Slaven Bilic Criticizes Croatia's Lack of Fight After Heavy Spain Defeat

Slaven Bilic openly condemned his Croatian squad for their timid approach after a crushing loss to Spain in Seville, questioning their competitive spirit as he works to rebuild the national team.

Frustration Over Lack of Intensity

The Croatian coach expressed clear disappointment with how his players handled the challenge, suggesting they seemed intimidated by the occasion and their high-profile opponents. Despite acknowledging that the team is in a transitional phase, Bilic found their lack of aggression unacceptable for a country with such a strong football legacy.

"A tough night for us. We were poor in every aspect, and we’re disappointed. Yes, it’s Spain, the world champions, and our team is new, but playing without aggression as if we're here just to celebrate their World Cup win isn’t acceptable. That’s not who we are," Bilic said.

Defensive Failures and Glimmers of Hope

The match quickly went downhill for the Vatreni as they conceded almost immediately. Though they managed to equalize briefly, defensive mistakes cost them dearly, especially during set pieces where Spanish pressure proved overwhelming. Bilic pointed out that despite some moments where players like Kovacic and Perisic showed resilience, defensive organization was lacking throughout.

"Conceding in the first minute against world champions shakes you. We fought back and scored, but when calm and focus were needed, we gave away another goal from a set piece. Maybe it should have been reversed. Our defense didn’t function well," Bilic added. "Still, there were positives. Beljo stood out, not just because of his goal."

A Harsh Lesson for Croatia’s New Era

The defeat served as a stark reminder of the gap between Croatia’s current squad and top-tier teams like Spain. While Bilic trusts his players’ technical skills, their performance lacked the mental toughness and physical edge required at this level. The coach stressed the need for stronger mentality alongside talent to compete effectively.

"We put this squad together with purpose. On paper, these players have everything, but tonight they showed very little," Bilic remarked.

Upcoming Key Match Against England

After this setback, Croatia now shifts focus to a vital game against England on Saturday. Both teams have three points and are chasing Spain, who lead the group with six. With Spain facing Czechia before traveling to play Croatia next week, the clash between Bilic’s men and England is crucial for keeping qualification hopes alive. A win would boost Croatia’s chances and move them ahead of England in the standings.

UEFA Nations League A Fixtures:

• Croatia (CRO) vs England (ENG): 3 Oct 2026, 19:00
• Spain (ESP) vs Czechia (CZE): 3 Oct 2026, 21:45