Croatia’s dream to win 2018 FIFA ended in tears after France defeated them, but the soccer players are still heroes to those at home. In an outburst of national pride and joy, the country rolled out a red carpet and staged a euphoric heroes’ welcome for the national football team. Sportsmanship in the most genuine manner was seen among the citizens of Croatia on July 16. Hundreds of thousands of people were waving Croatian flags in the streets of the capital Zagreb to greet them. It has been reported that the observers described the homecoming event as the biggest ever in the history of Croatia. The videos and pictures are proof!

After losing in Sunday’s World Cup final, Croatia’s footballers were welcomed by half-a-million fans. The happy, singing crowd packed the route where the players passed in an open bus, greeting fans and signing autographs. Soon, the thrilled footballers lined up to sing the national anthem in the crow thundering in happiness. Local media reports further suggest that many fans travelled from other parts of the country to join the rally in Bana Jelacica Square, which is the centre of Zagreb.

What a grand welcome!

Look at the crowd greeting their heroes...

Croatia celebrates their national team's homecoming!

With a population of nearly four million people, Croatia was the smallest finalist since Uruguay in 1950. But their achievement means many more leaving hope to other countries to follow Croatia’s footsteps all the way to the final of another World Cup somewhere else. The success has been boosted as the biggest in Croatia’s sporting history. Every fan from countries all over can take heart from Croatian example!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2018 04:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).