Sučić sends clear message that will anger island media: 'I wouldn't say that'

Croatia's World Cup campaign began with a 4-2 defeat against England in Arlington, a match where a strong first-half performance was undone by defensive frailties in the second. England took an early lead through Harry Kane's penalty in the 12th minute. Croatia responded with goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić, leveling the score.

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I wouldn't say they are better. We played a good first half, and in the end, we conceded two goals from set pieces. We played good football, but we need to defend set pieces better.

However, England regained control early in the second half, securing the win with goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. A key moment in the match was a retaken penalty for England. Harry Kane scored on his second attempt after Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković initially saved the spot-kick, but the penalty was ordered to be retaken due to the goalkeeper leaving his line early.

Despite the loss, midfielder Petar Sučić expressed that he does not feel England was the superior team. "I wouldn't say they are better," Sučić stated. "We played a good first half, and in the end, we conceded two goals from set pieces. We played good football, but we need to defend set pieces better."

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We came back twice, but it was difficult for us after the third goal, which broke the game. We need to stay positive, heads up.

Sučić identified the third English goal as a turning point. "We came back twice, but it was difficult for us after the third goal, which broke the game. We need to stay positive, heads up." He stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the remaining matches, acknowledging that "the other two games won't be easy either."

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The other two games won't be easy either.

Joško Gvardiol echoed similar sentiments, admitting that the defense faltered at crucial moments. "It's certainly not good. We came back into the game twice, we know England's quality, we know what kind of team they are, but it simply wasn't enough. Especially that third goal we conceded, I think there was a lack of concentration, and everything happened very quickly. There are still two games left, nothing is over, we need to lift our heads," said Gvardiol. Croatia's next matches are against Panama and Ghana.

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It's certainly not good. We came back into the game twice, we know England's quality, we know what kind of team they are, but it simply wasn't enough. Especially that third goal we conceded, I think there was a lack of concentration, and everything happened very quickly. There are still two games left, nothing is over, we need to lift our heads.