Zagreb (IKA) – After the Croatian national soccer qualified for the finals of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, the celebrated Croatian athlete Blanka Vlašić said on Croatian Catholic Radio that she has been feeling particularly emotional these days. “It’s as if I were with them. I had nearly the same emotion as when I did high jumps. I cannot describe the feeling when you defend the colors of your country. It is very difficult to express. The palpable sense of community was definitely the twelfth player on the field. One heart that beats for victory. The players feel it. We feel how the fans want us to be good, which uplifts us,” said Vlašić.
She also commented on the team’s coach, Zlatko Dalić, who thanks God and expresses his reliance on God’s help in every statement. “There is an evangelization taking place that is very powerful at this moment for all of Croatia. I am happy every time athletes or public figures acknowledge to whom thanks must be given at a moment of great success. The Lord is glorified through them, which makes my heart rejoice because God loves humble hearts. We athletes have a problem with our big egos. We are accustomed to being raised on a pedestal and adored, which actually lead to ruin. And then when we see the players and coach thanking God, our hearts swell. … Last night, after we won, our whole group prayed a decade of the Rosary in gratitude to Our Lady. In those moments of euphoria, you remember for whom and why … and humbly give thanks. These are truly special moments. I am happy that our players and coach are not afraid to bear public witness.”