'We have three medals': Croatia's coach tough message to England

Zlato Dalic sent a harsh message to England after Croatia's defeat against Spain on the first match day of Euro 2024 (3-0).

Croatia, who many saw as outsiders for the tournament, were hammered by Spain, conceding three goals in the first half. Dalic described the performance as not, “a pretty sight, it wasn’t great to watch, we didn’t get a great feeling”.

Dalic continued, claiming, “But we are always the dark horse, we are always not among the favourites, nobody believes in us,” per The Mirror.

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Dalic’s impassioned defence of his team and country continued, “We have won three medals, England won one [more than] 50 years ago but they are a great team, we are not, we are always the dark horse.”

Dalic claimed what his team has achieved in recent years is second only to France and they, “deserve greater respect from everyone else.”

The medals Dalic is referring to are the 2018 World Cup silver medal, the 2023 UEFA Nations League silver, and the 2022 World Cup bronze. Whilst all great achievements, it is debatable that these are more significant than England’s 1966 World Cup win.

Dalic’s rant to demand more respect for his side may be based in reality, but it does ignore England’s second-place finish in Euro 2024, if we’re going to be pedantic, which it seems we are. England also finished third in the 2019 Nations League…

International football brings out the passion and patriotism that is sometimes lacking in the more sanitised world of the Premier League, so to see Dalic defending his team so vigorously fills us with excitement about what’s to come from his side.

The Croatian coach told reporters, “Even against Spain, we had possession and created more chances, but now we need to be even better,” which may well be true as a loss puts their chances of qualifying for the next in doubt.

Next for Dalic’s Croatia was Albania, who have become a surprise package in recent times under the stewardship of former Arsenal and Barcelona left-back Sylvinho. “Albania may not be of the same quality as Spain but they deserve a lot of respect.” Dalic was right, drawing 2-2 against Sylvinho's side and now needing to win against Italy on the final match day.

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