Gvardiol reflects on Croatia's World Cup exit: 'It simply hurts'

Croatia's journey in the 2026 World Cup has ended with a 2-1 defeat against Portugal in the round of 16. The loss, particularly painful after a late disallowed goal, has left the team and its supporters disheartened.

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It simply hurts. It hurts because we gave everything, because we believed until the end, and because we know how much it meant to us.

Joško Gvardiol, a key defender for Croatia, scored what he thought was an equalizer in stoppage time, bringing the score to 2-2. However, the goal was ultimately ruled out following a lengthy VAR review, which determined an offside in the build-up to the play. This decision dashed hopes of extending the match into extra time.

Following the match, Gvardiol took to social media to address the fans. "It simply hurts. It hurts because we gave everything, because we believed until the end, and because we know how much it meant to us," he wrote. He emphasized that Croatia's spirit is more than just results, describing it as "emotion, character, unity of players, fans, and the entire nation."

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But the love for this team, this jersey, and all of you who carried us will never fade. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Despite the disappointment of elimination, Gvardiol conveyed profound gratitude to the supporters. "But the love for this team, this jersey, and all of you who carried us will never fade. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he stated, concluding with "I love you my Croatia!" accompanied by emojis of the Croatian flag and a heart.

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I love you my Croatia!