Psychologist Explains Croatia's Football Fever: 'Miracles Are Possible'

The fervent support for the Croatian national football team, which grips the entire country, has been explained by a popular psychologist as a reflection of deep-seated hope and the enduring belief that miracles are possible. Barbara Udovičić, a 51-year-old psychology professor from Rijeka, has gained widespread recognition through her viral videos on Instagram and TikTok.

Udovičić's online content focuses on personal experiences rather than offering prescriptive advice or life hacks. Her approach, which avoids universal truths or solutions, has resonated widely, attracting tens of millions of views and over 245,000 followers on Instagram alone within six months. Her insights into the national psyche, particularly concerning football, have struck a chord.

In a new video released just before Croatia's opening World Cup match against England, Udovičić articulated why the nation is so invested in the sport. "For me, talking about sports isn't just about sports," she stated. "For me, it's a story about hope and that one part of us that still believes that miracles are possible, that an underdog can win, and that you can come back after a defeat and rise up when everyone has written you off."

Her explanation taps into a collective sentiment that football transcends mere athletic competition. It becomes a metaphor for national resilience, a platform where the improbable can occur, and where the spirit of perseverance is celebrated. This perspective offers a psychological framework for understanding the intense emotional connection Croatians share with their team, especially during major tournaments like the World Cup.

“

For me, talking about sports isn't just about sports. For me, it's a story about hope and that one part of us that still believes that miracles are possible, that an underdog can win, and that you can come back after a defeat and rise up when everyone has written you off.