Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren slams France tactics after Croatia’s World Cup final defeat
The Reds centre-back believes Croatia were better than the world champions both on the night and throughout the whole tournament
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has come out with another incredible claim following Croatia’s World Cup final defeat to France.
Lovren slammed France’s tactics in the final and said Croatia were a better team both on the night and throughout the whole tournament than the world champions.
Croatia showed great courage in Moscow but were well beaten as France lifted the World Cup for the second time in their history with a 4-2 victory.
But Lovren was not impressed and accused Didier Deschamps’ side of ‘not playing football’.
"We have been better today and overall we have been better," the Liverpool man said following the game.
“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.
"I am disappointed because we lost the game but we played much better football then them.
"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."
This latest outburst follows his outlandish comments that he should be considered ‘one of the best defenders in the world’ following Croatia’s semi-final win over England.
Fans were quick to mock the Reds centre-back, who is often seen as the weak link in Jurgen Klopp’s side and who has now tasted defeat in FOUR consecutive cup finals.
Lovren also slated VAR for its role in awarding a controversial penalty which handed France a 2-1 lead, after Croatia had fought back to 1-1 thanks to a brilliant strike from Ivan Perisic.
The referee awarded the spot kick for handball against the goalscorer in the second-half after watching several replays on the touchline, although some say the decision was harsh as Perisic was within point-blank range of the ball.
Lovren added: "I was sure he would not give the penalty. Our player could not react, it's impossible when you are so close to the ball. It was a critical moment.
"VAR needs to improve. Sometimes it is a penalty and sometimes not. I really don't understand. A lot of people say it's not a penalty but what can we do now? Nobody understands the rules."