Football
ESPN staff 6y

Zlatko Dalic takes over from Ante Cacic as manager of Croatia

The Croatian Football Association have announced that Zlatko Dalic has replaced Ante Cacic as manager of the Croatia national team.

The news comes after Friday's 1-1 draw with Finland left Croatia second in World Cup qualifying Group I, and in danger of missing out on a playoff position. 

Mario Mandzukic had given Croatia a 57th-minute lead before Pyry Soiri equalised for Finland in the final minute.

In a statement on their official website it was confirmed that the Executive Board of the Croatian Football Association took the decision due to recent results.

Although Croatia beat Ukraine in March they have since struggled, losing to Iceland and Turkey, drawing with Finland and only managing a 1-0 win against Kosovo.

As it stands Iceland lead the group on 19 points, while Croatia and Ukraine are tied for second on 17 points with Turkey just three points behind in fourth place.

Croatia's fate will be decided on Monday when they travel to Ukraine. Iceland host bottom side Kosovo and Turkey travel to Finland.

The statement also confirmed that Dalic, who has previously worked as an assistant for Croatia under-21s, will oversee the match in Kiev.

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