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Ikoli Victor
MOSCOW
An ecstatic fan feels the Croatian team has overachieved even as they face France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final for the first time ever on Sunday.
Jersey-clad Croatian revelers at the Old Arbat Street danced, hugged and waved flags after Belgium's 2-0 victory against England.
Pere Mioc, a tax consultant told Qatar Tribune,"Most of our players play in big clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid, while some are not big name players. Reaching the final is an overachievement for the team as they exceeded our expectations before the start of the tournament."
"I am realistic that we can win the World Cup though France have a better team and are favorites but we have a chance. We will fight it and let's see what will happen," he added.
Asked about the most outstanding Croatian player in the tournament, he said:"So far Modric is the best player in the world. We all knew about his level but some players rose to the occasion and have impressed like Rebic who was unknown but now is the cynosure of many European clubs."
"The whole team has been very impressive," he added.
Pere hinted that over 20,000 Croatian fans will cheer the team on Sunday. He added that the scarcity of match tickets denied many supporters from processing a FAN ID for traveling into Russia.
"I and some friends arrived on Tuesday for the semi-final match against England and we bought one-way flights ticket because we didn't know what will happen in the game. Good we won and extended our stay until on Monday."
Looking ahead to the next World Cup, he added that visiting Qatar will be a lifetime opportunity if Croatia are crowned champions."I am looking forward to visit Qatar in 2022 with Croatia as champions, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Other fans said they were hopeful of an historic victory."It will be total joy if we win the World Cup, I can't explain the frenzy and excitement that will generate," Ivica said.
