Croatian national football team coach Zlatko Dalic speaks during a press conference in Zagreb, Croatia, March 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Zhen)

ZAGREB, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Croatian national football team coach Zlatko Dalic on Friday talked about upcoming World Cup warm-up matches against Colombia and Brazil, stressing that playing stronger opponents is more beneficial than choosing easier ones for short-term results.

Dalic said such matches provide better assessment of the team's condition and clearer insight into areas that need improvement ahead of major competitions.

"We are continuing with this practice. I know it is very demanding and risky, but I think we have to approach it this way. Croatia deserves to play only against the best. We have been doing this for the past eight years and will continue to do so," he said at a press conference held in Zagreb.

Dalic added that he expects strong support from Croatian fans at the upcoming World Cup despite long travel distances and high costs. Croatian Football Federation spokesman Tomislav Pacak stated that fan interest has surpassed the levels seen at the previous three tournaments held in Qatar, Russia, and Brazil.

Croatia will play a friendly match against Colombia in Orlando, United States, followed by a match against Brazil in the same city later this month.

At the last World Cup in Qatar, Croatia finished third. ■

Croatian national football team coach Zlatko Dalic reacts during a press conference in Zagreb, Croatia, March 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Zhen)