Dalić: Croatia's real World Cup challenge begins with Portugal

Croatia has secured its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after defeating Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia on Saturday. 

With their first objective of the tournament accomplished, Zlatko Dalić's side will now turn its attention to a Round of 32 clash against Portugal in Toronto on July 3.

Speaking at Croatia's base camp in Arlington, Virginia, on Sunday, head coach Zlatko Dalić said qualifying from the group was an important milestone, but stressed that the tournament truly begins now.

"We achieved our goal, which was to get through the group with six points. We knew that Panama and Ghana would be the key matches," Dalić said. "The first step has been taken. We've improved from match to match and yesterday we played a very good game in every sense. But that is only the first step. The most important thing for us now is Portugal. If we get past Portugal, we will have done something great."

Croatia finished second in Group L after recovering from an opening defeat to England with victories over Panama and Ghana. Dalić believes his team has grown throughout the group stage.

"The group went as expected. We lost to England because we gave them three goals. Against Panama there was a bit of tension and not much good football, but against Ghana we played our best match. Now we have to put the group stage behind us and focus completely on Portugal."

Croatia now faces one of the tournament favorites, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Portugal needs no introduction," Dalić said. "It's one of the best national teams in the world and a contender for the title. They have Cristiano Ronaldo, just as we have Luka Modrić and Argentina have Lionel Messi. We have nothing to fear. We have to continue playing with discipline and confidence. We know each other well, and it will be a difficult match."

The Croatia coach also praised Saturday's goalscorers, Petar Sučić and Nikola Vlašić.

Sučić, who opened the scoring against Ghana, has enjoyed a rapid rise from Dinamo Zagreb to Inter Milan and the national team.

"He has incredible physical abilities, character and quality. His work has paid off," Dalić said.

Vlašić, who scored the late winner, has overcome a difficult spell at both club and international level.

"He had a good season in Turin, which gave me confidence to play him. After a long time, he's healthy again and ready for the national team. Yesterday he was rewarded for that."

Dalić also thanked Croatian supporters around the world for their backing throughout the tournament.

"The support of the fans means a lot to us. It motivates us and lifts us even more. The national team brings Croatian people together, and I hope we will continue to do that."

Croatia now has three days to prepare for Portugal, with Dalić confident his team is on the right track.

"We don't need to change many things. We've already analyzed Portugal and we know each other well. Today we'll rest, and tomorrow we'll continue our preparations."

A victory over Portugal would send Croatia into the Round of 16 and mark another significant milestone in the country's latest World Cup campaign.