Modric claims the ultimate consolation prize

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Luka Modric looked despondent when he was forced to accept the Golden Ball, the award for being considered as the World Cup's best player.

The Croatia captain knows Sunday's 4-2 loss to France in the World Cup final was a chance that may not come again anytime soon.

"Obviously, I liked the recognition and thanks to those who chose me, but clearly I would have preferred to have won the World Cup," said the Real Madrid midfielder.

"It wasn't to be and now we will rest and in the coming days celebrate this because it is still a huge thing for Croatia, but right now the feeling is bittersweet.

"We are proud of what we have done, but a bit sad at losing the final."

A dejected Luka Modric of Croatia at full time during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final. /VCG Photo

Despite being forced into extra-time in all three of their knockout rounds before the final, Croatia dominated the opening period and were desperately unlucky to trail 2-1 at half-time through Mario Mandzukic's own goal and a controversial Antoine Griezmann penalty.

The smallest country to make a World Cup final in 68 years, with a population of just over four million, finally wilted after the break as Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe added to France's lead before Mandzukic pulled a goal back.

"Although I think we deserved more, we can't change anything," added Modric. "We can only be proud of what we did - we never gave up and fought until the end."

Luka Modric with the FIFA Golden Ball trophy and Kylian Mbappe with the silver ball trophy pose for photographers. /VCG Photo

The 32-year-old's reluctance to receive the accolade has echoed Lionel Messi who grudgingly accept the Golden Ball in 2014 after Germany won 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro with a goal just seven minutes from the end of the extra time.

The FIFA panel's decision to hand the 2018 award to Modric means it has now been 24 years since a World Cup winner also went home with the Golden Ball.

In 1994, Brazil legend Romario bagged both the World Cup and the best player award. From then on, five of the past six individuals fell at the final hurdle, including Ronaldo (1998), Oliver Kahn (2002), Zinedine Zidane (2006) and Lionel Messi (2014).

Lionel Messi holds the Golden Ball trophy during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final. /VCG Photo

Modric's frustration is understandable, as the World Cup final was clouded by controversies. With the score at 1-1, France were awarded a penalty after Argentine referee Nestor Pitana reviewed video footage of an Ivan Perisic handball and deemed the action intentional.

Croatia were doubly frustrated by Pitana's decision as France's opener also came from a dubious free-kick.

"The small details went in favor of France. It is a shame because I think we were very, very good and deserved to win," said Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

"It is a shame that they didn't review the foul before the first goal and only the one that went against us."

"The foul for the first goal is clearly not a foul, the penalty is very, very dubious ... it hurts a lot to lose like this."

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic insisted VAR was a "good thing" for football despite Pitana's call going against his side.

But Rakitic believes improvements can still be made to the system that was being used in the World Cup for the first time.

"I understand they want to improve things with VAR, but there is still margin for improvement," he added. "It has helped a lot but it is still not perfect."

(With input from agencies)