Croatia thrilled to be back in France
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
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"Here we are, we've arrived!" beamed Mario Mandžukić as Croatia touched down in France, with memories of their predecessors' 1998 achievement in L'Hexagone buoying spirits.
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Croatia's flight was expected to land at Deauville airport at 12:10 today but touched down 25 minutes early, giving the players just that little bit of extra time to take in the UEFA EURO 2016 atmosphere before the competition begins in earnest.
Coach Ante Čačić was the first off the plane, with the rest of his side trooping down on to the tarmac after him. Striker Mario Mandžukić was smiling all the way to the team bus. "Here we are, we've arrived!" he said, while shaking hands with the welcoming committee.
It was a special moment for everyone involved, with the pilots and cabin crew on Croatia's plane taking the opportunity to get a photo with the players and wishing them all the best for the finals, the players promising to give their all in return.
Confidence is high and it was clear the squad are thrilled to be competing together in France, which holds a special place in Croatian football lore – the national side having claimed bronze medals at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in L'Hexagone. Something similar this time would be amazing. Something even better? Who knows.
Croatian Football Federation (HNS) general secretary Damir Vrbanović hopes magic is in the air: "That 1998 achievement is written in golden letters in the history of Croatian football, and believe us, if we show the same faith, the same belief and the same strength, we could do it again."
