In Pics: Croatia Come Home to Heroes’ Welcome Despite WC Loss

Croatia’s defeat in the World Cup final did not dampen a euphoric celebration in Zagreb, Croatia.

Croatia’s Luka Modric celebrates upon their arrival in Zagreb, Croatia.

(Photo: AP)

In an outburst of national pride and joy, Croatia rolled out a red carpet and staged a euphoric heroes' welcome for the national team on Monday, 16 July, despite its loss to France in the World Cup final.

Hundreds of thousands of people wearing national red-and-white checkered colours and waving Croatian flags poured into the streets in the capital Zagreb to greet the team. Observers described the homecoming event as the biggest ever in Croatia.

The joyful, singing crowd crammed the central squares and the route where the players passed in an open bus, greeting fans and signing autographs.

The players’ bus traveled for hours in the streets of Zagreb, Croatia.(Photo: AP)

"Thank you Croatia, thank you Zagreb!" captain Luka Modric, who won the Golden Ball after being voted the best player of the World Cup, told the crowd after the team finally arrived at the central square in the evening.

Croatia’s national football team members (from left) Domagoj Vida, Luka Modric, Sime Vrsaljko, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic, are seen on top of an open bus as they are greeted by fans during a celebration in Zagreb.(Photo: AP)

Thousands of Croats and many more along the route appeared as the Croatia team came cruising down the streets of Zagreb, Croatia.(Photo: AP)

Police said more than 250,000 people came out in central Zagreb and many more along the route. The players' bus travelled for hours, often stopping when it was blocked by the crowds.

Large players’ photos were displayed along the way amid a cacophony of noise and cheers in Zagreb, Croatia.(Photo: AP)

The players lined up to sing the national anthem with the packed square thundering in joy.

The first Croatia team to reach the World Cup final showed off its silver medals and embraced the atmosphere in Zagreb.(Photo: AP)

(For complete FIFA World Cup 2018 coverage, click here to visit our special WC page.)

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic (center) celebrates with players upon their arrival.(Photo: AP)

Thousands of fans, many coming from other parts of the country, began arriving in the centre in the early morning and emergency medical services said they aided hundreds of fans who collapsed from exhaustion.

More than 2,50,000 Croats poured the streets of Zagreb to welcome the team home.(Photo: AP)

Croatia team members are welcomed with their national flags upon arrival in Zagreb, Croatia.(Photo: AP)

A supporter of the Croatian national football team lights a flare in central Zagreb, Croatia.(Photo: AP)