Croatia was greeted by an estimated half-a-million fans on the streets of Zagreb on Monday, as it returned home to a remarkable reception after losing in Sunday's World Cup final.
Despite the undoubted individual quality available to coach Zlatko Dalic, few expected Croatia to go as far as it did in Russia.
Croatia's preparations for the tournament were by no means perfect, considering Dalic was only appointed as the replacement for the sacked Ante Cacic last October with one last qualification group game to go.
He ultimately led it into the play-offs and then to Russia, where it picked up three wins in the group stage — including a brilliant 3-0 triumph over Argentina.
Read: France gives World Cup winners a heroes' welcome home
Penalty shoot-out victories over Denmark and Russia followed in the last 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, before a 2-1 win against England in extra-time saw it reach its first ever World Cup final.
Croatia came unstuck in the final, losing 4-2 to France, but the disappointing end did not dampen the spirits of those at home.
According to the welcoming ceremony's presenter, local police estimated 550,000 people — well over 10 per cent of the country's 4.2 million population — took to the streets of capital city Zagreb throughout the day to see their heroes return, with the Croatia team travelling from the airport in an open-top bus.
A route that would usually take approximately 30 minutes took them over four hours, as the Croatian public greeted them as if they were royalty.
Although Croatia's Russia adventure did not end with success, it is clearly seen as a champion in the eyes of the public.
Comments
SHARE