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    World Cup warning: Dalić worried about Croatia’s problems
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    Croatia to test new formation against Belgium on Tuesday in World Cup warm-up

    Zlatko Dalić

    Zlatko Dalić

    RIJEKA, 1 June 2026 – Croatia will continue preparations for the FIFA World Cup when they host Belgium in an international friendly in Rijeka on Tuesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm.

    Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić described the match as an important test against a strong opponent.

    “We have had several good training sessions together. Belgium are a quality opponent with a number of dangerous players. It is a real test for us and a chance to see where we are. It may be a friendly, but the result is still important,” he said.

    Dalić said Croatia will start in a 3-4-2-1 formation as he head coach experiments with tactical options ahead of the World Cup.

    “We’ll start in a 3-4-2-1 formation, that’s my wish and we’ll try that. It’s a friendly, but the result is important,” he said.

    Dalić’s preferred and most commonly used setup throughout his tenure since 2017 has been 4-2-3-1.

    All players are reported to be fit and available.

    The coach acknowledged that key players Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić, who both returned recently from serious injuries, would start the match, along with Luka Modrić, but said the match would provide opportunities for younger squad members who have impressed and there would be a lot of substitutions made.

    Reflecting on his longevity as Croatia manager, Dalić said he was proud to be among the longest-serving national team coaches at the World Cup, second only to France’s Didier Deschamps.

    The Croatian coach believes Belgium are once again becoming one of the world’s leading sides following a period of transition after Qatar 2022.

    “They were ranked number one in the world under Roberto Martínez and then experienced a slight decline. Now they are returning with new players emerging, such as Jérémy Doku, and a new coach. They have quality and are moving back towards the top level,” he said.

    Dalić also addressed the challenging weather conditions expected during the World Cup in the United States, particularly in Dallas, where high temperatures could present difficulties for players.

    “It will be demanding and require a lot of energy from everyone, but the conditions will be the same for all teams,” he noted.

    Dalić highlighted the importance of balancing experience with youth, pointing to Croatia’s success at previous World Cups.

    “Experience has brought us a lot in both 2018 and 2022, but younger players are also coming through. We have seen players such as Sučić, Baturina and Vušković emerge. The balance between experienced and younger players is important,” he said.

    Tomorrow will also see midfielder Mario Pašalić make his 100th appearance for his country.

    “Mario deserves to enter the 100-cap club more than anyone. Whenever needed, he played in positions that were not natural to him. Since joining us after 2018, he has always been available and never complained. It is recognition for everything he has done for the team,” Dalić said.

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