VIDEO: Zagreb erupts in celebration ahead of Croatia's crucial World Cup match

Zagreb's Ban Jelačić Square transformed into a sea of red and white on Thursday evening as thousands of fans gathered to support Croatia in their decisive World Cup match against Ghana. The atmosphere was described as euphoric, with the central square proving too small to contain the swelling crowds eager to cheer on their national team.

Fans filled the streets and cafes, with many having reserved spots days in advance. The air buzzed with patriotic and fan songs, creating an intense pre-game energy. A large Croatian flag was unfurled, and supporters expressed strong confidence in a victory, anticipating celebrations that would last late into the night. The report noted the presence of numerous foreigners, including workers and tourists, who joined in the fervent support for Croatia.

The match, held in Philadelphia, was a critical fixture in the 2026 World Cup's Group L. For Croatia, a win was almost essential for advancing to the knockout phase, while Ghana had already secured their spot. Coach Zlatko Dalić emphasized the team's focus on the game and the opponent, acknowledging Ghana's quality while expressing belief in Croatia's capabilities and readiness for tactical adjustments during the match. Despite the high stakes, the temperature in Zagreb was around 30 degrees Celsius by 10 p.m., offering some relief as the game kicked off later in the evening.

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We know how important the match is. The opponent is very good. We believe in what we do.