World Cup final a chance for Croatia to "settle a score" with France, says Zlatko Dalic

Sport360 staff 11:07 12/07/2018
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  • Mario Mandzukic was Croatia's hero with an extra time winner.

    Croatia have the chance to “settle a score” against France in the World Cup final, according to head coach Zlatko Dalic.

    It was Les Bleus who ended the fledgling nation’s previous run at the 1998 tournament as Aime Jacquet’s side triumphed 2-1 in the semi-final on their way to lifting a maiden World Cup trophy against Brazil in the final on home soil.

    The Vatreni are into their first ever World Cup final following an extra-time 2-1 victory over England in Moscow on Wednesday.

    They will meet France in Sunday’s final at the same venue and Dalic feels the clash at the Luzhniki Stadium is an opportunity for his nation to avenge the defeat of 20 years ago.

    “In 1998, I was in France for the first three games as a supporter. I had to go back [to Hajduk Split] for pre-season for the last games,” said Dalic, who up until 18 months ago was in charge of Al Ain in the UAE.

    “Of course, everybody in Croatia remembers [Lilian] Thuram, the 2-1. This has been the discussion for the last 20 years.

    “Maybe this game has a historic significance. The chance to settle a score. Both teams have shown their qualities and are deserved finalists.

    “This is football, what we have to do is focus on preparing the best game in the tournament in the final.”

    Zlatko Dalic has led Croatia into a maiden World Cup final - he was managing Al Ain in the UAE 18 months ago.

    Zlatko Dalic has led Croatia into a maiden World Cup final – he was managing Al Ain in the UAE 18 months ago.

    Croatia were incredibly pushed to extra time for a third straight game in their 2-1 triumph over the Three Lions, with Mario Mandzukic scoring a 109th-minute winner, after Ivan Perisic levelled in the second half of normal time following Kieran Trippier’s excellent free-kick to open the scoring after just five minutes.

    Dalic lauded his team’s character after they came from behind for the third consecutive game.

    “I insisted that I cannot teach these players football, they play fantastic football already. I am in charge of some other things. This is what they have accepted,” he said.

    “Initially, on their part there was not full trust and confidence but as the tournament progressed they have gained confidence. They are stronger in terms of mentality, strength.

    “I said this tournament would be won by teams with character who execute on the pitch as their coach shows them. We were 1-0 down in three games in a row and we overtook all these. We have done that today in extra time.

    “On top of all the football qualities, they have shown character. We are a nation of people who are proud, never give in and have character.”

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