Moscow: Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said his side had run out of luck after they conceded a controversial penalty awarded by VAR in the 4-2 World Cup final defeat against France on Sunday.
With the score level at 1-1, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana changed his initial decision and awarded a spot-kick, converted by Antoine Griezmann, for handball against Ivan Perisic after viewing television replays.
Dalic defended VAR (the video assistant referee system) as a "good thing for football" but believes his side's luck in Russia finally ran out after penalty shootout wins over Denmark and Russia on route to the final.
"I never comment on referees but in a World Cup final you do not give such a penalty," said Dalic.
"It in no way diminishes France's win. We were a bit unlucky. Maybe in the first six games we were favoured by luck and today we weren't.
"I have to congratulate my players. Maybe today we played our best game at these championships. Against such a strong side as France you must not make mistakes. We are a bit sad but we must also be proud of what we've done."
Dalic also bemoaned his side's lack of fortune as France's opener came via Mario Mandzukic's own goal.
Despite having played 90 extra minutes than Les Bleus over the course of the tournament in three periods of extra time, and having a day's less rest before the final, Croatia dominated the first-half.
Perisic deservedly equalised and Griezmann's penalty was France's first shot on target.
France's pace on the counter-attack proved too much in the second period, though, as Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe added to their lead before Mandzukic pounced on an error from Hugo Lloris for a consolation.
"On our bus there is a slogan: "small country with big dreams". That's a good message to all," added Dalic.
"You should never give up, never stop believing. At 4-1 down I was not defeated. Overall, Croatia played a great tournament and showed its strength and quality.
"I would like to thank all my players for what they have done. Having a look back, I am proud."
Croatia did at least win one prize as captain Luka Modric was rewarded for his outstanding tournament with the Golden Ball for the World Cup's best player.
"We are very glad for Luka Modric to have won the Golden Ball, deservedly so, and he played a terrific tournament," said Dalic.
"That's another commendation for the team. He did the lion's share of the work in our play and deserved the Golden Ball although we did not win."
Dalic was drafted in as coach in October when Croatia were in danger of not even making it to Russia before their final qualifier. And with his reputation now sky-high, he said he will take time to consider his future.
"I will take time out," he added. "At this moment I'm not thinking about anything other than going back to Croatia and having a rest."
Modric says Golden Ball 'bittersweet'
Croatia captain Luka Modric said being awarded the Golden Ball for the World Cup's best player was "bittersweet" after losing the final.
"Obviously I liked the recognition and thanks to those who chose me, but clearly I would have preferred to have won the World Cup," said the Real Madrid midfielder.
"It wasn't to be and now we will rest and in the coming days celebrate this because it is still a huge thing for Croatia, but right now the feeling is bittersweet.
"We are proud of what we have done, but a bit sad at losing the final." Despite being forced into extra-time in all three of their knockout rounds before the final, Croatia dominated the opening period and were desperately unlucky to trail 2-1 at half-time through Mario Mandzukic's own goal and a controversial Antoine Griezmann penalty.
The smallest country to make a World Cup final in 68 years, with a population of just over four million, finally wilted after the break as Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe added to France's lead before Mandzukic pulled a goal back.
"Although I think we deserved more, we can't change anything," added Modric.
"We can only be proud of what we did -- we never gave up and fought until the end."
With the score at 1-1, France were awarded a penalty after Argentine referee Nestor Pitana reviewed video footage of an Ivan Perisic handball.
Croatia were doubly frustrated by Pitana's decision as France's opener also came from a dubious free-kick.
"The small details went in favour of France. It is a shame because I think we were very, very good and deserved to win," said Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
"It is a shame that they didn't review the foul before the first goal and only the one that went against us.
"The foul for the first goal is clearly not a foul, the penalty is very, very dubious... it hurts a lot to lose like this." Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic insisted VAR was a "good thing" for football despite Pitana's call going against his side.
But Rakitic believes improvements can still be made to the system that was being used in the World Cup for the first time.
"I understand they want to improve things with VAR, but there is still margin for improvement," he added. "It has helped a lot but it is still not perfect."