World Cup 2018: Dejan Lovren critical of referee and insists Croatia were better than France

Croatia fell to defeat in their first-ever World Cup final as France lifted the trophy

Dejan Lovren believes that Croatia were the “better side” in the World Cup final against a France that “didn’t play football”, but lost after the referee Nestor Pitana played “a big role”. The centre-half was also critical of the pitch invasion by Pussy Riot, saying that it disrupted his side’s concentration in the eventual 4-2 defeat.

Before that, Croatia had just got back into the game through Ivan Perisic’s equaliser following what was already a dubious French opening goal, only for referee Pitana to award France a penalty through VAR for a perceived handball by Perisic in what Lovren described as the “critical moment”.

“Disappointed because we lost the game but played much better football then them,” Lovren said. “I am proud of what we achieved, second in the world. I’m proud of everyone and for the country.

"We have regrets now when we look at decisions but it doesn’t make sense anymore. It’s hard to describe. Maybe after a couple of months I will have everything straight. It’s hard now as I am some moments sad and some moments happy. Overall I am proud.

“I don't know what to say about that [the referee]. I was sure he would not give the pen. Our player could not react, it's impossible when you are so close to the ball. It was a critical moment as we had just come back to 1-1.

“He [the referee] played a big role in the first half…”

Lovren maintained that there is room for VAR to improve.

“Definitely. Of course it needs to improve. Sometimes it is a pen and sometimes not. I really don't understand. So everything is still on the ref. A lot of people say it's not a pen but what can we do now? Even at 4-1 we still gave everything and did not stop. That is why our people in Croatia are so proud.

“We played beautiful football and when we didn't have the ball we stayed compact. But they had their chances and they scored. France have been one of the favourites to win the World Cup and they did. But nobody understands the rules. Our guy couldn't possibly react so why did he give it?

“I think we have been better today and overall we have been better. France didn't play football. They waited for their chance and they scored. They had their one tactic and you have to respect it. They played every game of the tournament like that.”

Lovren meanwhile criticised how pitch invaders could be allowed through on a World Cup final. The centre-half had tried to drag one of them off the pitch himself.

“I don't understand how that's possible. I was mad because we were in good shape at that moment. I lost my head and dragged the guy and just wished he would be thrown away out of the stadium.”