Zlatko Dalic: Croatia’s unlikely managerial hero (Sportskeeda)

Luis Felipe Scolari, Marcelo Lippi, Vicente Del Bosque and Joachim Löw. Those are the names of the World Cup-winning managers of the 21st century – all of whom have gone on to become prominent figures in the world’s game. One more name is set to be added to that list when the final whistle blows in the Luzhniki Stadium this evening. The widely-tipped favourite to win this accolade is Didier Deschamps. Having won the prestigious trophy as a player in 1998, he has already made his name in management with the likes of Monaco, Marseille and Juventus. However, the other potential name that could soon be etched into the Hall of Fame is a far less likely and renowned one worldwide. Just like their opponents on Sunday, Croatia’s best year came in 1998 – where they lost to the eventual champions in a semi-final encounter in Saint-Denis. Read more