TheCroatian@TheCroatian_
Šime Vrsaljko after Croatia's loss to England:
“I don’t see any point in generalizing and drawing conclusions about what kind of national team we are after one match, one defeat.
Over the years, we’ve become used to always beating the big national teams, but it’s not realistic to expect that every time. And now, after losing one match, everyone immediately turns against the team. Of course, there’s nothing positive about losing, but what matters is what happens at the end, the final outcome. Then we’ll judge, analyze, and draw conclusions. Right now, it’s too early for that. We had some gaps and mistakes that cost us goals. They made the most of their periods of really good play and created plenty of chances, while we failed to convert some of our own good moments.
I’m encouraged by the performances of the younger players, who are a real asset to this national team. You’re not even aware of how important it is for such young guys to have examples around them of how to work, how to represent the national team, and how much that helps. They’re already excellent players, and I’m sure they’ll be even better in the future.
Besides, there’s no drama. OK, you lost the first match, but there are still two left and there’s no reason to panic. In tournaments before, after some poorer performances, we managed to take the positives from them because that’s what pushes you forward.” [tportal]
