Croatia showed that small nations can dream big, says coach Dalic
Moscow, July 16 : Croatia chief coach Zlatko Dalic said his side's appearance in the World Cup final should provide inspiration to other small national teams striving for international football success.
With a population of around 4.5 million, Croatia became the smallest European nation to reach the World Cup final in the 88-year history of the competition.
But their thrilling run at Russia 2018 ended at the final hurdle with a 2-4 loss to France at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.
"On our bus there is a slogan that says, "We are a small nation with big dreams," Dalic told a press conference. "That's a good message to all. If you work hard, you can produce good players and get results. You have to believe it is possible. Maybe things have to fall into place. But you have to have a dream and ambition and follow them. Then maybe those dreams can come true in football or life in general.
"You should never give up. You should never stop believing. At 4-1 (in Sunday's match), I never stopped believing. This is life. I think that overall Croatia played a great tournament. I would like to thank all my players for what they have done. Taking a look back, I am proud of my players and my country."
Dalic said France were deserving champions but questioned a decision by Argentine referee Nestor Pitana to award a controversial first-half penalty to Les Bleus.
Pitana consulted the Video Assistant Referee before ruling that Ivan Perisic handled the ball in Croatia's penalty area following a corner. Antonio Griezmann converted the resultant penalty to give his side a 2-1 lead.
"I don't usually talk about these things. But let me comment on something: In a World Cup final you don't give that penalty," Dalic said.
"I have to congratulate my players for maybe the best game we played here (at the World Cup). We controlled the match but against such a strong side like France you cannot afford to make mistakes. We are a bit sad but also proud of what we have done."
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Davangere: Two policemen injured in stone pelting during Ganesha procession
Davangere: Reports state that two groups engaged in stone pelting at each other during Ganesha idol immersion ceremony in Davangere on Thursday. Two police personnel were injured in the incident.
Few days ago, two groups of youth engaged in verbal altercation regarding raising of a flag for Eid Milad celebration. On account of the clashes, police had heightened security for the Ganesha procession. Despite the additional security, stones were pelted at the procession, sources stated. Inspector Gururaj and constable Raghavendra were injured in the incident. The procession continued after the police brought the situation to control. However, the stone pelting resumed once again as the procession surged forwards.
Security has been tightened up in the area and all shops have been closed down by the police. The two police personnel, who were injured in the stone pelting, are undergoing treatment at a hospital.
