The 57-year-old specialist will replace Zlatko Dalić, who stepped down after the World Cup and had been in the position for the past nine years, leading the team to the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
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S. Bilić played in the legendary Croatian team at the 1998 World Cup, when the newly independent country finished in third place.
He coached the Croatian national team from 2006 to 2012, achieving 42 wins, 15 draws, and 8 losses in 65 matches.
At the 2008 European Championship, where S. Bilić was the youngest coach, Croatia won all three group matches, including against Germany, but unexpectedly lost to Turkey in the quarterfinals.
The Croats under S. Bilić failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, and at the 2012 European Championship, the Balkan country’s representatives did not advance past the group stage, which they had to play with two future finalists – Italy and Spain.
During his coaching career, S. Bilić worked with teams such as West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and Istanbul’s Beşiktaş, with his most recent job being at Al-Fateh club in Saudi Arabia during the 2023-2024 season.
“I am very happy to take on this challenge and I am fully prepared, more mature, and experienced as a coach than in 2006. I have the same motivation and desire to keep Croatia strong and successful,” said the new team leader.
The Croats ended their performance at this year’s World Cup in the round of 16, when after a dramatic fight they lost 1-2 to Portugal.
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