Talented Croatia could go well at a nice price

Manager Zlatko Dalic

Tears were shed from nostalgic football fans sad not to have Italy at the World Cup in Russia but from a talent point of view it would have been more of a crying shame had Croatia not reached the finals.

That looked a distinct possibility when the Croats lost 1-0 in Turkey before drawing 1-1 at home to Finland. It was enough to see coach Ante Cacic sacked with replacement Zlatko Dalic brought in for the do-or-die contest away to Ukraine.

Croatia passed that with flying colours and thrashed Greece 4-1 in the playoffs to earn Dalic, who was given a glowing reference from star man Luka Modric, a permanent deal.

Modric pulls the strings and with Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Mandzukic and Mateo Kovacic also in their ranks, Croatia could go well at a nice price.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook