Croatian Coach Believes Team Deserved More in World Cup but Avoids Excuses

Zagreb, Croatia – Zlatko Dalic, the head coach of the Croatian national football team, expressed his belief that his team deserved a better outcome in the World Cup. Speaking at Zagreb airport upon the team's return, Dalic acknowledged that while a controversial disallowed goal in their round of 16 match against Portugal was an "injustice," it should not serve as an excuse for their performance.

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We deserved more and should have done more. I think we had a good tournament, we showed that we can do it, but not everything went as we expected. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That's life, that's football.

Croatia's World Cup journey ended dramatically with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, a match where a late extra-time goal was disallowed. FIFA later explained that ball sensors indicated a slight contact, possibly from hair, prior to the goal, leading to its annulment. Dalic suggested this decision indicated a lack of respect for Croatia within the tournament.

Despite the controversy and criticism directed at the referee, Espen Eskas, Dalic refrained from personal attacks. "We don't care if he goes home or continues to officiate. We know the damage they have done to us," he stated, adding that Croatia is "too small" for some, implying their success in reaching the 2018 final and 2022 third place bothers larger footballing nations.

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We don't care if he goes home or continues to officiate. We know the damage they have done to us. I fought against it and tried to change something, but they don't value us and don't respect Croatia as it deserves, with its results and successes. We are too small for them. They bother us because we finished third and second.

While much of the Croatian press felt the team was robbed, Dalic reiterated that "there is no need to look for excuses." He emphasized the team's strong performance throughout the tournament and highlighted the promising future of the young players who showcased their talent. Croatia, the runner-up in 2018 and third-place finisher in 2022, aimed for another deep run but fell short in a contentious match.

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There is no need to look for excuses.