Dalić surprises experts with lineup choices for Croatia's World Cup clash

Croatia's national football team coach Zlatko Dalić has raised eyebrows with his tactical decisions ahead of a pivotal 2026 World Cup match against Ghana. The most significant surprise is the decision to start Joško Gvardiol on the bench, with Ivan Perišić, typically an offensive player, being positioned at left-back. This strategic choice has drawn sharp criticism and disbelief from football analysts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "I can't believe Dalić did this," one analyst commented during a studio discussion, calling it an unusual move given the players' profiles. The decision to deploy Perišić in a defensive role for such a critical game, where a win or a draw is needed to advance to the knockout stage, has been particularly questioned. "I refuse to believe... I'm not even sure Perišić will actually play at left-back. To use such an offensive player in defense?! Strange," stated Zlatan Nalić, a Bosnian coach and former manager of Sloboda Tuzla. Croatia faces Ghana in Philadelphia, with Ghana already securing a spot in the next round and playing without pressure. Croatia, on the other hand, needs a positive result to guarantee progression, with various scenarios placing them first, second, or third in the group, or even eliminating them entirely. Coach Dalić explained his choices to HRT before the match, citing Perišić's current concentration levels and the speed of Ghana's Semen, as well as the offensive capabilities of midfielders Baturina, Sučić, and Vlašić. He also noted Budimir's confidence and Sučić's defensive support role alongside Modrić and Kovačić.

“

I can't believe Dalić did this.