Rakitic criticizes English attitude towards Croatia

CAIRO – 12 July 2018: Croatian midfielder, Ivan Rakitic, believes that the English media underestimated the Croatian team before the semi-final that England lost 2-1 on Wednesday night.

“They [England] thought they were already in the final, with all the things uploaded on [social] networks, they can keep doing their stuff and we will play on Sunday", Rakitic told press after the game.

#ENG came to Russia 2018 with the objective of putting pride back into the shirt, inspiring their supporters and uniting the country. They achieved all this, as the most inexperienced #WorldCup side, and can still finish third.

Be proud, #ThreeLions ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PItfFMxbdH

— Laure James, FIFA (@FIFAWorldCupENG) July 11, 2018

The Croatian side was 1-0 down at half time as England opened the score after five minutes by Kieran Trippier. Croatia returned in the game scoring two goals by Ivan Perisic in the second half and Mario Mandzukic in the extra time to win the match.

Will #CRO find a hero tonight? #CROENG // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/klj1EYUc7q

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 11, 2018

Rakitic unveiled that he had a tough night before the game against England; he said: “Last night I had a fever, almost 39°C, I was lying in bed trying to find the strength to play and it was worth it. I would play a final without a leg if necessary."

The midfielder, born in Switzerland to a Croatian family, led his national team to the World Cup final for the first time in history. Rakitic was a key player in the Croatian run at the tournament.

Croatia will face the French team, led by French manager, Didier Deschamps, who was the national team captain when France won the World Cup at home in 1998.

Drink it in #CRO fans - you are in the #WorldCupFinal! #CROENG // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/dAJkUMxMqf

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 11, 2018

Rakitic added: “On top of all the football qualities, they have shown character. We are a nation of people who are proud, never give in and have character."

The World Cup final is set to take place on Sunday at 5 p.m.