In 1998, Croatia reached the semifinals of the World Cup, beaten by the eventual winners France. 20 years on, the Golden Generation has reached their first ever World Cup final, beating England 2-1 in extra time. 

In 1998, they were led by Miroslav Blazevic, who also led them to the quarterfinals of the 1996 Euros. This time around, they are led by Zlatko Dalic. But who exactly is Dalic? We take a look at the 51-year-old, who has gone unnoticed in a World Cup managed by the renowned Deschamps, Loews, and Sampaolis.

An unknown quantity in football, Dalic's stock is set to rise post the World Cup, irrespective of the result. He only took over as coach of Croatia in October 2017, leading Croatia to a playoff win against Ukraine and losing twice in twelve games since. He has spent a majority of his playing career in the former Yugoslavia, before hanging his boots in 2000.

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He managed Croatian lower division side Varteks, leading them to the final of the Croatian Football Cup, before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2010. He managed Al-Faisaly, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ain, and took Al-Ain to the 2016 Asian Champions League final during his seven years there.

What works for Dalic is his honest opinion about everything. In Croatia's opener against Nigeria, he sent striker Nikola Kalinic home after he refused to come on as a substitute. He took on Sampaoli post Croatia's 3-0 win over Argentina. Known for his knowledge of opposition players, Dalic was spot on when the Croatian midfield didn't give any space to star striker Harry Kane, who thrives in open spaces.

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His move of moving Modric in a more attacking role has paid dividends at the World Cup, which has surprised everyone. The Croatian captain usually has a deeper lying role at Real Madrid. He has reinvented Eintracht Frankfurt's Ante Rebic, who is feisty when going forward.

Having been a journeyman throughout his coaching career, he leads Croatia to their first World Cup final on Sunday against the much-fancied French brigade. And, what better way to have a perfect homecoming, than with the World Cup trophy in stow?