Croatia continue raucous celebrations after winning the third place play-off at the World Cup despite being branded ’embarrassing’ by fans as Luka Modric and team-mates receive a heroes’ welcome in Zagreb
- The Croatia players returned to Zagrab to a raucous reception on Sunday
- Dalic’s side had been ridiculed for ‘celebrating’ winning the third place play-off
- Impressive achievement for the fourth-smallest nation at the 2022 World Cup
The Croatia players returned to Zagrab to a raucous reception after finishing third at the World Cup in Qatar.
Zlatko Dalic’s side had been ridiculed on social media for ‘celebrating’ beating Morocco 2-1 in the third place play-off, having been distraught after coming second in the 2018 Russia World Cup.
But Luka Mordic and his team-mates were happy to continue the celebrations with thousand of fans on Sunday.
Croatia midfielder Luka Mordic (C) joins in the celebrations in Zagreb on Sunday
The Real Madrid star, 37, had revealed his pride at securing the bronze medal.
‘This medal is very important for us, for me, for my country, for Croatia as a national team,’ Modric said.
‘We confirm with this medal that Croatia is playing an important role in world of football. We are leaving Qatar as winners.’
Real Madrid star Modric, 37, had revealed his pride at securing the bronze medal
Thousands of fans greeted the players on their return from the World Cup in Qatar
It was an impressive achievement for the fourth-smallest nation at the World Cup.
To some, the third-place match is considered to be little more than an exhibition between two losing semifinalists. The day before the match, Morocco coach Walid Regragui described it as a ‘booby prize.’
However, as the final whistle blew on Morocco’s historic run at the World Cup, the disappointment was clear to see.
Celebrations followed after the win, with the Croatia players and staff sprinting onto the pitch in delight before being presented with bronze medals.
Croatia beat Morocco to secure a third place finish at this year’s World Cup in Qatar
Croatia players and staff sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate the win after full-time whistle
Fans have ridiculed the team on social media for their wild celebrations on Saturday evening
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