Tens of thousands of fans arrivals from all over Croatia filled the center of Zagreb to greet the Croatian soccer teamled by Real Madrid player Luka Modric, on his return from Qatar where they won the bronze medal in the World Cup by defeating Morocco (2-1) on Saturday.
According to police estimates, more than 80,000 people gathered in and around the main square of Zagreband many arrived hours before to ensure a place despite the cold, with the temperature around zero degrees Celsius.
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Those gathered, mostly young people, with red and white checkered scarves and caps like the jerseys of their sports heroes, fly the Croatian flags, sing, dance and wave burning flares. Fireworks illuminate the crowded Ban Jelacic Square in different colors.
thousands of citizens they greeted the players along the entire route through which they passed aboard a bus -in the last section in a panoramic one-, escorted by police cars and motorcycles from Zagreb airport to the center of the capital.
Already when the plane with soccer players entered the airspace of Croatia, the Ardentes received a welcome message from the National Air Navigation Control: “Thank you for the pride we feel for you, and because once again you have made our country great!”.
The appearance of the footballers in the central square caused an eruption of enthusiasm and cheers, with shouts of “Croatia, Croatia” and the crowd chanting the names of the players.
When the footballers arrive at the square, the team captain, the midfielder Luca Modric, briefly addressed the fans.
“We wanted to bring you the gold, but unfortunately we have not succeeded. I think third place is also great, and his arrival here shows it. I am convinced that in the future this team will bring gold to Croatia”, said Modric.
On the stage set up in the square, concerts are held in which famous Croatian musical groups perform tonight in honor of the footballers and for the fans.
The Croatian media indicate that the reception party is subsidized by the national government and the municipality of Zagreb, and that the cost exceeds 270,000 euros.
Croatia won its second bronze in a World Cup this Saturday, after also doing it in 1998 in France when they beat the Netherlands 2-1.
Four years ago, at the World Cup in Russia, the team led by the coach, Zlatko Dalic, won silver in the final against France. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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