Dalić: "Croatia looked powerful, solid, and compact"

Significant victory
"I think Croatia played very well. This great victory means a lot to us and will be a motivation for the future. Thanks to the guys for their effort and patience, and to the fans who supported us. We controlled the game from start to finish, created many chances, and looked powerful, solid, and compact. Apart from one chance, we didn't allow our opponents anything. We are satisfied; it was also important to break the negative streak in Osijek. It's a shame the stadium couldn't hold more people given everything we're doing with the national team."

Substitutions
"We took Sučić out at halftime because he was playing cautiously due to a yellow card, and our forwards were really worn out, so we tried with substitutions. Budimir continued to be aggressive, Kramarić held the ball well, and Matanović once again found himself in many chances — something that hasn't happened for a long time. It's a pity they didn't score."

Modrić ahead his birthday
"He congratulated himself with that goal, and the guys congratulated him with a win. Luka played like he was 25, both in attack and defense. We are lucky to have him with us and that he decided to stay. He told the guys in the locker room that they have a great future ahead, but he also wants to be there with them."

Change of system
"We played with the same system for six and a half years, which brought us three medals, and it would have been foolish to change it then. But that era is ending, and we need to focus on the profiles of new players. It's important that we have started this transition. We have a great selection of defenders, and when our injured players return, Croatia will once again have a great, strong team."

Farewell to Domagoj Vida
"He started here, and he ended here. He hasn't been a regular starter in the last two years, but he never showed dissatisfaction; instead, his attitude and training influenced others. Players who are retiring are truly giants of Croatian football, and they should be sent off with respect. They have brought so much joy to Croatia."

Copyright by Croatian Football Federation. Quoting text from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to HNS as a source and providing direct link to the original content at hns.family. Re-use of the photographs is not permitted.