Barcelona bound Rakitic left speechless

Croatia star Ivan Rakitic was lost for words after his side were eliminated from the World Cup.

Monday's 3-1 defeat to Mexico saw Niko Kovac's side exit the tournament at the group stage as they missed out on second place in Group A to Miguel Herrera's men.

Rakitic was virtually speechless after the defeat as the midfielder felt his side were unlucky to lose.

"At the moment it is difficult to find words," he said after the game. "I feel blue.

"I am sad for my team, for my country. Now time to rest a little and get ready. The sadness is stronger than the illusion, but you put it away, even though it's hard.

"We know that Mexico has great quality, but the ball was ours until the first goal.

"From a corner the game was opened to them. They took another counter-attack and sentenced us. Details make the difference. Mexico had luck on their side."

The midfielder went on to congratulate Monday's opponents, who face Netherlands in the next round.

"Mexico? Congratulations and wish them luck in the tournament. Mexico will be a very difficult rival for Netherlands"