Ivan Rakitic admits he still cannot watch 2018 World Cup final

Former Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has reflected on the painful memory of his nation's 4-2 defeat to France in the 2018 World Cup final at Luzhniki Stadium. Despite being a central figure in the team that reached its first-ever global showpiece, Rakitic admitted the loss left a deep scar that he remains unwilling to revisit.

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. Ivan Rakitic

Speaking at an event in Seville, the former Sevilla captain explained that the disappointment remains raw. However, he emphasized his immense pride in Croatia's achievement, noting how a nation of fewer than four million people earned global respect through their historic run.

Croatia is now shifting focus to their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture against Spain. Following an opening 2-1 victory over Czechia, the team aims for another positive result to challenge for the top spot in Group A3.