Croatian defender Vušković proud to learn from legends despite World Cup loss

Young Croatian defender Luka Vušković acknowledged that the team's World Cup performance against England was not their best, but stressed the importance of focusing on upcoming matches after a 4-2 defeat. "It wasn't our best game, but there were good things. We played against a top opponent, now we have to focus on the next two games," Vušković stated at a press conference.

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It wasn't our best game, but there were good things. We played against a top opponent, now we have to focus on the next two games.

Reflecting on his World Cup debut, Vušković noted the significant difference in competition level. "Every mistake is punished, that's the biggest difference from the leagues I've played in," he admitted. The young center-back has represented Croatia at various youth levels and played in leagues in Croatia, Poland, Belgium, and Germany, but the World Cup presents a unique challenge.

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Every mistake is punished, that's the biggest difference from the leagues I've played in.

Vušković, who has six caps and one goal for the senior team since his debut last year, expressed admiration for his veteran teammates. "It's a real honor to be in the locker room with him and share the field with him," he said of Luka Modrić, who is set to make his 200th appearance for Croatia. "We younger players can be proud that we can play with Luka, Perišić, Kramarić... it's a pleasure to watch them play, we can learn from them in every detail, both on and off the field."

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It's a real honor to be in the locker room with him and share the field with him.

Coach Zlatko Dalić also commented on the team's struggles, particularly from set pieces, noting England's strong aerial ability. "They have good executors and jumpers, but we weren't at our level. Now we have to prepare to be at the highest level and stop conceding goals from set pieces," Dalić said.

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We younger players can be proud that we can play with Luka, Perišić, Kramarić... it's a pleasure to watch them play, we can learn from them in every detail, both on and off the field.