by croatiaweek
October 3, 2025
in
Zlatko Dalić
UEFA has filmed a special feature on Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić ahead of his 100th match in charge of the national team.
Dalić will reach the milestone when Croatia face the Czech Republic in Prague next week (9 October).
The feature was filmed in his hometown of Varaždin, including scenes from his family restaurant The Family.
The restaurant is more than a place to eat – it tells the story of Croatian football through around sixty framed shirts, each holding its own piece of history.
For Dalić, three shirts in particular carry deep meaning. One is from Croatia’s very first international match, played against the United States in 1990.
Another is the shirt worn by Milan Badelj in his first match as Croatia coach, against Ukraine.
But above all, he treasures the shirt given to him by Mario Mandžukić – the one Mandžukić wore in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against England in Moscow, when he scored the unforgettable goal that sent Croatia to their first ever final.
The feature also highlights a car with a unique story – an old Golf “Mark 1”, painted in Croatia’s iconic red-and-white chequerboard and decorated with signatures of Croatian internationals.
The car had followed the national team across Europe for years before ending up in Dalić’s possession.
Following the devastating earthquake in 2020, a humanitarian auction was launched to support the “Vratimo palčiće u Petrovu” campaign.
The car’s owner, Zoran Anić from Split, put it up for auction. Dalić offered the highest bid, securing it not just as a collector’s piece, but also as a gesture of support.
“I had to help. The Golf was on auction, I made the highest offer and that was it. Now it’s mine,” Dalić said.
UEFA’s piece captures the emotion and passion that have defined Dalić’s eight years at the helm of the national team. As he prepares for his 100th match, he remains driven by the same love and dedication that guided him from the start.
“Love and emotion for this team have no price,” he underlined in the feature. Check out the video below