Croatian football team receive heroes’ welcome as they return to Zagreb

The World Cup finalists were given a heroes’ welcome as they arrived in Zagreb today after their defeat against France.

The Croatian football team were greeted with flares and cheering as they made their way to Bana Jelacica Square in the capital having reached the final for the first time ever.

Despite their 4-2 defeat against France, fans and players alike looked ecstatic at the result. 

Croatia have been in the World Cup five times since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, finishing in third place back in 1998. 

The Croatian football team wore their silver medals as they stood atop an open top bus in the capital

Thousands of fans crowded into Bana Jelacica Square in Zagreb to catch a glimpse of their heroes this evening

Thousands of fans crowded into Bana Jelacica Square in Zagreb to catch a glimpse of their heroes this evening

Fans held up a replica of the World Cup trophy as they cheered and screamed at the arrival of the Croatian football team

Fans held up a replica of the World Cup trophy as they cheered and screamed at the arrival of the Croatian football team

Croatia's captain Luka Modric celebrated enthusiastically despite losing 4-2 to France

Croatia’s captain Luka Modric celebrated enthusiastically despite losing 4-2 to France

After getting off the bus the team were greeted with confetti in the national colours

After getting off the bus the team were greeted with confetti in the national colours

The Croatian football team were given a heroes' welcome despite their loss to France, having reached the final for the first time

The Croatian football team were given a heroes’ welcome despite their loss to France, having reached the final for the first time

Earlier today Croatians held a giant banner with the national colours of the country

Earlier today Croatians held a giant banner with the national colours of the country

The team looked jubilant as they greeted crowds. Croatia have been in the World Cup just five times since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991

The team looked jubilant as they greeted crowds. Croatia have been in the World Cup just five times since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991

An estimated 100,000 people packed into the square in Zagreb to try and get a glimpse of the team after arriving home earlier this evening.

Team captain Luka Modrić said after the game yesterday: ‘I think we were the better team but sometimes better teams don’t win. 

‘I don’t really realise what has happened yet – the World Cup is a lot.

‘But I’m so proud of this team, the players, the staff. We were really united as a group. We did something incredible, we made history and we are going to enjoy it.’ 

Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s best player after the match.

Domagoj Vida, Luka Modric, Sime Vrsaljko, Ante Rebic, Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka were seen celebrating on top of the bus

Domagoj Vida, Luka Modric, Sime Vrsaljko, Ante Rebic, Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka were seen celebrating on top of the bus

Reaching yesterday's final was Croatia's best result since the team finished in third place back in 1998

Reaching yesterday’s final was Croatia’s best result since the team finished in third place back in 1998

The crowd gathered was estimated at 100,000 people earlier today

The crowd gathered was estimated at 100,000 people earlier today

Flares lit up the crowd as they welcomed home the nation's football team in the square in Zagreb

Flares lit up the crowd as they welcomed home the nation’s football team in the square in Zagreb

One fan climbed up the side of a pole to get a better view of the team among a sea of red and white chequered shirts

One fan climbed up the side of a pole to get a better view of the team among a sea of red and white chequered shirts

Supporters were seen on the roof of buildings and hanging flags from windows as they waited to see their heroes

Supporters were seen on the roof of buildings and hanging flags from windows as they waited to see their heroes

The 32-year-old midfielder told reporters yesterday he was ‘proud to have received the award for myself’ but wanted ‘to win a trophy with Croatia’.

Earlier today the Croatia side were snapped flying out of Russia with their silver medals on show at Moscow airport.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren shared footage on his Instagram of fans greeting the team as they travelled on an open-top bus.

Striker Mario Mandzukic was also pictured signing a policeman’s helmet as they celebrated their second place finish today.

Crowds of fans looked delighted as they greeted the Croatian team as they stood on top of an open top bus

Crowds of fans looked delighted as they greeted the Croatian team as they stood on top of an open top bus

A Croatian Air Force helicopter above the crowds flew the nation's flag over the square

A Croatian Air Force helicopter above the crowds flew the nation’s flag over the square

Team captain Luka Modri¿ said: 'I think we were the better team but sometimes better teams don't win'

Team captain Luka Modrić said: ‘I think we were the better team but sometimes better teams don’t win’

The players were seen sat on top of the bus holding flares as crowds attempted to catch a glimpse of them

The players were seen sat on top of the bus holding flares as crowds attempted to catch a glimpse of them



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