Croatia coach Niko Kovac noted that the first goal was crucial on Monday night as his team were beaten after 3-1 by Mexico to send the Balkan nation out of the 2014 World Cup at the group stage.
With 20 minutes remaining skipper Rafael Marquez rose to head a vital opener against the Vatreni, before Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez added to the Croatians misery in Recife before a solitary Ivan Perisic goal eventually gave them something to cheer.
“After the first goal we ran out of steam, today nothing more was possible,” Kovac told the Press conference.
“I said that this group was difficult and that Brazil and Mexico were the favourites and we couldn’t market any surprises. Life continues.”
After taking over shortly before the qualifying play-off with Iceland the former midfielder will now lead the team in their attempts to reach the European Championships 2016, facing Italy in Group H.
