Croatia’s Luka Modric has accused referee Daniele Orsato of causing their 3-0 loss in the FIFA World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, labelling him “a disaster” and “one of the worst”.
A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina dominated much of the encounter, but Croatia had shaded the opening half an hour before the award of Argentina’s penalty in the 34th minute, which Messi converted.
It initially seemed harsh on keeper Dominik Livakovic who had fouled Julian Alvarez, but who, in truth, could not have done much to get out of the way of the onrushing forward.
With the deadlock broken, Alvarez then drove at the heart of Croatia’s backline to get a second, before a sublime Messi assist saw Alvarez get another with just over 20 minutes left.
“Argentina were a fair winner of the match, they were better, they deserved to win, but these things have to be mentioned, I generally don’t do them, but today they have to be done,” Modric said post-match, teeing up his rant.
”I don’t like to talk about referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of [Orsato], he’s a disaster. For me it wasn’t a penalty.
“Despite this, I don’t want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that match.”
Messi: This will be my last World Cup
‘Crazy’ Mbappe ‘in conversation with Zidane and Platini’ for best-ever France player
How ‘hybrid midfielder’ Griezmann is having ‘best tournament’ in France colours.
Modric nonetheless took time to salute long-time rival Messi following the last-four tie, with the pair the veterans of numerous Real Madrid-Barcelona Classicos in their distinguished careers.
”Congratulations and I wish good luck in the final to Messi,” Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, said.
