Celebrations erupted in Zagreb's fan zone as Croatia beat England to reach the World Cup final. A young man in a red-and-white Croatia shirt rushed to the crowd moments before the final whistle, and dozens followed, shouting and splashing with joy. "England is going home - and we are going to the final!" exulted one young woman, her face painted in national colours. "We are such a small country, but we can play football!"
Many fans stressed the significance of the achievement for a nation of just over four million people. Marko, speaking after the match, said: "Nobody expected us to win. The English media all week were making fun of us, saying that we don't have a chance, but it showed in the field that quality reigned supreme." Another supporter, Daniel, noted that Croatia's last appearance in a World Cup semi-final came in 1998, shortly after the war and independence. "We show we can win. It's more important for a small country," he said.
For some, the victory offered a temporary escape from domestic difficulties. "There are no jobs, no money. The politicians are lining their pockets," said one fan. "But tonight people are happy. It makes them forget their problems for a short time."
Croatia's run has also brought the country's president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, into the spotlight. She visited the players' dressing room after the quarter-final, stepping over their kit to hug several players in various states of undress, and later released footage of herself jumping with the team in a football shirt.
Yet the success has coincided with an ongoing corruption scandal in Croatian football. Captain Luka Modric has been charged with perjury over evidence given at the trial of Zdravko Mamic, the former head of Dinamo Zagreb, who was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and is now hiding in Bosnia. Modric's lawyer has denied any wrongdoing. Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is also under investigation but has not been charged. Fans, however, remain focused on the present. As Daniel put it: "After this, we must speak about the problems, but today it is more important to talk about Croatia." Another shouted: "It's incredible. We're in the finals. It's coming to our home!"
