HNS president Davor Šuker and Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić have agreed on the terms of the future partnership, and Dalić will lead Croatia to the World Cup in Russia. The meeting was held in HNS headquarters in Zagreb.

Dalić took over following the home draw with Finland in October. Winning in Ukraine, Dalić secured Croatia a play-off spot, where the Vatreni defeated Greece 4:1 on aggregate, reaching tenth major tournament since Croatia gained independence.

"In the qualifiers against Ukraine and Greece, Zlatko Dalić has absolutely justified our confidence in him, confirming he was the right choice. We agreed quickly the first time in October, and we agreed quickly now. This proves we have a common objective, the success of Croatia national team. I congratulate the head coach on everything he's done in a short period of time, and he has proved he deserves this position. HNS will ensure Zlatko and the team have the best conditions for the World Cup preparations, in order to achieve the best possible result", sadi HNS president Davor Šuker.

"I am proud of what we have done in the three previous matches, considering how much the World Cup berth means to Croatian football. I have already said that we can easily agree later, and today we have done so. I would like to express my gratitude to the president Šuker nad HNS Executive Committee for believing in me, and I can promise that I will continue to give my all to have Croatia playing at the highest level, in accordance with our players' quality", added head coach Zlatko Dalić.

Croatian Football Federation Executive Committee is to verify this agreement next week, with the contract being signed afterwards.