability to get the best out of his players, particularly during high-pressure moments in international tournaments.

Croatia National Team (2017–Present)

Dalić’s biggest managerial success came when he took over the Croatia national team in 2017. Under his guidance, Croatia reached new heights on the international stage.

Key Achievements as Croatia Manager:

• 2018 FIFA World Cup Final:

  • Dalić’s leadership in the 2018 FIFA World Cup was monumental. He took Croatia all the way to the final, marking the country’s best-ever performance in a World Cup. They finished as runners-up, losing 4-2 to France in the final.

  • The team’s thrilling journey through the tournament, including victories over Russia (quarterfinal) and England (semifinal), solidified Dalić’s reputation as a tactical genius. Luka Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

• UEFA Nations League 2018–19:

  • Croatia finished top of their group in the UEFA Nations League, which included heavyweights like Englandand Spain. Although Croatia didn’t win the tournament, the team’s performance under Dalić proved that they remained a force in European football.

• World Cup 2022:

  • Under Dalić, Croatia again performed well in the 2022 World Cup, finishing in third place after beating Morocco in the third-place playoff. This performance was another testament to his ability to maintain Croatia’s competitive edge on the world stage.

• Euro 2020 (2021):

  • Croatia made it to the Round of 16 in Euro 2020, where they were eliminated by Spain in a thrilling 5-3 match after extra time. Despite the early exit, Dalić’s side demonstrated their quality and fighting spirit.