Josip Juranovic has every reason to take great pride in himself and his country for having made it to another World Cup Semi-final this year, after almost coming close to repeating the feat of 2018 and making the Final. It would surely have been a remarkable achievement had it happened, considering the size of the nation.
The celebrated Celtic player spoke to the mainstream media after the game, and although made known his frustrations with the referee, he also lavished praise on the irrepressible, magical Lionel Messi, the man who thwarted their dreams of attaining greater football ascendancy.
Celtic’s World Cup star, according to the Scottish Sun, said: “Before the penalty kick we had a shot on goal and we should have won a corner. Those little mistakes turned the game in their favor. Luck was on their side today, but what can I say…there is one Leo Messi. For me he is the best player in the world, when he receives the ball he works miracles and wonders!
“The Argentines looked at our game against Brazil and prepared for us. I can’t say we were tired. If necessary, we will give the last atom of strength. We started the game well, but we lacked the final pass. Argentina have a lot of good players and I congratulate them on advancing. But still Messi is the one, there is no more to say. What’s it like to play against him? It’s a dream, but we wanted to win the game, so I wouldn’t look at it that way.”
Juranovic took comfort and solace in the fact that defeat has only strengthened the resolve of Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic’s men to finish third place when they come up against in whoever they face out of France and Morocco after the latter duo’s match.
Ahead of the Match this Saturday, he said: “As soon as we entered the dressing room, we said that we have to do our best to win that third place. The medal would be remembered for a lifetime. We need to pull ourselves together and close this chapter.”