Celtic defender Josip Juranovic and his international teammates were left rueing mistakes as they crashed out at the semi-finals of the World Cup to Argentina.
The 26-year-old helped his national side reach their second semi-final in two tournaments, which is a fantastic achievement for Croatia.
On Tuesday night, they were looking to go another step further, matching the feat achieved in 2018 by reaching the final of the prestigious tournament.
However, their run to the latter stages out in Qatar came to an end as Argentina ran out 3-0 winners last night.
Juranovic played the entire 90 minutes, continuing his trend of playing every minute for his nation at the World Cup. But, unfortunately, he couldn’t help them to the final.
Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the game, the Celtic defender expressed his frustration after he and his teammates were left to rue the crucial mistakes.
Juranovic also opened up on the incredible experience of facing Lionel Messi, insisting that it was a ‘dream’ to come up against the former Barcelona man.
He said [Sportske]: “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 favour.
“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.”
Although Croatia couldn’t reach the final of the tournament, there is still one more game Juranovic and his teammates will have to play out.
Croatia take on the loser of France vs Morocco, who play later on tonight, in the 3rd place play-off this Saturday.
And although it may not be the showpiece match, Juranovic insists the squad are desperate to achieve a 3rd placed finish, which they will remember for a lifetime.
“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.”
Juranovic can be proud of World Cup showings as he prepares for one more game before Celtic return.
Juranovic may not be coming away with the trophy or medal he was hoping for, but the right-back can be proud of his showings for Croatia.
The defender helped his nation to another fantastic achievement, and they were just pipped before the final hurdle. But they now have the chance to secure a 3rd-placed finish this weekend.
Ahead of his return to Glasgow, there is going to be plenty of transfer interest in Juranovic off the back of his impressive displays.
I am sure plenty of clubs will continue to watch the Celtic man closely this Saturday when he faces off against either France or Morocco.
He has certainly shown how he can perform on the big stage, going up against world-class players such as Messi and Vinicius Junior.
In other news, European and cash-rich clubs showing interest in Celtic hero.
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