Kovač: "Mexico deserved to win, while my players have done well"

Mexico win over Croatia in Recife ended Kovač troops' hopes of reaching the Last 16. Marquez, Guardado and Hernandez all scored between 72nd and 82nd minute to give Mexico an unassailable lead.

"I would like to congratulate Mexico, they deserved to win. Although, I believe that the difference between the two teams was just one, and not two goals", said Croatia head coach after the match.

"In the first half, we have managed to control the midfield. Needing to win, however, we had to make some changes in the second half and lost that control. I am upset that we have conceded from two set-pieces, those are the little things that can decide the winner at major tournaments. Mexico adjusted a little bit to our style of play and showed respect", continued Kovač.

What's next for Croatia?

"Securing World Cup berth was already a major success for Croatia. This was a difficult group and we were in contention until the very end. We will analyze our weaknesses and try to fix them. We will continue to work hard, I see no reason for stopping our development, which was good", answered Kovač.

"My players have done well at this tournament, I can not blame them. We have played attractive football, denied today in attack by an excellent opponent. Brazil and Mexico were the favourites to progress, and we tried to surprise them. Life goes on", he concluded.

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