Zlatko Dalić: “This victory is for the Croatian people” 

Croatia has beaten Brazil 4-2 on penalties after the scores were locked at 1-1 in normal time to reach the last four of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Bruno Petković’s goal in the 116th minute cancelled out Neymar’s strike in the first half of extra-time before the match was decided on penalties. 

Croatia, as they have done three times before at the World Cup, would win the penalty shoot-out to send the nation and fans around the world into euphoria. 

After the game coach Zlatko Dalić dedicated the win to all Croatians.

– Congratulations to at the guys, a brilliant game from the first to the last minute and we have knocked out the favourites,” Dalić said after the win, before adding. 

This is Croats. This is Croatia. They take it when it is most difficult. I said never underestimate them. Pride, courage, faith, love for the homeland and a Croat always succeeds. Guys, congratulations on this result, I am so proud. This is not the end, we move on. 

This win was everyones. Everyone gave their maximum and thanks also do the guys on the bench who didn’t come on. They all live for this national team. 

This win is for the Croatian people, let Croats in all parts of the world enjoy this. I know you love us we can do a lot and Croatia showed that. This is for the homeland defenders, enjoy it. Croatia has been in the semi-final twice in a row with just 3 million people. These guys are not normal- Dalić concluded. 

We proudly present…
…your #Croatia heroes of #Qatar2022! 😍#FIFAWorldCup #Family #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/wbsniX3ADP

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) December 9, 2022