[White Out 403]

Another generation of young players will look back at these champions of Croatia in 20 years as their inspiration to propel Croatia to new heights. Talked with my Dad, and my Uncle a lot last few days about what football means to Croatia, and the national team. Our identity as Croatians --their identity-- (although I love my heritage its not the same) is absolutely linked to football. Soccer was a very real part of sparking of the fight for independence against Serbia and become a single independent Croatia. The sting of the loss will last a while; the disappointment in my Dad's voice when France got their 3rd goal really hurt. But seeing Croatias reaction to their team and my Dad's hopefulness for 2020 makes it easier to deal with. What a ride. Move over 1998, 2018 was nearly perfect.