World Cup final 2018: Croatia produced their best performance of the tournament in defeat to France, insists coach Zlatko Dalic

Liam Twomey
Updated

Zlatko Dalic insisted that his Croatia team produced their best performance of the World Cup despite losing 4-2 to France in a wildly entertaining final in Moscow.

Croatia dominated the first half and scored through Ivan Perisic but went in at the break 2-1 down, courtesy of a Mario Mandzukic own goal and a controversial VAR-awarded Antoine Griezmann penalty.

France pulled away in the second half, with Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe both beating Danijel Subasic from distance before Mandzukic capitalised on a Hugo Lloris howler to score a consolation for Croatia.

After the match Dalic pointed to the first-half penalty decision as a key moment in the game, but was gracious in defeat.

"I congratulate France on their title," he said in a news conference. "We played well in the first 20 minutes, we controlled the game. Then there was an own goal from a set play.

"We came back to life, dominated and then the penalty was given. Please don't take this as me saying something bad about the referee. I just shared my way of thinking. Nothing beyond that.

"I have to congratulate my players - it was maybe the best game we played in these championships. We controlled the match but we conceded. Against such a strong side as France you must not make mistakes.

Modric was unable to help his team over the line (REUTERS)
Modric was unable to help his team over the line (REUTERS)

"At 4-1 down, I was not defeated. This is life, we have to accept it as it is. I think overall Croatia played a great tournament and showed its strength.

"I would like to thank all my players for what they've done. I am proud for my players, my team and my country."

Croatia captain Luka Modric produced another impressive performance in defeat at the Luzhniki Stadium and was recognised after the match as the World Cup's best player with the Fifa Golden Ball award.

"We are happy for Luka Modric to have won the Golden Ball," Dalic added. "He did the lion's share of work in our play."

Modric's midfield partner Ivan Rakitic echoed Dalic's sentiments, while arguing that fortune smiled on France on the day.

"We were the better team in the first half, we were attacking, but we were unlucky," he insisted. "They scored four goals from their three shots on goal.

"But I congratulate France, they deserved it."