Luka Modric has suggested that it was a lack of belief which cost Croatia a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Defeats to Group A rivals Brazil and Mexico ended Croatia's hopes of reaching the last 16 of the tournament, and despite thrashing Cameroon 4-0 in their second fixture, the Real Madrid midfielder believes that there can be no complaints about the early exit.

"We are disappointed, but what can we do?" Modric told reporters. "Of course we were expecting to go to the next round.

"You have to have belief in yourself to go far, but we didn't show that on the pitch. I think we looked good in the first game against Brazil and in the second game. We had some good periods, but we weren't good enough."

Croatia have failed to progress from the group stage in their last three appearances at the World Cup.