Nine and a half weeks to the World Cup: Coach Dalić reflects on pre-tournament prep

With just nine and a half weeks to go until the World Cup, the Croatian national team has returned from their ten-day training camp in Florida. Coach Zlatko Dalić shared his thoughts on the preparations, the upcoming tournament, and the team’s prospects in an exclusive interview on HRT’s Stadion show and central Dnevnik.

“I’d like to wish everyone a happy Easter,” Dalić began. “For me, it’s the greatest honor and pride to coach the Croatian national team. But it also comes with responsibility, pressure, and high expectations. We’ve achieved a lot in the last nine years, and with success comes scrutiny. You have to know how to handle it.”

Reflecting on the recent friendlies against Colombia and Brazil, Dalić highlighted the team’s tactical flexibility.

“That went very well. We now have even more options depending on the opponent. We have sweet worries—so much potential and versatility. There’s a lot to be optimistic about,” he said.

But the coach also flagged areas that need improvement.

“When we lose the ball in dangerous positions, strong opponents punish us quickly. Conceding goals at moments when we shouldn’t—like at the start of the game or immediately after scoring—is unacceptable if we want to be a top team,” Dalić explained.

Looking ahead to the World Cup group stage, Croatia opens against England in Dallas on June 17.

“I’m mostly focused on England. They’re the strongest, most complete team, with top players from the best league in the world. Their defeat to Japan doesn’t reflect their true level—they were missing key Arsenal players. The first game is crucial; we have to be fully prepared because it sets the tone for the tournament,” he said.

On Panama and Ghana, Dalić warned against underestimating them.

“They may seem easier on paper, but every match demands focus and preparation,” he added.

The coach also reflected on Croatia’s sustained success over the past eight to nine years.

“It’s hard to reach this level, even harder to maintain it. We have two medals, big ambitions, and we’re a small country competing against bigger nations. But we keep creating miracles in football. We have the potential and quality to continue,” Dalić emphasized.

Before heading to the U.S., Croatia will face Belgium on June 2 in Rijeka and Slovenia on June 7 in Varaždin.

“These matches are vital. I hope all players stay healthy. They’ll be a real test of our preparations for the World Cup,” Dalić concluded.