Olé Olé – Fifa WM 2018

The air vibrates. Next to me a child presses it’s eyes into the warmth of it’s mothers legs. All eyes are focusing the screen. For a second the world stands still.

Football. This year the Football Worldcup is hosted by Russia. So far the results are shattering for several big teams – Germany, Argentina, Spain – for all of them the cup is already over. Still in the game until recently – the host Russia. The Quarterfinal Russia against Croatia has been a thriller till the end. Below you will find a review of the highlights as we witnessed them in Vodice.

One to Zero – After half an hour the first bang – Russia is leading. In the stadium people get crazy, in Vodice you can see long faces. Is the dream already over? But it seems the first goal was just a necessary wakeup call for the Croatians. Immediately you realize: this team has the spirit and all of them push forward. Concerns in Vodice – the tension spills over from the fans to the waiters, the service stops.

One to One – Hard fights on both sides, and Croatia gets two yellow cards (Maybe a tiny little bit deserved…. 😉 ). But finally there is small space for Mandzukic who brings the ball directly in front of the head of Kramaric – the Croatian team ties before the break. In Vodice people swinging Barcadi-Bottles and beer glasses, a fan choir sings a croatian football song and wooosssh: a bengal fire lights up the evening sky. Thankfully the half-time break starts – the fans need some time to celebrate.

The second half-time passes in no time. There are fights for every ball. Somehow you still get the feeling that the players are a little bit too often falling on the ground… It feels like Croatia looses approximately one hundred chances – but the Russians have a good defense, and the croatian creative attempts to turn and tow the ball into the net are failing. Without any goals the second half ends. Another match in this WM which is not finalized after 90 Minutes. For the fans in Vodice a short break – quickly order another round of beer.

Extra-Time

Two to One – A brave Croatian team fights for every chance and finally it pays of. In minute onehundred Vida gives croatia the lead and now it seams the match is over. Russia is stunned and so are the fans. Euphoric jubilation on the Croatian side, tears on the russian fans. In Vodice people finally breathe again, the mood gets more relaxed, it seems Croatia wins this match. Bengal lights, some tears of joy, rejoicing, kids being thrown up into the air from their parents. A good game – the better team won.   >>>> But never underestimate Russia – with forcing out all their strength they use the confidence of victory of the croatians – wooosh.

Two to Two – Noooo, nobody expected this. Did it really happen? Yes, it’s true, it was a goal – Russia equalizes. Deathly silence in Vodice. It is already minute 115 in this match, nerves are on edge and now it’s equal – another time Croatia has to end a match with penalty shootout. Desperate Faces in Vodice. The Fans want to win and they have full trust into their team. Dogged determination in the Faces and a few Hallelujah.

Start of the penalty thriller and it starts well for the Croatians: Russia misses the first one, but the croatian player whips it in. But too quickly the tide turns: the croatian goalie cannot stop the well placed ball from Dsagojew. And the Croatian player: completely misses the goal. Oops. But it seems infections: the following russian player also misses. Modric finally brings back the smile on the Croatian faces – wooms and – without any issues the ball hits the net. Now again full concentration on the russian side: Ignaschewitsch shot is beyond the reach of the croatian goalie. In Vodice there is loud silence – fans are holding hands. Some hold their breath. But Vida delivers: very elegant he strikes. Panic laughter in Vodice. The game is nearly over, the last ball decides everything.

Kusjajew masters the big pressure and hits the net. Then again Croatia. The figurehead of the croatian team Ivan Rakitic takes the ball. The air vibrates. Next to me a child presses it’s eyes into the warmth of his mothers legs. All eyes are focusing the screen. For a second the world stands still.

GOOAAALL for Croatia.

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Today the thriller continues – Croatia against England 8pm