FIFA World Cup 2006.

Even though Croatia had to open its campaign against Brazil.

The defending world champions, packed with superstars such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Adriano, ultimately relied on Kaká’s brilliant strike — his shot finding the top corner of the Croatian net just a minute before halftime. The defeat, however, only strengthened Croatian support: the magnificent red-and-white fans at Berlin’s Olympiastadion and Croatia’s impressive resistance earned Zlatko Kranjčar’s team praise and sympathy from many neutral football lovers.

Next came another meeting with Japan, once again on a scorching day on the world stage, as in France ’98. This time, however, there was no “Šuker moment”, and the match ended goalless. Croatia missed its key opportunity in the first half, when Kawaguchi saved Srna’s penalty, while Kranjčar struck the crossbar.

Croatia’s third match generated excitement reminiscent of the Brazil encounter. Srna scored a superb free-kick to give the Vatreni an early lead, but the resilient Australians refused to give in. Moore equalised after Tomas handled the ball, before captain Niko Kovač — who would later lead Croatia as head coach against Brazil in 2014 — restored the lead with a shot that slipped beneath Kalac.

Australia’s pressure finally paid off ten minutes from time, when Kewell made it 2:2 and paved the way for a chaotic finish involving three red cards — including the bizarre moment when referee Graham Poll showed Josip Šimunić a third yellow card. This emotional rollercoaster at the end of Group F remains one of the unforgettable chapters in Croatian football history.