The scars of Croatia's historic 2018 World Cup run still run deep for Ivan Rakitic, who admits the final defeat to France remains an unwatchable nightmare.
Key Takeaways:
- Ivan Rakitic refuses to watch any footage from the 2018 World Cup final.
- Croatia suffered a 4-2 defeat to France in their first-ever global final.
- Despite the loss, Rakitic expresses immense pride for Croatia's journey.
- The midfielder highlights the global respect earned by the small nation.
The Unforgettable Agony of Moscow 2018
For football fans globally, the 2018 World Cup final was a spectacle, but for Ivan Rakitic and his Croatia teammates, it was the crushing end to an improbable dream. Playing the full 90 minutes in midfield, Rakitic was an integral part of the Vatreni side that etched their names in history by reaching their first-ever global final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.
Their journey was nothing short of legendary, featuring three consecutive knockout-stage comebacks that captivated the world. Yet, falling short against a formidable French squad left a deep, unhealed wound that still stings today.
A Raw Wound: "I'd Turn Away!"
Speaking at a recent promotional event in Seville, the former Sevilla captain offered a rare glimpse into his lingering heartbreak. Even years later, the memory of the 4-2 defeat is too vivid and painful to confront directly.
"It was tough. To this day, I haven't watched a single clip of that final, and if you played it now, I'd turn away," Rakitic candidly shared, as quoted by Spanish outlet MARCA. His words underscore the profound emotional impact of coming so close to football's ultimate prize.
Pride Amidst the Heartbreak: A Nation's Triumph
Despite the enduring personal regret, Rakitic quickly pivots to the immense pride that still swells within him and his countrymen. He emphasized that reaching the showpiece event was an extraordinary achievement for a nation of fewer than four million people.
"Ten minutes after losing it, we felt immense pride because Croatia isn't Spain; it's very small, with a population not even reaching four million, but we achieved something special," Rakitic reflected. The global football community showered Croatia with respect and admiration, winning over countless hearts, even in France.
"I received messages from all over the world, even though I would have much preferred to lift the trophy," he added, highlighting the bittersweet reality of their historical run.
Igniting Future Fires: Croatia's Next Challenge
While the past remains a powerful, unwatchable memory for Rakitic, the Croatia national team continues its competitive journey. The Vatreni are currently preparing to face Spain at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in their latest UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture. They aim for all three points to leapfrog La Roja at the top of the group, building on their recent 2-1 victory over Czechia.
