Lovren: Why Sunday was different but special
Dejan Lovren will remember his appearance at Anfield on Sunday fondly despite Croatia's 2-0 defeat to Neymar-inspired Brazil.
The ground has been home to the Liverpool centre-back for the past four seasons but this time he was representing country rather than club in L4.
Croatia stood firm in the face of the South Americans’ attacking quality for over an hour but the introduction of Neymar at the outset of the second half proved pivotal.
It was the forward’s scintillating dribble and finish that broke the deadlock, before Roberto Firmino lobbed in an equally memorable strike in front of the Kop in stoppage-time.
Lovren was left to rue his team’s loss in the World Cup warm-up fixture but nevertheless took satisfaction from a rare opportunity to play international football at his club base.
“It was special. It was different than usual when you go out in a red shirt,” the 28-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com after the match.
“I was representing my country and it was a special game in front of a mixed crowd of Croatian and Brazilian supporters. It was a great atmosphere.
“It was a tough game, of course – Brazil were the favourites. In the first half, we did quite well and we defended well; but then in the second half, with their individual quality – Neymar and Bobby, definitely – they deserved to win. It’s good that nobody is injured and we’re ready to play the next game.”
The fixture came just eight days on from the Reds’ disappointment in the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kiev.
For Lovren, there is little time to dwell on the events of that night as Croatia prepare to contest a tricky World Cup group containing Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria.
And the defender is determined to take a positive mindset into the tournament in Russia, which gets under way on June 14.
“Football is tough. The defeat against Real Madrid will stay forever in our hearts and minds. Now it’s something different with the national team and different players,” he added.
“When you look at the [Croatia] teamsheet and where the players play [at club level], we have real quality. I’m always an optimist who wants to go further. We definitely want to pass through the group; let’s go game by game.”