Dalić: “We have to be much better than we were in the first two matches”

As tradition dictates, head coach Zlatko Dalić previewed the game at the pre-match press conference.

“We have a match ahead of us that will determine whether we advance from the group, against an opponent that has already secured qualification. They haven’t conceded a goal and are very dangerous in transition. If we want a good result, we have to be better than we were in the previous two matches and improve certain aspects of our game. We need to be more responsible and stop giving the ball away so easily. We’ve been a bit too slow. We are fully aware of the importance of this match and of the quality of our opponent, who are full of confidence and energy. It will be difficult. We know our objective, and we will work to correct those issues.”

On his experience coaching one of Ghana’s greatest players, Asamoah Gyan...

“Our cooperation was excellent during the two years we spent together at Al Ain. He was a powerful striker, outstanding in the air and in attacking situations. If he is any indication, then Ghana is a fantastic football nation. He scored goals consistently and made a huge difference for his teams. A difficult challenge awaits us.”

On the expected changes to the team...

“I keep saying that we have a lot to improve. We have not performed at the level we show in training. Tomorrow is an opportunity to put that right. We have never made this many mistakes in passing and ball distribution before—that has always been one of our greatest strengths. Lately, we have been losing possession too easily. We need to be more focused, more composed, and more secure in possession. I hope we can improve and show the true face of Croatia. The win against Panama has made things easier for us, but when we look at the other results, very little has gone in our favor. Still, we are focused on ourselves and on advancing from the group.”

On the starting lineup...

“Ha, ha, that has never been our practice. I’ve always said that we need 16 players, not just 11. In certain moments, especially when a match is tight and hanging in the balance, it’s often more important who finishes the game than who starts it. The players coming off the bench can be the ones who change the course of the match. There’s no need to make a big issue out of the starting eleven—we will choose the players we believe are best for the job.”

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