Croatia coach Dalić vows tactical fixes after World Cup draw

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić explained his frustration following the 1‑1 draw with Ghana at the World Cup, saying the team was under pressure and needed to improve its defensive play. He highlighted mid‑half adjustments, including the introduction of Marčo Pašalić to add width, and praised the stability those changes brought. Dalić also commemorated Luka Modrić’s historic 200th appearance for the national team, noting the midfielder’s continued quality and the support from fans worldwide, including the large Croatian diaspora in Canada. Looking ahead, he urged the squad to tighten its back line and restore confidence before the decisive match against Gambia, emphasizing better defensive organization and reduced reliance on counter‑attacks.

The Croatian supporters filled the stadium, creating an intense atmosphere, while Dalić stressed the importance of learning from the match against Ghana and previous challenges against Panama and England.