Zlatko Dalić reacts to Croatia’s Euro 2024 draw 

Zlatko Dalić

2 December 2023 – Today in Hamburg, Germany, the Euro 2024 group stage draw unfolded with Croatia been drawn into Group B alongside Spain, Albania, and Italy.

The opening match for Croatia is against Spain on 15 June in Berlin. Then on 19 June, they will face Albania in Hamburg. The concluding group match for Croatia will be against Italy in Leipzig on 24 June.

Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić expressed his thoughts on the draw, acknowledging that Croatia has landed in what he considers the toughest group.

“We are up against the current European champions and the Nations League winners. We have a challenging task ahead, but I believe we can navigate through it, as we’ve done in the past. Our primary goal is to progress from the group stage and secure a spot in the knockout phase. It won’t be easy; we must not underestimate Albania, who showed brilliance in the qualifiers. Opening against Spain in Berlin and facing Italy in what could be a decisive match will be tough, but we are accustomed to such challenges. We have six months to prepare, and I’m optimistic that we can handle it,” remarked Dalić for the HNS website.

Marijan Kustić, the president of the Croatian Football Federation, echoed Dalić’s sentiments, emphasising the strength of Group B. 

“Croatia finds itself in the toughest group, competing against the reigning European champions Italy and the Nations League winners Spain. However, Croatia holds the third position in the world rankings. Group B is undoubtedly one of the strongest, but it promises to be intriguing. Our first match against Spain in Berlin, where our fans will be plentiful, sets the stage. I have faith in our coach and players. If we perform at our best, we can achieve a favourable outcome,” stated Kustić.