Perišić: “Once again we showed we can compete with the best”

After the match, he shared his thoughts.

“To be honest, it hurts, maybe even more than in 2016, when we also dominated for most of the game. Today we had even better chances. We gifted them goals and that's what makes it painful. Life goes on. You have to move on from both victories and defeats and focus on the next challenges. We need to rest well and prepare for the new season. In the first half we were too deep in our defensive block, but at half-time we agreed to improve certain things and we did. We were much better, we dominated the game, and it's a shame because we gave everything we had. We created chances, but we didn't score.”

On the disallowed goal at the end of the match...

“They say he touched it, that he didn't touch it, I don't even know the rules anymore. Their first goal may have been slightly offside, and they didn't even show it on the stadium screen. It was a good match, open from both sides. Once again we showed that we can play against the biggest teams. Portugal are an incredible side. I think we showed ourselves in the best possible light today.”

On comparisons between the dramatic finish in Toronto and Croatia's heartbreaking defeat to Turkey at EURO 2008...

“I didn't experience that one first-hand, but 2008 was probably worse because we conceded in the very last minute. There were a lot of tears, but as I said, life goes on.”

On his future with the national team...

“I hope I'm still here. I'm not exactly at an age where I can say with one hundred per cent certainty that I'll continue. As long as I'm healthy, as long as injuries stay away and as long as I can make a difference on the pitch like I did at this tournament, I'll be here. What tomorrow brings, I don't know. I'll give everything I have and work every day to stay in top form. That's the only promise I can make.”

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