Dalić: “The most important thing is to keep mistakes to a minimum”

Ahead of the match, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić and goalkeeper Dominik Livaković addressed the media at the official pre-match press conference. Dalić is well aware that the battle in midfield will be decisive.

On the importance of midfield...

“I think the key will be in midfield. They have an outstanding national team and a very well-organized style of play. That is where the match will be decided. They have a fantastic and deep squad, play technically refined football, and it is crucial that we avoid mistakes in the defensive phase because we will be punished for them. They patiently build their attacks, have precise passing and dangerous long balls, and players such as João Félix, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes. We won’t change much about our own style of play. We’ve faced them before and know how they play. They have strength, and we must respond with strength and solidity in midfield. We have our own approach and identity, and I am convinced that area of the pitch will be decisive.”

On how well Portugal and Croatia know each other...

“We reached the knockout stage and were drawn against a very difficult opponent. We have played each other many times and beat them in a friendly match, but never at a major tournament. There are very few surprises between these teams because the quality is evident on both sides. For us, it is essential to keep mistakes to a minimum because they will punish them, just as England did. We have to perform at our highest level. I believe in our team, and I believe we can achieve a positive result.”

On sustaining success...

“It is very difficult to repeat success once you have reached the top. Only a few teams have managed to do it, but we have. We have a new generation, new players, and the same ambitions, but a very tough opponent stands in front of us. We are taking it one match at a time.”

On Portugal’s threat from set pieces...

“They do fantastic things from set plays. We analyzed our mistakes against England and Ghana. I believe the key is concentration. The players must give maximum effort, position themselves well, and react correctly. We cannot fall for feints, decoys, or blocking movements. No matter how much we prepare, if a player loses concentration, everything becomes pointless. You have to be fully focused, and that responsibility lies with the players.”

On the experienced players in the squad...

“We had excellent players four years ago and eight years ago as well. In the knockout stage, experience is not decisive, but it means a great deal. It provides an advantage and a sense of security. The whole team is important, and the younger generations should be happy to have experienced and battle-tested players alongside them.”

On Portugal’s strengths...

“Portugal are one of the strongest national teams in the world. They have an excellent coach and Cristiano Ronaldo, who can score from any position at any moment. They strive to dominate possession, their technical quality is at the highest level, and they wear opponents down. Their players compete for the biggest clubs in the world and win major trophies. They do not have a weak point. They have depth, quality, Ronaldo—everything. We are facing the toughest possible challenge against them.”

On Portugal’s current form...

“We should forget about the group stage and their draws against Congo and Colombia. They have quality, and those results have not affected them. A new tournament begins now. We will not be misled because we know how powerful and capable they are. We have had difficult moments ourselves, but this is something completely different. We expect a strong and high-quality opponent, but they can expect the same from Croatia.”

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