Croatia falls to England in dramatic Dallas match
Croatia opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic match against England in Dallas, but the first group-stage test ended in disappointment for the Vatreni. England celebrated a 4:2 victory after a match full of tension, goals and emotion.
The first half brought plenty of drama. England took the lead through Harry Kane, but Croatia responded with character. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa brought the Vatreni back into the game, and at half-time the score stood at 2:2.
However, the start of the second half changed the rhythm of the match. England quickly restored their lead, Croatia struggled to regain control, and a late fourth goal confirmed England’s win.
A match that required strong nerves
It was a game that demanded patience from Croatian supporters from the very beginning. One of the key early moments came after Luka Modrić conceded a penalty. Dominik Livaković initially saved Harry Kane’s attempt, but the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken because the Croatian goalkeeper had moved too early from the goal line. Kane made no mistake the second time.
Croatia did not give up. The Vatreni fought their way back and showed, especially in the first half, that they could compete with one of the tournament favourites. But England’s stronger second half made the difference.
After the match, head coach Zlatko Dalić admitted that Croatia’s second-half performance was not good enough, with the early goals after the break making it difficult for the team to return to the game.
Red and white squares across Dubrovnik
While Croatia battled England on the pitch in Dallas, the match was followed across the country with the familiar mixture of hope, emotion and tension. Dubrovnik was no exception.
Before the first whistle, the city was already in football mode. In the historic centre, in cafés, streets and open-air spots, red and white squares could be seen everywhere. Croatian jerseys, flags and scarves filled the city as fans gathered to watch the Vatreni begin another World Cup journey.
The atmosphere was especially lively in the Old City and around popular gathering places, where every attack, every goal and every missed chance was followed with loud reactions. Although the final result was not what Croatian fans had hoped for, Dubrovnik once again showed how strongly football becomes part of everyday life during major tournaments.
The World Cup has only just begun
Croatia now turns its attention to the next group-stage match. The Vatreni will face Panama in their second World Cup fixture, a match that becomes even more important after the opening defeat to England.
The start was difficult, but the tournament is far from over. And in Dubrovnik, as across Croatia, the red-and-white squares will be ready again.
