Zagreb to Host World Cup Playoff

Zlatko Dalic (Photo: HNS)

The Croatian Football Federation executive committee has today made a decision on the future of caretaker coach Zlakto Dalic, as well as the home venue for the important World Cup playoff match.

Dalic was called in just 48 hours before Croatia faced Ukraine in their must-win final group match last week and did not hesitate to accept the job without a contract.

Dalic came in for one match against Ukraine (Photo: HNS)

Dalic, who replaced Ante Cacic who was sacked just hours after Croatia drew with Finland in Rijeka in their penultimate group match, answered the call to step into the role for the one match and on Monday the CFF executive committee made a decision about his future.

The CFF has decided that Dalic will lead Croatia in their home and away 2018 FIFA World Cup playoff, but will not sign a contract with him until after the two matches have been played. Once the two matches have been played the two parties will sit down and talk about the future.

Zlatko Dalic (Photo: HNS)

Dalic coached in the Croatian domestic league at Varteks Varazdin, NK Rijeka, and Slaven Belupo, before taking up roles in Albania at Dinamo Tirana, in Saudi Arabia at Al-Faisaly Harmah and Al-Hilal, and in the UAE at Al-Ain.

His honours as a manager include the Albanian Supercup, UAE President’s Cup, UAE Arabian Gulf League, UAE Arabian Gulf Supercup, and AFC Champions League.

As a player, Dalic played for Hajduk Split, Velež Mostar, Dinamo Vinkovci, and Varteks Varazdin.

Maksimir stadium

Croatia will find out tomorrow who they will face in the World Cup playoff when the draw is made at 2 pm CET at Fifa headquarters in Zurich. Zagreb’s Maksimir stadium was decided today to be the venue for the match.