After serving as the head coach of the Italy men's team, Červar started his tenure coaching the Croatia men's team in 2002. He led the team to victory in the 2003 World Championship, to gold in the 2004 Summer Olympics and to silver in the 2005 World Championship. Croatia also received then silver medal at the 2008 European Championship after playing the final game against Denmark as well as at the 2009 World Championship and 2010 European Championship after playing both championships' final games against France. He parted ways with the Croatian Handball Federation in 2010.