World football legend praises Croatia's achievements

French football icon Thierry Henry has lauded Croatia's remarkable achievements on the international stage, emphasizing the nation's success despite its modest population of 3.9 million.

Reflecting on the 1998 World Cup, Henry remembered Croatia as a formidable opponent in the semifinals. He specifically recalled the talent of Davor Šuker, who was the tournament's top scorer.

"Croatia almost knocked us out in 1998," Henry stated. "They had the top scorer of the tournament then, Davor Šuker. We are talking about a country of 3.9 million people."

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Croatia almost knocked us out in 1998. They had the top scorer of the tournament then, Davor Šuker. We are talking about a country of 3.9 million people.

Henry further highlighted Croatia's consistent presence in major tournaments, noting their third-place finish in 1998, a runner-up spot in 2018, and another third-place finish in 2022. He also pointed to the nation producing a Ballon d'Or winner, acknowledging the significant accomplishments given the country's size and history, including the impact of war.

"They finished third in 1998, played in the final in 2018, and were third again in 2022. They also have a Ballon d'Or winner. For a country like Croatia... It's crazy what I've listed. And when you know everything that happened with the war and everything... It's not easy," Henry added. He expressed hope for Croatia's progression in the current World Cup.

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They finished third in 1998, played in the final in 2018, and were third again in 2022. They also have a Ballon d'Or winner. For a country like Croatia... It's crazy what I've listed. And when you know everything that happened with the war and everything... It's not easy.