Zlatko Dalic will lead Croatia as manager at World Cup 2022, where he will be looking to spring another surprise after taking his country to the final four years ago.
Croatia were beaten just once in qualifying and topped their group, finishing one point ahead of Russia and also above Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta to reach their third consecutive World Cup.
Dalic, who succeeded Ante Cacic in the job in 2017, led his country to a remarkable second-place finish in Russia four years ago, but they were knocked out by Spain at the last 16 stage of Euro 2020 last summer, losing a 5-3 thriller in extra time.
The 54-year-old started his managerial career at former club Varteks, guiding his team to the final of the Croatian Cup, where they lost to Rijeka. Dalic took over at Rijeka in 2007, subsequently moving to Dinamo Tirana and Slaven Belupo ahead of a prolonged spell in the Middle East.
He managed Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Faisaly and Al-Hilal, followed by three years in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Ain, where he won the title and reached the final of the AFC Champions League.
Dalic has enjoyed great success with Croatia, leading his country to the final of the last World Cup, seeing off Denmark, Russia and England along the way.
Goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic eliminated Gareth Southgate’s side, who had taken an early lead through Kieran Trippier’s free kick.
In an entertaining final, France proved too strong for Croatia, winning 4-2 as they reclaimed their world champions tag 20 years after first succeeding on home soil.
But they couldn’t follow that up at the postponed Euros, losing 1-0 to England in their opening game before recovering to finish second in the group, only to go out to Spain.
More recently, Dalic’s side won their Nations League group to book a place in next summer’s Finals, finishing ahead of Denmark, France and Austria after hitting a good run of form in June and September.
Croatia are up against Belgium, Morocco and Canada in Group E at the World Cup, with Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Matteo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic all still among the Croatian World Cup squad.
