Midfielder Ivan Rakitić congratulated Brazil on the World Cup opening match win and commented on the outcome.
"It is a shame that after such an intensive match of two great teams we have to talk about the referee. International press asks the same questions. We have worked hard and deserved more, we had to take at least a point. However, in a couple of days' time nobody will ask any more questions, only the final result will be remembered", he said.
"That is painful, because we gave all that we could. We played aggressive football and probably would not concede the second goal if there was no penalty. Now we have to relax, raise our heads and prepare for Cameroon", added Rakitić.
Croatian defender Šime Vrsaljko believes that Niko Kovač's men still have a realistic chance of progressing:
"This was a nice opening ceremony and a good match. The whole world could see quality performances of both Brazil and Croatia. We have presented our homeland in the best possible way. Considering the penalty kick, I think that was a wrong decision, but we can not turn back time. We have to concentrate on Cameroon. Should we continue to play like this, we have nothing to fear".
