Croatia struggles with set-pieces in 4-2 loss to England at World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 2:27 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Croatia faced England in their opening match of Group L at the World Cup on June 18 in Texas, suffering a 4-2 defeat. Despite an equalizer from Martin Baturina, Croatia conceded two goals from England's set-pieces, a concern highlighted by coach Zlatko Dalic. He expressed frustration over the team's defensive errors and emphasized the need for improvement ahead of their next match against Panama. Dalic noted that set-pieces had been a strong focus in their preparations, making the performance particularly disappointing.
- •Croatia loses 4-2 to England in World Cup Group L opener.
- •Martin Baturina scores to equalize after Harry Kane's penalty.
- •Zlatko Dalic criticizes set-piece defending as 'disastrous'.
- •Croatia aims to improve for next matchup against Panama.
- 2:27 AMYahoo Sports — Dalic rues ‘disastrous’ set-piece defending in Croatia defeat
"Zlatko Dalic bemoaned Croatia’s failure to get to grips with England’s set-pieces after some “disastrous” defending in Wednesday’s 4-2 World Cup defeat. Group L began with a bang in Texas as Martin Baturina brilliantly cancelled out Harry Kane’s retaken spot-kick after Luka Modric had brought down Noni Madueke when defending an early set-piece.
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