Dalic leaves as Croatia coach after nine years

Zlatko Dalic has stepped down after nine years as Croatia's head coach following their defeat against Portugal in the World Cup. The 59-year-old took charge in 2017 and guided Croatia to the final of the 2018 World Cup and third place four years later. Croatia exited the delayed 2020 European Championship in the last 16 and failed to reach the knockout stage of Euro 2024, although they were runners-up in the 2023 Nations League. The Croatia Football Federation released a statement thanking Dalic for "the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia." A 4-2 defeat by England in their opening match of this summer's World Cup was followed by wins over Panama and Ghana, before Goncalo Ramos' 94th-minute winner in the first knockout game ended their bid. Captain Luka Modric, 40, has also most likely played his final major tournament, and a new era for Croatia is set to begin.