Croatia punched above their weight but could not beat fate and France | David Hytner

Luka Modric was the player of the tournament but for all the warrior-like qualities of his teammates the key borderline decisions went against the nation of just four million people

Ivan Perisic has done more than most to ignite Croatia’s World Cup adventure, to carry them into uncharted territory and to allow this small nation with big hearts to dream of the ultimate triumph.

The imposing winger gilded his legend with a lovely first-half goal that showcased not only his touch and ruthlessness but the never‑say-die attitude of him and his teammates. Croatia were level at 1-1, they were the better team at that point in the final – around the half-hour – and it was easy to imagine the frenzied scenes back in Zagreb.

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