Croatia's luck ran out with World Cup penalty call, says Dalic

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said his side had run out of luck after they conceded a controversial penalty awarded by VAR in the 4-2 World Cup final defeat against France on Sunday.

With the score level at 1-1, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana changed his initial decision and awarded a spot-kick, converted by Antoine Griezmann, for handball against Ivan Perisic after viewing television replays.

Dalic defended VAR (the video assistant referee system) as a "good thing for football" but believes his side's luck in Russia finally ran out after penalty shootout wins over Denmark and Russia on route to the final.

"I never comment on referees but in a World Cup final you do not give such a penalty," said Dalic.

"It in no way diminishes France's win. We were a bit unlucky. Maybe in the first six games we were favoured by luck and today we weren't.

"I have to congratulate my players. Maybe today we played our best game at these championships. Against such a strong side as France you must not make mistakes. We are a bit sad but we must also be proud of what we've done."
"I would like to thank all my players for what they have done. Having a look back, I am proud."
"That's another commendation for the team. He did the lion's share of the work in our play and deserved the Golden Ball although we did not win."