Dalic praises France ahead of World Cup final

CAIRO – 12 July 2018: Croatia national team manager, Zlatko Dalic, promises football fans to enjoy the World Cup final between Croatia and France on Sunday.

“We’re facing another daunting task but it’s going to be a fantastic match. We are ready for it. I am sure everybody will enjoy watching that match,” Dalic told press on Thursday.

Croatia will face the French team, led by French manager, Didier Deschamps, who was the national team captain when France won the World Cup at home in 1998.

Hands up if you can make history in the #WorldCupFinal 🙌

We look at Didier Deschamps' bid to become the third man to win the #WorldCup as player and coach 🇫🇷🏆

ℹ️👉 https://t.co/czhbzlAR5G pic.twitter.com/zx7vXUoWzB

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 12, 2018

Dalic added: “I have huge respect for France. There is no weakness in a team which is in the final. They are a top-drawer team with fantastic players.”

Croatia reached the World Cup final for the first time in their history, defeating 1966 World Cup winners, England 2-1 at the semi-final on Wednesday.

#CRO are the 13th team to reach a #WorldCupFinal!

Can you name the other 12? 🤔#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4aJb5xWxp1

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 12, 2018

The Croatian side was 1-0 down at half time as England opened the score after five minutes by Kieran Trippier. Croatia returned in the game scoring two goals by Ivan Perisic in the second half and Mario Mandzukic at extra time to win the match.

Sweet dreams, #CRO fans! #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/PHnXjwpBUM

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 11, 2018

Asked about his speech to the players at half time, Dalic said: “During half-time, I told the players ‘calmly pass the ball, do not lose your heads’. We showed that we were the better team in all segments of the game.”

Croatia will face France on Sunday at the World Cup final at 5 p.m.