Despite exit from the World Cup after group play, Kovac confident he'll remain Croatia coach
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Croatia's coach Niko Kovac gestures during the group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (The Associated Press)
Niko Kovac says he doesn't "see any reason why" he shouldn't remain Croatia's coach, even after his side was unable to advance out of Group A at the World Cup.
Croatia needed to beat Mexico on Monday in order to advance to the World Cup knockout round for the first time since 1998, but lost 3-1 after yielding three goals in a 10-minute span in the second half. Croatia, which also lost 3-1 to Brazil and beat Cameroon 4-0, finished third in the group.
Kovac says it was a success simply to qualify for the World Cup, and that Brazil and Mexico were the clear favorites in Group A.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kovac says he has a contract which should continue because his "has made good progress" during the past six months.