Croatia will seek a response in their match against Spain at Poljud, following the heaviest defeat in the history of the national team. Croatia received seven goals from England, and head coach Slaven Bilić received support from the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) following the debacle.
According to reports from Sportske novosti, Bilić would resign of his own accord in the event of another heavy defeat. This information does not come directly from the coach, but from individuals within the national team environment who are familiar with his character. Bilić arrived at the national team with high ambitions.
The team is now expected to react primarily in their approach and effort. The result against Spain is not the only criterion; the manner in which Croatia plays is equally important. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) set two objectives for Bilić before the start of the league phase: Croatia must finish at least third in the group and remain in the top tier. Following the match against England, the federation expected the national team to demonstrate competitive character and an approach worthy of the Croatian shirt in matches against top teams.
According to Sportske novosti, Bilić would need to deliver a good impression in the next two matches against top teams, as well as defeat the Czech Republic at home. If Spain were to replicate the performance of England, the match at Poljud would be Bilić’s last in charge of the Croatian national team.
Following the match against England, the president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), Marijan Kušić, and director Stjepan Pletikosa descended to the locker room. Kušić told the players: "This is not how one plays for Croatia, too much is at stake for the reputation of this shirt and our national team, this is unacceptable." The federation's leadership offered support to both Bilić and the team, with the message that the national team has not forgotten how to play football.
Slaven Bilić could leave the Croatian national team's bench if Croatia suffers another heavy defeat against Spain on Tuesday. Following the 7-0 defeat to England, there is significant dissatisfaction within the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) regarding the approach and performance of the Croatian team. Bili was given the task at the start of his tenure to achieve a result that would allow Croatia to remain in the top tier of the league system.
The match against Spain is expected to see a response from the team, with a much more serious approach. A defeat in itself would not necessarily be a problem for the coach. If Croatia plays a quality and combative match against the world champions, Bili should remain in charge. A new setback, particularly a defeat by a large margin, could lead Bili to resign.
