PSV player aims for their own supporters after World Cup match: “I want to thank them for that”

Despite an assist in an entertaining duel with England, Croatia with Ivan Perisic in the starting lineup lost 4-2 to the English. Perisic was important just before halftime with an assist to Petar Musa, which allowed Musa to make it 2-2.

Despite this, England took a distance from Croatia after the break, and given the many opportunities for The Three Lions, it was admirable that they only took that lead over the Croats in the 85th minute. After the match, Perisic was therefore also disappointed.

''There were positive things, but we need to look at how we conceded the goals. We made unnecessary mistakes'', the PSV player tells ELF Voetbal, who is nonetheless happy to be active at the World Cup for the fourth time. ''Even though the result wasn’t good, it’s great to be here. This is already my fourth World Cup.''

On the day of England - Croatia, the 37-year-old Perisic also reached out to Noa Lang, his former teammate at PSV. ''The day of this match was Noa Lang's birthday, so I called him briefly in the morning." The contact between the two is frequent, he says. "We talk to each other a lot and push each other to get better. That's what’s great about PSV and the players I got to know there'', the Croat continues. 

In addition, Perisic expresses the hope that all PSV players who are active at the World Cup will have a great tournament. ''I hope everyone stays fit and plays good matches during this World Cup'', the Croat says.

The wing attacker also wants to express his thanks to the supporters of PSV. ''I appreciate that they always and everywhere support me. I want to thank them for that.''

After the match against England, Croatia’s focus shifts to the clash with Panama, which in the night from Wednesday to Thursday went down to Ghana in the 95th minute. “We need to wake up, because we still have two matches to go. It all depends on us how we will perform. I’m sure we will bounce back. You’ll see that in the next matches,” Perišić said.