The Croatian national team lost 1-2 to Spain at Poljud in the fourth round of League of Nations Group A3. Ivan Perišić put Croatia in the lead in the 17th minute, but Spain turned the match around in the second half.
Mikel Merino, coming on as a substitute, scored in the 61st and 88th minutes. Croatia finished the match with 10 players after Perišić received a second yellow card in the 79th minute.
Mateo Kovacic said after the match that they had certainly come out better than against England, which was their aim. He highlighted that the public supported them, that they scored the first goal, but that against such a team they must take the second chance when it arises. They failed to take the second chance, and then two goals were conceded in a short space of time.
Kovacic said that it is difficult to analyse everything calmly immediately after the match, but that this was certainly a step forward. He stressed that they had shown reaction after the previous match, and that they were happy with that. He added that they sat down after the match and talked.
According to him, everyone was aware that what happened against England was far below the level Croatia should be at, especially in terms of approach. It was not good, but they were strongest when they fell and had to rise again. Today they showed character, said Kovacic.
He highlighted that they lacked a little more game with the ball, but were more concentrated in defence and firmer. In the end, they scored a goal, and then two goals were conceded after rebounds. For the second goal, he said that perhaps it was offside. This needs to be forgotten as soon as possible, and the next matches should be focused on.
On the question of how he received criticism from Bilic and the rumors that he might leave, Kovacic said that he could only agree with Lukin's words that they stand behind the coach. He thinks that the coach has given them a lot of trust, and that they will get to know him better as time goes by. The whole coaching staff is with them and this means a lot to them.
