Dejan Lovren has slammed France for ‘not playing football’ after Croatia lost 4-2 to Les Bleus in the World Cup final yesterday afternoon.

France took the lead early on thanks to an oown goal from Mario Mandzukic, before Ivan Perisic levelled the score for Lovren and co. moments later.

However Didier Deschamps’ side regained the lead through a controversial penalty, awarded by VAR, and France subsequently rushed into a 4-1 lead thanks to two brilliant counter attacks finish off by Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe.

Mandzukic made it 4-2 late on, however France held on to claim their second ever World Cup trophy.

“They had their one tactic and you have to respect it,” said Lovren. “They waited for their chance and scored. They played every game like that.”

He added: “I’m disappointed because we lost the game but played much better football than them.”

Referee Nestor Pitana’s decision to award France a penalty seven minutes before half-time following a lengthy VAR review was the turning point in a game that Croatia had arguably been on-top off prior.

And Lovren – who before the game claimed himself to be “one of the world’s best defenders” – says Pitana made a mistake that ultimately cost his country the game.

“France have been one of the favourites to win the World Cup and they did. But nobody understands the rules,” said Lovren. “Our guy couldn’t possibly react so why did the referee give it?

“Of course [VAR] needs to improve. Sometimes it is a penalty and sometimes not. I really don’t understand. A lot of people say it’s not a penalty but what can we do now?”