Čačić: "Good performance not rewarded"

Head coach Ante Čačić:

"I congratulate Turkey. They have deserved the win through scoring, yet I believe Croatia has put in a good performance only 50 hours following the win the over Kosova. We have controlled the match, dominated, but lost our cool when seeking the final pass and finishing touch. That's sport, even though we were not outplayed. I congratulate my team for their effort, they have played their hearts out despite lack of rest. I regret that they were not rewarded".

"Croatia is still top of the group, there is no place for pessimism. If we continue to play like this, we will not lose. This time, it was a single mistake, and everything remains open until October. Four teams want to reach the World Cup, just as we have warned".

Captain Luka Modrić:

"Croatia's desire was to score first. However, we missed our opportunities, and as it usually happens in football, we then conceded this single goal. Still, we have everything in our hands and no reason to be afraid. I believe in a happy end, as we can be satisfied with our performance, despite being disappointed by this defeat. We did not deserve to lose".

Defender Domagoj Vida:

"We should have achieved more in this match. Now, let us keep our head high, as both wins and losses are a part of football. Croatia did not play badly, but we have to learn our lesson. When things were tough, we have usually responded very well. We need to improve our finishing, without panic, hope for fans' support against Finland and finally secure World Cup berth away at Ukraine. We want to remain a single unit, unity is the only way towards success. Not just in football".

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