Zlatko Dalic: My last words will be 'have a good time, guys' FIFA World Cup 2018 - France vs Croatia Croatia boss speaks with MARCA on eve of the final

In October 2017, having drawn at home to Finland to solidify their place outside of the qualification spots to reach the World Cup, Croatian football was not far away from crisis and so they turned to Zlatko Dalic as the man to take them forward.

Now, nine months on in July 2018, they have not only made it to the tournament proper but are now about to take part in their first World Cup final and will be the smallest nation to feature in the competition's showpiece game since Uruguay in 1950.

"I did not believe I would take Croatia to this stage," Dalic said to MARCA on the eve of the final.

"How could I have imagined that? I remember, when I took over, we had to beat Ukraine to even go to the play-offs, so that's all I thought about then because I never think beyond the next game.

"Something like this was unthinkable then and all I wanted was to do a good job."

Dalic will keep it simple before his players take to the field on Sunday, reminding his players of what he sees as important.

"I will say 'have fun, guys'," he confirmed.

"I want my players to enjoy themselves. I am very proud of what all of them have done."

With Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and more in his squad, Dalic has been blessed with one of Croatia's finest generations.

"They have incredible talent," he said.

"A great mentality and pride. Add to that the fact that this could be a last World Cup for many of these fantastic players and everyone wants to do something great with this group.

"When you add all of these ingredients, you understand a little better why we are in the final."

Croatia have earned plaudits for their style of play this summer, and Dalic admits that playing this way and being successful is not alway easy.

"It's my style," the coach added. "I've always wanted to play out from the back and for my players to have a nice time and to touch the ball.

"But it is true that this World Cup is a bit different and almost all the teams prioritise having a strong defence with organised midfields.

"They defend well and move forward quickly. My style is to try find something else."