Worst set-piece defending of my tenure, says Croatia boss after England loss
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
June 18 : Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said his side's defending of set-pieces in their 4-2 World Cup Group L opening loss to England was the worst since he has taken charge, despite all the pre-match preparation done to combat the threat.
England's Harry Kane scored twice in Wednesday's first half. The opening goal came from a penalty after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke when trying to clear a corner, and Kane was left unmarked at another corner to net his second.
"We knew everything that was going to happen, we worked on it," Dalic told reporters on Thursday.
"I don't remember us ever having so many tall players, but never in my tenure have we defended set pieces this poorly. In the first half they didn't create much from open play, apart from a few situations from Madueke.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
"Everything came from set pieces. Out of eight corners they had six clear chances, despite the videos and pointing out their corners and set pieces."
Croatia responded positively to both Kane goals and went in level at the break, but their hard work was undone when Jude Bellingham put England back in front two minutes into the second half.
"That third goal killed us," Dalic said.
"After that we couldn't manage anything. We even tried changing the system, but it's hard to keep coming back so many times. We lost to a faster, more aggressive and better opponent."
Dalic, in charge since 2017, usually deploys a four-man defence, but opted to change to three at the back against England, which he had tested in recent friendlies. That decision, he said, was not the reason for their loss.
"Against an opponent of this quality, you can't expect a good result when you gift them three goals," Dalic said.
"The first goal came from nothing, the second the same. The problem isn't the system. You have to defend your goal with your life.
"These were the worst-executed set pieces since I've been the coach. I put together a team with tall players, but it was as if they weren't even there."
Croatia face Panama in Toronto on Tuesday.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app