VIDEO: Croatian celebrations after victory over Spain bring back World Cup memories

by croatiaweek
November 16, 2018
in Sport

Croatia’s victory brought back memories (HNS)

Croatia has avenged its 6-0 loss in September at the hands of Spain with a dramatic victory in a five-goal thriller in Zagreb tonight.

Croatia took all three points in the UEFA Nations League clash against Spain at Maksimir stadium with a 3-2 win over the former World and European champions.

The win means Croatia will face England in the group decider on Sunday.

With Croatia playing its first competitive match in front of home fans since it won the silver medal at the World Cup, it was no surprise that Maksimir stadium was a sell-out.

Fans ahead of the match in Zagreb (HNS)

The pre-match build-up and atmosphere around the ground brought back memories for fans of the wonderful month in Russia this summer when Croatian fans were taken on an incredible journey.

There were big cheers from the 33,000-strong fans when World Cup heroes Mario Mandžukić, Danijel Subašić and Vedran Ćorluka were presented gifts just before kick-off on the pitch.

(Photo: HNS)

Tin Jedvaj’s injury-time winner sent the team into euphoria, reminiscent of when Rakitić scored the deciding penalties against Denmark and Russia and when Mandžukić scored the winner against England in Russia.

Tin Jedvaj scores the winner (HNS)

The celebrations after the match with the fans felt like a thank you not just for the support against Spain, but for the support during the World Cup.