Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has paid glowing tribute to Ghana football legend Asamoah Gyan ahead of his side’s pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L clash with the Black Stars, admitting the West Africans present one of their toughest challenges yet.
The 2018 World Cup runners-up enter Saturday’s encounter under pressure, knowing they must produce a strong performance to boost their chances of reaching the Round of 32. Ghana, meanwhile, have already secured qualification after collecting four points from their opening two matches against Panama and England.
As preparations continue for the decisive fixture, Dalic reflected on the period he spent coaching Gyan during their successful spell together at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
“Our cooperation was excellent for two years at Al Ain. He is a robust striker, excellent in the air and in the attacking phase,” Dalic said.
💛 Matchday in Philadelphia. Time for the final group stage battle. 👊🏾
🇭🇷 Croatia 🆚 Ghana 🇬🇭
🏟️ Philadelphia Stadium
🕘 21:00 GMT#BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/oLBVWiigJ8— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 27, 2026
The Croatian tactician believes Gyan’s remarkable career speaks volumes about the quality Ghana have consistently produced on the international stage.
“If we judge by him, then Ghana is an excellent national team. He scored goals consistently and made a big difference. We have a tough task ahead of us.”
Gyan remains one of Africa’s greatest football icons and still holds the record as the continent’s highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history, having netted six goals across three tournaments.
Croatia currently occupy third place in Group L with three points, following an opening defeat to England before bouncing back with victory over Panama. Ghana sit second with four points and only need to avoid defeat to maintain their impressive run into the knockout stages.
