The Croatian newspapers regretted Argentina’s victory over their team in the 2022 World Cup semifinal, but they applauded their footballers before they return to the field of play on Saturday to fight for third place.
“You are heroes” read on the front page of the newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija the day after the match that ended Croatian hopes of repeating (or improving on) their 2018 success, when Croatia reached and lost the final against France at the World Cup in Russia.
Croatia and the ‘miracle’ of its soccer team
“Keep your head up and go for the bronze”read the front page of the Jutarnji List newspaper, accompanied by a photograph of defender Dejan Lovren embracing the Croatian star captain, Luka modric. At 37, the Real Madrid midfielder announced that this was his last World Cupwithout specifying if he was ending his career in the national team.
“As in 1998, it is a great generation that deserves a medal,” the newspaper added.
that edition, Croatia reached third place in the World Cup in France. A success for this small Balkan country, independent since 1991 and participating in international tournaments since Euro-1996.
On Saturday, Croatia will face the loser of the second semifinal, which pits the Gauls against Morocco.
“It was already incredible to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, get past the group stage, and this semi-final is a real success for a country with less than 4 million inhabitantsalso for the second time in a row”, pondered the Jutarnji List.
“We were stopped by Argentina, which was much better yesterday, despite the ‘help’ of the referee in the first goal”, he added.
A lots of experts and fans were angry about the penalty awarded to the Albiceleste when Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic collided with Argentine striker Julián Álvarez. Converted by Lionel Messi, this penalty allowed the Argentines to take the lead in the 34th minute.
“Our fairy tale in Qatar is not over yet, the battle for third place is not a consolation prize, but a real challenge. They can do it!”, encouraged the newspaper Vecernji List to their footballers. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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