PHILADELPHIA, United States, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said qualifying for the knockout stage was only "a small step" and repeating recent World Cup success would be a greater challenge after his side defeated Ghana 2-1 on Saturday.
Croatia finished second in Group L behind England after recovering from an opening defeat with consecutive victories over Panama and Ghana, reaching the knockout stage for a third successive World Cup.
"This is an important victory, but it is only a small step," Dalic said. "There are still many difficult matches ahead of us. We have to keep working because this result alone means nothing."
Dalic said Croatia's achievements over the past two World Cups had inevitably raised expectations.
"We have done great things, and because of that, expectations are very high. We created those expectations ourselves," he said.
"It is much easier to achieve success once than to repeat it. We managed to do it in Qatar, and this year we will try to do the same. I hope we will succeed, but it certainly won't be easy."
Dalic reserved special praise for captain Luka Modric, who made his 201st international appearance and set up the winner with a corner.
"That is his character and his energy," Dalic said. "He never gives up. He made the assist, came back to defend twice, and actually finished the match stronger than he started it."
The coach said the 40-year-old remained fully committed despite knowing this could be his final World Cup, hoping Modric's experience and energy can help the team extend its World Cup run.
"He knows this could be his last World Cup and he wants to finish it in the best possible way," Dalic said. "I only wish him good health."
Croatia will face Portugal in the round of 32 on July 2. ■
