Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has stepped down after the national team’s World Cup exit in the round-of-32 stage.A 2-1 loss to Portugal in stoppage time on Thursday brought to an end Croatia’s World Cup run and was the 59-year-old’s final game after almost nine years in charge.The game ended in controversial circumstances as Josko Gvardiol’s equaliser was ruled out for an offside, after ball-chip technology ruled Igor Matanovic to have touched the ball with his head in the build-up. The goal from Goncalo Ramos — who had been substituted on for Cristiano Ronaldo — also in stoppage-time, was instead the decider.“A humble arrival. An unforgettable journey. A proud farewell,” a statement from Croatia’s football federation said, confirming his departure on Wednesday.
“Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia.“Head coach, thank you for everything — the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch.“The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you’ve earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are.”Croatia had finished second in Group L, behind England who beat them 4-2 in their opening fixture.After his appointment in October 2017, Dalic led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final against France. They lost 4-2 courtesy of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe’s second-half goals but it was a marked improvement from the 2014 competition in which they did not advance beyond the group stage.Four years ago in Qatar Croatia followed up their 2018 run with a third-place finish, losing 3-0 to eventual winners France in the semi-finals having knocked Brazil in the last-eight stage.Before moving into international management, Dalic had spells at Al Hilal and United Arab Emirates side Al Ain.
