Croatia coach praises team …despite Nations League final defeat to Spain
Croatia can be proud of winning another medal, coach Zlatko Dalic said, after they suffered more heartbreak in a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Spain in the Nations League final on Sunday.
The defeat was a bitter blow for Croatia, who were cheered on by tens of thousands of roaring fans throughout the goalless draw in Rotterdam, as they passed up another chance to clinch a first international trophy, after taking silver and bronze at the last two World Cups.
“We have won medals, one after the other, which is a really great thing,” Dalic told reporters.
“Three medals for Croatia is great to have achieved, it shows that Croatia has lots of potential. We are disappointed with the loss, but we should be proud of what we did.”
Dalic said the future of his captain, Luka Modric, remained unclear, after the 37-year-old Real Madrid midfielder put in another impressive showing.
“Luka said he would take his own decision after the tournament, that is fair,” Dalic said.
“He played great, we would love Luka to stay, he is a great player and I hope he will stay with us for a long time.”
Dani Carvajal chipped home a Panenka penalty to win Spain the Nations League after a tense match finished 0-0 following extra-time.
Spain goalkeeper, Unai Simon, denied Lovro Mayer and Bruno Petkovic from the spot, before Carvajal cheekily chipped home to earn La Roja their first trophy since Euro 2012 and break Croatian hearts.
Zlatko Dalic’s side, runners-up at the World Cup in 2018 and third in 2022, have never won a major trophy and were hoping Nations League success would cap a glittering international career for Captain Luka Modric.
The victory is a confidence boost for new Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, after heavy criticism in March after a defeat by Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying. It also avenged their 2021 final defeat by France. — Reuters
