Zagreb, Croatia (Sports Network) - Igor Stimac was named new coach of Croatia on Thursday.
The 44-year-old Stimac played 53 times for Croatia, and started coaching with Hajduk Split in 2005. He also had stints at Cibalia and NK Zagreb.
Croatia was eliminated in the group stage of the recent Euro 2012 tournament, which marked the end of Slaven Bilic's six-year run as coach. Croatia failed to advance from group play behind Spain and Italy, eventual finalists.
Stimac will be responsible for leading Croatia to the 2014 World Cup.
