Croatia Coach Dalić Steps Down After World Cup

Zlatko Dalić resigned as Croatia's coach less than a week after the team's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the round of 32 at the World Cup. The Croatian soccer federation confirmed his departure on Wednesday, calling his tenure an "unforgettable journey" and "incredibly successful chapter."

Dalić led Croatia to two consecutive top-three finishes at World Cups - runner-up in 2018 and third place in 2022. He also guided the team to the 2023 Nations League final. "I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest successes of Croatian soccer in history," Dalić said in a statement. The federation did not immediately announce a replacement for the coach who served for nearly nine years. wlop.pl