Croatia have announced that they have sacked manager Niko Kovac.
The 43-year-old slammed his players after a 2-0 defeat to Norway saw them drop to third in Group H for Euro 2016 qualifying, having also drawn 0-0 with Azerbaijan.
Croatia - who were top of the group coming into the penultimate round of qualifiers - released a statement, with HNS president Davor Suker confirming the dismissal.
"Based on the unanimous decision of the board, we have decided to terminate the contract with Niko Kovac and with all members of the coaching staff," he said.
"We spoke as two friends, and when he heard the news he accepted it like a gentleman."
Kovac led Croatia to the World Cup in Brazil last summer, after edging out Iceland in a playoff, but they exited at the group stages.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
