Fans of Croatia ready for the match between Croatia and England, believe in victory

The final preparations are underway throughout Croatia for tonight's joint viewing of the first match of the Croatian national football team at the World Cup. Zlatko Dalić's team will face England, and at 10 p.m. they will take to the Dallas Stadium, the third largest stadium where the World Cup is played.

In Zagreb, fan zones are being set up on Ban Jelačić Square, Cvjetni Square and the Culture Factory, while squares, streets, terraces and catering facilities are being prepared in other cities.

Cafes have been granted extended working hours, and citizens are purchasing fan paraphernalia and eagerly awaiting the start of the match against England.

Zagreb

Zagreb is preparing for tonight's joint viewing of the first match of the Croatian national football team at the World Cup against England. Three fan zones have been organized - at Ban Jelačić Square, Cvjetni Square and at the Tvornica Kulture - where the program starts at 5 p.m., and the broadcast of the match is scheduled for 10 p.m.

Although the official gathering at Cvjetni Square has not yet begun, the center of Zagreb is already filled with fans in Croatian jerseys. Among them are foreign fans, including English fans who, as they said, respect the Croatian national team and expect a very demanding match.

A musical program has also been organized in the fan zones before the broadcast. All catering facilities have permission to operate until 2 a.m.

Fans are optimistically awaiting the match. One Zagreb resident predicts a 1-0 victory for Croatia.

“A modest but sufficient three points,” he said.

Organizers at Ban Jelačić Square are announcing a large fan gathering.

“They are expecting, to put it mildly, a spectacle. We have prepared well, we have been preparing for months, especially for this first match. We are all very excited and hope that it will start as soon as possible. We hope for a great victory for Croatia,” said Krešimir Strabad from the Mi Hrvati association.

Diana, a tourist from Argentina, is also optimistic.

“I think Croatia can win. They are very good, especially Luka Modrić,” she said.

Zagreb native Marko is also hoping for a good atmosphere.

“I expect it to be a great match. I think we have a good chance of winning and I hope that a lot of people will be here, that the atmosphere will be good and, above all, that everyone will be happy, he said.

Varaždin

“We will watch as a team. We have prepared good food, good fun, good cheer and we hope for a good result,” said one fan.

“I have a nice T-shirt and I am sending a nice message. My heart is as big as a house. We will cheer for our boys. We are all of course with them, as always. We are looking forward to the game, we are looking forward to the victory that will surely come, I believe in our boys to make it so” said another fan. 

“It will be difficult, but it will be sweet. My estimate is that it will be about 2:1 for us. It will be a close game, but I think that with a little luck it can be a good result,” predicted one optimistic fan.

Zadar

“We'll watch the match in the neighborhood at a café at 10 p.m. It's a long time to wait, we can't wait until 10 p.m. We started in the morning: "Croatia! Croatia!,” said a fan in Zadar.

“I'll watch somewhere in the Old Town. I think the score is a bit of a tie. Not 0:0, there will be goals. Let's say 1:1,” predicted another fan in Zadar.

Osijek

“I'm going to work now and then watch the match in the evening. It will be 2:1 for Croatia. Modrić and Perišić could score,” predicted a fan in Osijek.

“2:0 for Croatia. Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić will score. We'll beat the English without any problems. We'll numb them, our standard game. Let them run around, and we'll score goals, like last time,” believes a fan in Osijek.

Source: HRT