Croatia’s most successful coach Dalić quits after World Cup loss

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has stepped down following the national team’s exit from the World Cup, the Croatian Football Federation announced, bringing an end to a near nine-year tenure.

The 59-year-old, who took charge in October 2017, leaves his position after Croatia’s defeat to Portugal in the last 32, AP reports.

In a statement posted on the federation’s official X account, the governing body paid tribute to Dalić’s tenure:

"A humble arrival. An unforgettable journey. A proud farewell. 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.

"The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you've earned from your players, staff and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are."

Dalić oversaw one of the most successful periods in Croatia’s football history. Within months of his appointment, he guided the team to the 2018 World Cup final and later secured a third-place finish at the 2022 tournament.

He departs widely regarded as Croatia’s most accomplished coach, having won more than half of his matches in charge.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dalić said:

"When I took over the national team, ⁠I believed in the players' quality and ⁠in myself, but I didn't dare dream that we'd achieve everything we have over these nearly nine years.

"I can't describe how proud I am of every victory, of qualifying for major tournaments, of the three medals, of those great nights in Croatian football like when we beat England or Brazil at World Cups."

His departure marks the end of a defining era for Croatian football.

By Tamilla Hasanova