• On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, "20 Minutes" shares with you the most striking memories of its journalists.

  • Today, the 2018 World Cup final won by the Blues.

    But seen from Croatia.

  • For four days, the reception given to the few French journalists present on site was very warm.

    The Croatian people were already proud of the course of their players.

2018, July 15.

It's hot in Zagreb's Jelacic Square.

While France is adorned with blue, white and red before the final of the 2018 World Cup, I find myself alone in the heart of the Croatian capital to follow this match between the French team and Croatia.

There has been an incredible fervor since the qualification acquired against the English.

Across the country, 99% of people have been wearing a famous checkered jersey since the semi-final in 1998. Except me (and a few French tourists on vacation in the area).

For two days, I have been walking the streets of the Croatian capital to try to unlock the secret of the sporting success of this small country, to know who is the real star of the team or even which French player they are afraid of.

Wherever I go, I receive a warm welcome.

My interlocutors warned me: win or lose, Croatia is preparing for a memorable party.

And already, the beer is flowing.

Except for me.

While waiting for the start of the match, 50 meters from the biggest screen in the city, the atmosphere is crazy but drops as soon as the engagement begins.

Here, men and women (they are very numerous) scrutinize the screen to follow the exploits of the Vatreni (the flamboyants, nickname of the Croatian players).

The place goes out when Mandzukic scores against his camp, allowing the Blues to take the lead.

Then exults when Perisic shoots Lloris and puts the two teams equal: the Jelacic place is returned, I get beer from everywhere, the atmosphere is amazing, everyone jumps, shouts, cries.

Except me.

“We endured the war, we built this country”

After this first goal, smoke bombs plunge the crowd into a thick cloud.

So much so that I don't even see Griezman scoring his penalty ten minutes later.

In the second half, the French accelerate and kill the match thanks to Pogba and Mbappé.

Zagreb are on their knees, then cheering again when Mandzukic reduces the mark.

While the end of the meeting is whistled (4-2 victory of the Blues), I leave to question the supporters still able to answer me, disappointed but proud.

“We endured the war, we built this country.

We have a big heart like that, and no one will take it away from us.

This final is already huge for our country”, Nikola slips to me before taking a beer shower.

At his side, his friend offers me an almost dry T-shirt and congratulates me on the victory.

Here, everyone will continue to party in the warmth of summer.

Except me.

Late at night, once my articles have been written, I go out into the streets of Zagreb and allow myself a cold beer or two, in the mild Croatian night.

The bars have the good idea to rebroadcast long summaries of the match for the 25th time of the evening.

No one is watching anymore.

Except me.

I finally discover this final and savor this victory.

Thank you Zagreb, thank you

20 Minutes

, thank you Les Bleus.

These memories will live on forever.

Culture

"20 Minutes" is 20 years old: Do you remember?

On May 13, 2018, Madame Monsieur represents France at Eurovision

Sport

"20 Minutes" is 20 years old: Do you remember?

When Martin Fourcade highlighted French biathlon

  • Sport

  • 20 minutes

  • Zagreb

  • Croatia

  • World Cup 2018

  • Soccer

  • France football team

  • Support