Dalić: “We returned to our old setup, but this is only a small step”

Returning to the old setup

“Congratulations on advancing. It was a difficult match, but I think Croatia delivered a fantastic tactical performance. We were well organized and returned to our old setup, the one that has served us over the last nine years. However, this is only a small step. We achieved our goal of getting through the group stage, and now we must put this behind us and focus on what lies ahead.

The players gave everything. I have always said that they look better in training and that eventually it had to come together. They trust me, and I trust them. I know what they are capable of, and tonight they showed it. We positioned ourselves a little differently, which made life easier for the defense. Previously, they were more exposed because we were pressing high, and perhaps that was my mistake. Today we were more compact.

There has been a lot of doubt surrounding this national team, and I don’t understand it. This team deserves respect even if it loses every game. Instead, people seem to compete over who can criticize it more harshly. That is sad, and this team has not deserved that treatment. Thousands of fans support this team, and it should be appreciated and loved even when it loses, considering everything it has done for this country and its people. Once again, we rose above it all and did the right thing.”

On Luka Modrić

“Everyone gave their maximum effort, from the first player to the last, and Luka was fantastic as well, making tackles and blocks in the final minutes. He was exactly what he has been throughout his entire career.

I’m glad it ended this way; it wouldn’t have been nice had it ended differently. This victory is another credit to him, but everyone was outstanding. His character and energy allow him to keep performing at this level. He provided an assist and helped protect our goal. Normally, we would consider substituting him after an hour, but tonight he kept getting stronger instead of fading.

He wants to say goodbye to the World Cup in the best possible way, and I hope his journey with Croatia in this tournament lasts as long as possible.”

On Nikola Vlašić

“Vlašić does a fantastic job in training. There has been a lot of discussion about who should start, but people don’t watch our training sessions and therefore can’t fully judge. He’s coming off an excellent season, and this style of play suits him because he receives the ball between the lines.

He repaid our trust in the best possible way. He defended well, hit the post, and scored the winning goal. Before the match, I told him that this was going to be his game, and everything came together perfectly.”

On the contribution of the younger players

“They are developing alongside the older players, and the time has come for them to take on their responsibilities. I hope Joško returns to his best form. At the moment, Perišić has more confidence and certainty in his game, and we have a good balance between experienced and younger players.

Today it didn’t work out for Kramarić to come on, but there will be more opportunities.”

Comparisons with 2018 and 2022

“We achieved incredible things in those tournaments, beyond anyone’s expectations, and in doing so we raised the bar ourselves. It’s not easy to repeat those accomplishments, but we will try.

This national team has quality despite the generational transition. Advancing from the group stage does not create euphoria for us. We will prepare and try to get through the next match as well. It doesn’t matter who the next opponent is. We will have tremendous support in Toronto, and our opponents won’t be comfortable facing Croatia either.

Everything is still open.”

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