PM Plenković backs new coach Bilić, criticizes disallowed goal against Portugal

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, currently in Paris, extended his best wishes to the newly appointed coach of the Croatian national football team, Slaven Bilić. "I wish him luck; he was a great footballer and has already been a national team coach. I wish him success; he has received great responsibility," Plenković told reporters after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

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I wish him luck; he was a great footballer and has already been a national team coach. I wish him success; he has received great responsibility.

Plenković acknowledged the phenomenal results achieved under the previous coach, Zlatko Dalić, including two World Cup medals and a Nations League final. "Bilić, I wish you much success and that these brilliant results continue," he added.

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Bilić, I wish you much success and that these brilliant results continue.

The Prime Minister also addressed a controversial disallowed goal during Croatia's Round of 16 match against Portugal. "What happened against Portugal was a goal. It was an unimaginable moment of elimination," Plenković stated. He criticized the inconsistency of VAR, citing the example of a goal awarded to Norway after the ball hit a camera. "We were denied a just equalizer; unfortunately, that's how it is in sports."

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What happened against Portugal was a goal. It was an unimaginable moment of elimination.

Plenković expressed satisfaction that the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has reacted to the incident. "I am glad that the HNS reacted and that a written record was made to FIFA," he said. The Prime Minister is scheduled to attend a parade in Paris on Tuesday to mark the National Day of the French Republic.

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We were denied a just equalizer; unfortunately, that's how it is in sports.