Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic mentioned the disputed determination to award Argentina a penalty modified the complexion of Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal after his aspect misplaced 3-0.
Lionel Messi blasted residence the opening purpose from the spot after Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic collided with Julian Alvarez, who additionally struck twice for Argentina at Lusail Stadium. “Everything was in our hands. We played well for half an hour and had possession. We were not a threat but did have control,” mentioned Dalic, who claimed his aspect ought to have been awarded a nook simply earlier than the penalty.
“We conceded a goal, which was very suspicious. The situation leading to the penalty… it was a little too cheap, a bit too easy to be honest.”
“Our goalkeeper did what he did and these are the new rules,” he added. “This goal took the match in a different direction.”
‘Can’t blame the boys’
Dalic additionally bemoaned his workforce’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 the whole recreation. “I congratulate Argentina on the victory,” mentioned Dalic. “We have to pull ourselves together, raise our heads. I can’t blame the boys for anything – we are going into the fight for third place. We don’t have much to complain about.”
ALSO READ – Messi confirms retirement, says World Cup last might be final recreation for Argentina
Dalic mentioned his workforce created “good situations” however failed to supply clear-cut possibilities.
“We have prepared everything but we missed a real, genuine attacker,” he mentioned. “We lost the match. I have nothing to complain about regarding the boys. They gave their best during this whole tournament…. It is a deserved defeat.”
Plenty of Croatia gamers have probably performed their last World Cup matches together with 37-year-old Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Dejan Lovren – all of whom began the 2018 last towards France, which they misplaced 4-2. “Perhaps this is the end of the World Cup generation for a couple of them who have reached a certain age. We’ll have to see for the 2026 World Cup,” mentioned Dalic.
“I believe this generation will slowly finish off their career at Euro 2024. It’s an excellent generation who two times in a row reached the semi-finals. It would have been excellent if they’d won the trophy as a crowning moment.”
Dalic, 56, mentioned he would stay in cost till the subsequent European Championship in Germany. “I will continue. My contract is until 2024 and in six months we have the Nations League (finals)…. My plan and objective is to take Croatia to Euro 2024.”