Croatia coach: Our set-piece defense was disastrously poor

On June 18th , in the first round of the FIFA World Cup group stage, Croatia lost 2-4 to England. After the match, Croatia's head coach Dalic attended the press conference and answered questions from reporters. The following is a transcript of his remarks.

Reporter: This was a very strange match. At times, it was very chaotic, almost like a basketball game. Usually, the first group stage match is quite steady, perhaps a bit more defensive, but this one was completely different. Were you surprised that England played so openly?

First, I want to congratulate England on their victory. It was certainly a strange match and a very tough one, as we expected before the game. In the first half, we actually played quite well and followed all our pre-match plans.

Unfortunately, we performed worst in the very area where we knew the danger would come from: set pieces. We knew they were most threatening from set pieces, yet we ended up conceding two goals from corners; both the first and second goals came after corners.

This was our mistake, and our reaction was poor.

After that, we got back into the game well twice and regained confidence. But conceding the third goal in the 46th minute really broke us—or rather, crushed us.

After that, we played very poorly for ten minutes. We then tried to get back into the game, but ultimately failed.

It was a strange match. We made many mistakes, especially in set-piece defense. There’s not much more to say other than to congratulate England.

Reporter: Hello. I'm Pilar Velázquez from WIN Sports, Colombia. What did you see in this match against England that led you to start with a back three? Also, what lessons have you learned from set pieces ahead of your next match?

As I’ve said, we did well with this formation, whether in our positioning, ball distribution, or attacking phase.

But we performed very poorly in the defensive phase, especially when defending set pieces, and this must improve. We knew that was the biggest danger.

From the first corner, our reaction was poor, and we conceded a penalty. The second time, especially after we had just got back into the game, we allowed Kane to score without any interference, and they completed the block.

We knew this and prepared for it, but we were unable to defend against it. Simply put, we must correct these issues and ensure we do not make such mistakes in the upcoming matches. We want to maintain a high level in the defensive phase, but conceding four goals is certainly too many. We were very poor in this respect. We got back into the game twice, but could not do so a third time.

Reporter: Coach, there were concerns before the match that a heavy defeat in the first game could affect team morale, and that is exactly what happened today. With Ghana and Panama still to face, how will you lift the team’s spirits and ensure the team makes a strong push to advance from the group?

We said that the first match is always the most difficult because we are facing the strongest opponent. The first match always sets the tone for the entire tournament.

Losing is certainly never easy. After a defeat, confidence takes a hit, and many things no longer feel quite right.

We must prepare for the next two matches, which are even more important and crucial for us, and we must deliver a real performance.

After this defeat, we have little room for error and even less leeway to produce another poor performance or make such mistakes again.

I wouldn’t say we played poorly throughout the entire match today, but we made many mistakes, and truly strong opponents punish those mistakes.

So, it is nothing; we still have two matches, against Panama and Ghana, and we must achieve good results to advance.

Reporter: I know there is more analysis still to be done, but do you plan to continue with a back three, or revert to a back four? Also, is there a possibility that Marko Pasalic could start the next match?

We later switched back to a back four to strengthen our attack. We were 2-3 down at that point, so we brought on an attacking player like Kramaric in an effort to catch up and equalize.

Marko Pasalic once again brought dynamism and energy to the team, delivering a strong performance.

Reporter: You mentioned set pieces before the match, yet you still conceded two goals from them. Ghana and Panama may also pose threats from set pieces and counter-attacks. How do you plan to improve?

So far, we have performed well in the set-piece defensive phase, not conceding goals easily.

We prepared for this match as well; we knew what England would do, knew they would use blocks and all these situations. We prepared for them, but we couldn't execute today.

After the first corner, we conceded a penalty, and after the second, we allowed the opponent's player to jump and score unchallenged.

This absolutely cannot happen. Our reaction to set pieces was very, very poor; indeed, it was catastrophic. Especially against a team that excels at set pieces, whose strongest weapon is set pieces.

About 40% of their goals come from set pieces; we analyzed this and were aware of it, but still couldn't defend against them.

We must improve; we must be much, much better than we were today.

Reporter: How would you assess your team's attacking performance tonight?

It was decent. We scored two goals today through good teamwork and good situations, but it wasn’t enough.

More importantly, we must attack with greater depth. However, against opponents like these, who are dangerous and will also threaten you on the counter-attack, you cannot play completely open.

You must protect your back line and maintain your defensive phase.

Simply put, if we want to beat Panama and Ghana, we must improve in the attacking phase.