FIFA World Cup 2018.

Just eight months after taking charge of a national team on the verge of missing out on the ticket to Russia, head coach Dalić led his players on an adventure that culminated in an appearance at the biggest football event on the planet — the World Cup final.

Over that month in Russia, Croatia became a symbol of unity, pride, commitment, and perseverance. Not only at home, but across the world, earning support and admiration, winning the hearts of football lovers everywhere. Croatia was the story of the entire tournament, and the Vatreni’s magic was retold on every continent.

Naturally, the journey could not unfold without drama, hardship, and its own heroes: Modrić the leader, Rebić’s uncompromising volley, Subašić’s miraculous saves, Rakitić’s composure, Perišić’s finishing, Mandžukić’s relentlessness, Ćorluka’s embodiment of team spirit — comebacks, extra time, and penalty shootouts. It would be nearly impossible to list all the moments that will be remembered forever.

“The summer was incredible, especially when we realised how much this result meant to the entire nation. The players achieved something historic — for themselves, for Croatian football, and for the whole country. Croatia lived for us during those weeks. It will take us years to fully grasp the magnitude of this achievement, to understand how difficult and how magnificent it is for a nation of four million people to win two World Cup medals within 20 years,” Dalić emphasised.

Small Croatia showed just how big it can be when it stands united.

Croatia played the final while Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and other giants were already back home. The world waited for the masters in the “checkered” shirts, while Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar watched events unfold on television. In that dramatic Moscow showdown against France, Croatia lacked only a fraction — a single shade — to wake up the next morning as world champions.

The players, the public agreed, succeeded in restoring optimism, faith, and enthusiasm to the country, setting an example applicable to many spheres of society. For an entire month, Croatia was truly the happiest nation in the world.

A dream became reality.

Vatreni, thank you!