After finishing second in their qualifying group, Ante Cacic’s Croatia are working towards success in France at the Euro 2016 Championships.
Only four points separated them with Italy and the side will attempt to reach the quarter-finals and beyond with a very promising squad.
Tactical setup
Recent times for the Croatian team have been characterized by the spat between Dejan Lovren and the 62-year-old coach, resulting in the Liverpool star’s absence from the team.
His services will be missed by the side, however, with several big names available for selection, there will surely be someone to fill the void.
Yet as seen in the Hungary friendly, Cacic is still experimenting with formations – the recent being 3-5-2. Croatia managed to score with their first shot on target, however, few other chances were created.
Defensively the team did not exude confidence and appeared to at times be overwhelmed with the pressure placed on them from the opposition.
Problems arose when in which the Croatians had trouble with switching between tactical plays. The sooner Cacic finishes experimenting, this will surely cease.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Croatia star player – Luka Modric
Previous employment
Cacic joined the national team in September 2015 and has vast coaching experience in the various Croatian leagues, as well as in Libya.
The 62-year-old commenced his coaching career at lower-league outfit Prigorje Markuševac, whom he also played for. He spent the majority of his time in the country’s top division with various clubs.
In 1994 he was the assistant coach of Croatia’s under 21 squad and held the position for four years, also assisting fellow countryman Ilija Loncarevic with the Libyan national team.
Perhaps his highest profile appointment was for Dinamo Zagreb, where he led the team to a domestic double and into the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League group stage.
Cacic’s coaching successes continued guiding Maribor to the 2013 Europa League group stage, as well as Lokomotiva to the competition’s qualifying stages.
Arguably his hardest quest will be in France, to ensure his side’s play is consistent throughout the tournament.
Conclusion
Cacic has chosen a fresh and young squad for the tournament, in which he aims to provide them with the crucial match playing experience as he hopes for Euro glory. Croatia’s best achievement at the tournament was in 1996 and 2008 after reaching the quarter-finals. However, they failed to make it past the group stage the most recent time around.
The coach will need Luka Modric to be in stellar form if his side is to progress.
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