Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic mentioned the disputed determination to award Argentina a penalty modified the complexion of Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final after his aspect misplaced 3-0. Lionel Messi blasted residence the opening aim from the spot after Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic collided with Julian Alvarez, who additionally struck twice for Argentina at Lusail Stadium. “The whole lot was in our palms. We performed effectively for half an hour and had possession. We weren’t a menace however did have management,” mentioned Dalic, who claimed his aspect ought to have been awarded a nook simply earlier than the penalty.
“We conceded a aim, which was very suspicious. The state of affairs resulting in the penalty… it was slightly too low cost, a bit too simple to be trustworthy.”
“Our goalkeeper did what he did and these are the brand new guidelines,” he added. “This aim took the match in a distinct route.”
Dalic additionally bemoaned his staff’s lack of a real goalscorer.
Croatia created few openings of be aware and had solely two makes an attempt heading in the right direction in your complete recreation.
“I congratulate Argentina on the victory,” mentioned Dalic. “We have now to drag ourselves collectively, elevate our heads. I am unable to blame the boys for something — we’re going into the combat for third place.
“We do not have a lot to complain about.”
Dalic mentioned his staff created “good conditions” however failed to supply clear-cut possibilities.
“We have now ready every little thing however we missed an actual, real attacker,” he mentioned.
“We misplaced the match. I’ve nothing to complain about relating to the boys. They gave their finest throughout this entire match…. It’s a deserved defeat.”
A variety of Croatia gamers have doubtless performed their ultimate World Cup matches together with 37-year-old Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Dejan Lovren — all of whom began the 2018 ultimate towards France, which they misplaced 4-2.
“Maybe that is the tip of the World Cup era for a few them who’ve reached a sure age. We’ll must see for the 2026 World Cup,” mentioned Dalic.
“I imagine this era will slowly end off their profession at Euro 2024.
“It is a superb era who two instances in a row reached the semi-finals. It could have been glorious in the event that they’d received the trophy as a crowning second.”
Dalic, 56, mentioned he would stay in cost till the following European Championship in Germany.
“I’ll proceed. My contract is till 2024 and in six months we now have the Nations League (finals)…. My plan and goal is to take Croatia to Euro 2024.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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