Croatia captain Luka Modric felt ashamed after they suffered a 0-7 loss against England in the ongoing UEFA Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday. The former Real Madrid midfielder admitted he has had this feeling for the first time in the last two decades.
England dominated Croatia as captain Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored a brace each, whereas Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also found the back of the net.
England showed their supremacy with 58% possession, whereas they took nine shots on target. Croatia, on the other hand, could only manage a solitary attempt on target.
It was the largest margin of defeat for Croatia since it became an independent nation in 1991.
“I’ve been with the national team for 20 years, and this is the first time I’ve felt ashamed after a match,” the AC Milan midfielder told reporters.
“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better — and they are right now. But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable. I feel ashamed.”
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic admitted there have been issues with the team since he took over. Bilic’s team has conceded 12 goals in the last three games.
He said, “Since taking over this summer, there have been issues — there certainly have. But the responsibility is mine … Trying to pinpoint specific causes — saying ‘it happened because of this while everything else was’ … no. It was simply a collective blackout.”
Bilic expressed his disappointment and said the ignominious loss is not easy for his players.
“It’s hard to say anything sensible or positive after a match like this,” Bilic added. “I think we’re disappointed — I’m disappointed, and we’re all sorry. I feel for the kids who were there … I feel for the fans, for us, for the players.
“Believe me, I just spoke with the players, believe me, no one is taking this harder than we are. It is what it is; it has to be accepted.”
Croatia will next take on Spain on Tuesday.
