Storm interrupts Croatian team training in U.S., fans take shelter

A severe storm brought an abrupt halt to the Croatian national football team's training session in Alexandria, Virginia, forcing young fans and players to seek shelter. The "Vatreni" (Blazers) were training at Episcopal High School when the weather turned.

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We were not afraid, we were very excited, we practiced what we would say to the players.

Children and parents attending the session were moved to a school hall as heavy rain and strong winds lashed the area. The storm caused a power outage, but the children reportedly found the situation more amusing than frightening, even singing the Croatian national anthem while waiting. Players, after showering, emerged from the locker rooms to sign autographs for the fans in the dim light, assisted by police and parents using phone flashlights.

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We were proud to be part of this football story. The adults were more scared than the children.

Coach Zlatko Dalić was also present, thanking everyone and diligently signing autographs. The event was organized for 26 children from Croatian schools in Chicago, New York, Boston, and Cleveland. Each child had prepared a letter or drawing for a player, with names drawn by lottery. The initial plan included a group photo before training and then the exchange of gifts and autographs after the session.

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We are extremely proud of the fact that this event brings together children from different parts of the United States. Along with students from Chicago, we also have children from Boston, New York, and Cleveland. They are united by a common desire to be with our "Vatreni."

Andrea Katić Bruno, the coordinator of Croatian education in the U.S., organized the event. The program began with a reception at the Croatian Embassy in Washington, followed by a bus ride to the training camp. Bruno expressed pride in bringing together children from various U.S. states, united by their desire to support the national team. The excitement among the children was palpable, with the event described as a "once in a lifetime" experience.

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The excitement among the children was indescribable. This was talked about for days. For them, this was not just a trip, but truly a lifetime...