World Cup 2026: ‘Fulfilled’ Zlatko Dalic hails Croatia’s superior tactics after Ghana win

World Cup 2026: ‘Fulfilled’ Zlatko Dalic hails Croatia’s superior tactics after Ghana win

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has hailed his team for delivering a tactical masterpiece in their 2-1 victory over Ghana in the final Group L game in Philadelphia. 

Nikola Vaslic’s late header secured a deserved three points for the Europeans, which also placed them above Ghana as they progressed to the round of 32.

In the thrilling encounter, the 2018 semi-finalist opened the scoring through Petar Sucic in the 31st minute before Ghana levelled through Derrick Luckassen with 17 minutes remaining.

“Congratulations on getting through. It was difficult, but I think that tactically Croatia played fantastically. We set ourselves up well, we returned to our old setup, like in the last nine years. But that’s just a small step, we fulfilled our goal of getting through the group and we have to forget this and turn to what awaits us,” he said at the post-match presser.

Croatia will now face Portugal in the round of 32 while Ghana engages Columbia, who topped Group K following a goalless draw with Portugal on Saturday evening.

Dalic continued: ‘The boys gave their maximum, I always said that they look better in training and that must be good. They trust me, I trust them, I know they can and they showed that tonight. We positioned ourselves a little differently so it was easier for the defense, before they were more in the wind, they were pressing hard, which was maybe my fault. Today we were more compact.

“There were doubts about this team, and I don’t understand that, they have to be respected and lose everything. And we are competing to see who will spit and write comments more, that’s sad and this team didn’t deserve that. Thousands of fans cheer for them and they have to be respected and loved even when they lose, considering what they have done for this country and this people. We rose from it all again and did the right thing”

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