PHOTOS: Croatia Gets Behind the Team Ahead of World Cup Quarterfinal

Bridge in Osijek lights up in Croatian colours (Instagram/CroatiaFullofLife)

The atmosphere is building in Croatia with kick-off just hours away.

The nation has got behind Croatia as it prepares to play its most important match in its history since the World Cup in France in 1998. Just like then, the country is in a euphoric trance after four victories in a row in Russia.

“This team has given the nation a lot of joy. You could see the reaction after Sunday’s win against Denmark how much it means to us. The mood around the place is exciting and everyone is on a high. May it continue,” Croatian fan Zeljko in Zagreb says.

Tonight big screens will again go up on town squares and on terraces at bars and cafes around the country as Croatia plays Russia for a place in the last four at the World Cup.

(Photo: IvanaKnoll/Instagram)

Dubrovnik airport (Photo: jelenaaranza/Instagram)

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Central Post Office lights up in Zagreb (Hrvatska Posta)

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(Photo: _kuk_2_/Instagram)

Croatians all around the world have also got behind the team.

(Photo: LAVatreni/Instagram)

Scenes after last weekend’s win over Denmark were beamed all over the world and again the fans will be out in force tonight.

“These players have a chance to be immortal in Croatia in they win tonight, they will be remembered forever as the greatest,” Zeljko added.

Croatia has also picked up a lot of fans abroad this tournament with the USA Today giving its readers reasons why they need to start supporting Croatia this week.

Kick-off tonight is at 9 pm local time or 8 pm CET.

Wild scenes from last week in Zagreb.