Zlatko Dalić meets fans in Egypt as criticism mounts after Croatia's England loss
Croatian national team manager Zlatko Dalić appeared on the terrace of the The Satire hotel in Alexandria, Egypt, where he posed for photos with supporters and spoke with HNS president Marijan Kustić. Assistant coach and former striker Ivica Olić also addressed the squad's condition, noting the costly errors in the 4‑2 defeat to England at the World Cup.
Online comments from Croatian fans called for a generational shift in the squad, urging Dalić to replace veteran players such as Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić with younger talent. Some suggested specific lineup changes and even demanded the coach’s resignation, while others debated tactical adjustments for the remaining group matches.
The meeting and the ensuing public debate highlight the pressure on Dalić as Croatia seeks to recover points and progress in the tournament.