Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
The population of Croatia is roughly comparable to that of Los Angeles, California. So, you can imagine how lit all 4.1 million Croatian citizens were to watch their team nearly capture the most prestigious sports achievement on the planet.
As the Croatian national team returned home following their 4-2 loss to France in the World Cup final, they were met with a heroes welcome. Tens of thousands of Croatians poured into the streets of Croatia’s capital Zagreb to greet the team following their admirable performance in Russia.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell reports that 5 percent of the entire population of Croatia flooded Zagreb, and the scene is breathtaking.
More than 5 percent of Croatia’s population is in Zagreb today to welcome its team home (📷 by @IvicFilip) pic.twitter.com/KWJijRX549
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 16, 2018
As an American, it feels unnatural for parades to be thrown for the losing team, but after Croatia outlasted 31 other countries and were a few goals short of the ultimate prize, it’s easy to see how the citizens of the small Eastern European country must be bursting with pride.
Croatia return home as national heroes 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/hvwKYUxWZx
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 16, 2018
Scenes. 🇭🇷#BeProud #Croatia #Vatreni🔥 pic.twitter.com/8lTZUyHVgB
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 16, 2018
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said after the World Cup Final:
“Congratulations to the France team for this great victory! We are also very proud of our heroes who made us dream,” he tweeted after the final.
“Proud of the performance of the Croatia team who made a great match in the World Cup final. Thank you for this beautiful football!”
Congrats to Croatia, who are still winners…
https://twitter.com/RkFutbol/status/1018822402753654784