Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge apologizes to Dejan Lovren

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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