FIFA World Cup 1998.

The French city of Lens became the centre of the world when young, football-loving Croatia awaited the World Cup debut of its national team, not long after an impressive Euro 1996 performance and a gruelling qualification campaign.

The opponents were fellow debutants Jamaica, and Mario Stanić scored Croatia’s first, historic World Cup goal. Earl’s equaliser did not rattle the plans of coach Blažević’s side — the same Blažević who would later charm the French public with a police cap. A spark of magic from Robert Prosinečki and the first of many goals by Davor Šuker brought all three points.

Good soon became better. The struggle beneath the scorching French summer sun against resilient Japan was balanced until the 77th minute, when Šuker once again proved his worth. Croatia now had two wins from two matches and a confirmed place in the round of 16.

Better quickly became excellent. A defeat to Argentina in the battle for the top of Group H (0:1) was swiftly forgotten.

Excellent then became euphoric. Romania’s “Blondes” were sent home in the round of 16 by another moment of Šuker’s cold-blooded brilliance, in the final minutes of the first half — much to the despair of helpless goalkeeper Stelea.

Euphoria then turned into the incredible. Lyon’s Gerland Stadium, adorned with a giant Croatian tricolour, became sacred ground for Croatians who witnessed the fall of the German giant. Wörns’ red card set the stage: for Robert Jarni’s long-range strike to break the deadlock, for Dražen Ladić to produce one of the tournament’s finest saves, for Goran Vlaović to double the lead, and for Davor Šuker to provide the finishing touch.

The incredible transformed into dreams fulfilled. Almost. Croatia was one minute away from the World Cup final. Early in the second half of the semi-final against France, Šuker stunned the hosts and Croatia dared to dream — only for those dreams to be shattered by an unexpected hero, French defender Lilian Thuram. He revived France with the only two goals of his international career, levelling quickly and scoring the winner in the 69th minute. Croatia could not recover in time but, with a broken heart, managed to claim the bronze medal at the Parc des Princes.

The mission was completed in a match full of substance against the Netherlands, with Prosinečki and Šuker once again on the scoresheet. The long and well-deserved celebrations that followed finally took their ultimate shape: Croatia’s heroes were welcomed home, creating unforgettable memories and eternal pride.