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Moscow (AFP) – Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said his team was luckier after conceding a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 4-2 World Cup defeat France Sunday
. At 1-1, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana changed his original decision and kicked, converted by Antoine Griezmann, for handball against Ivan Perisic after watching TV broadcasts.
Dalic defended VAR (the assistant video referee system) "Good for football" but believes that the luck of his team in Russia has finally run out after the penalty shootout against Denmark and Russia on the way to the final. "I will never comment on the referees but in a World Cup final, you do not give" It does not diminish the victory of France, we were a little unlucky, maybe in the first six games, we have been favored by luck and today we have not done it. "
congratulate my players.Maybe today we played our best match at these championships Against such a strong side that France you must not make mistakes.We are a little sad but we must also be proud of what we have done. "
Dalic also lamented the lack of fortune of his team when the first goal of France came about thanks to the goal of Mario Mandzukic
. The Blues during the tournament in three periods of overtime, and having a day less rest before the final, Croatia dominated the first period
Perisic rightly equalized and the penalty of Griezmann was the first shot from France
The pace of France on the counterattack was too great in the second half, as Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe took the lead before Mandzukic broke into Hugo's mistake. Lloris for consolation
. a slogan: "small country with big dreams". It's a good message for everyone, "Dalic added.
" You should never give up, never stop believing. At 4-1, I was not defeated. Overall, Croatia played a big tournament and showed its strength and quality.
"I want to thank all my players for what they did, I'm proud to go back."
a prize as captain Luka Modric was rewarded for his outstanding tournament with the Golden Ball of the best player of the World Cup. "We are very pleased that Luka Modric has won the Gold Ball, and he has played a terrific tournament," said Dalic
"It's another recommendation for the team that has had the lion's share in our game and deserved the Gold Ball even though we did not win. "
Dalic was appointed coach in October when Croatia was in danger of not even to get to Russia before their last qualifier.
And with his reputation now high, he said it would take time to consider his future.
"I'll take the time," he added. "At the moment I do not think of anything else but to return to Croatia and rest."
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