Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has issued an apology to Dejan Lovren after predicting Croatia would exit the World Cup at the hands of Japan.
A penalty shootout was required on Monday evening after the two sides were tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes of action, which saw Croatia prevail 3-1 on spot-kicks after a tense affair.
Ahead of the match, Sturridge backed Japan to progress to the last eight of the competition but was left asking for forgiveness from his ex- Liverpool team-mate, Lovren, who helped his country to victory.
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Sharing a video on Instagram, the former England international begins his video call with Lovren by saying: “No Brate, wait, hold on, hold on." At the same time, Lovren can be heard shouting: “You don’t believe! You didn't believe!”
Sturridge continues the conversation by adding: “Brate, I’m on set right now but I had to call to say, ‘I’m sorry’. I didn’t mean what I said! You know what I mean? You’re my friend, you know? I didn’t mean what I said. So I am really sorry about it, Brate. Now you’ve come through with an assist. Do you accept my apology, or?”
Concluding their chat, the Croatian centre-back says: “Thank you, brother! I will call you tomorrow." Lovren later wrote the following words in the comments section of the video: "Apologize [sic] accepted. Waiting for your new video against Brazil!"
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