Croatia’s national football team rode through this capital in triumph aboard an open-top bus for more than five hours on their return from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they reached the final before succumbing 2-4 to France.
Croatian fans welcoming their idols. (Photo: IANS)
Croatia’s national football team rode through this capital in triumph aboard an open-top bus for more than five hours on their return from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they reached the final before succumbing 2-4 to France.
More than 500,000 people, according to police, filled the streets of Zagreb – population 800,000 – to welcome the squad home on Monday.
“We have realized our dream,” team captain and Real Madrid standout Luka Modric said, reports Efe.
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Modric, who was voted best player of the 2018 World Cup for his part in leading dark horse Croatia to the final, then led the multitude in singing a traditional patriotic song.
Another star, Ivan Rakitic, was greeted with chants of “Ivan, Ivan, Ivan.”
“It’s impossible to describe these feelings,” the FC Barcelona midfielder said adding: “We are truly proud of having defended our colors.”
Croatia, a nation of roughly 4.5 million people, became the second-smallest country to reach a World Cup final behind two-time winners Uruguay.
🔴⚪ People of #Croatia welcome the nation’s idols. 🔴⚪#FlamingPride #BeProud #WorldCup #Vatreni🔥 pic.twitter.com/29AUEbrIQS
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 16, 2018
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