She wore the team shirt and cheered as Croatia faced France in a thrilling World Cup final on Sunday. Later, soaked by the rain, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović smiled in defeat and hugged every player from both teams as the winners were given their medals. By the end of the day, it was the Croatian president who had emerged as her country’s star of the tournament. Mediatoolkit, a Zagreb-based analytics company, found 25% more focus on her in news stories about the final than any of the players on the pitch, including the Golden Ball award winner, Luka Modrić, as well as Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić. More than 80% of the stories were positive, Mediatoolkit said, for a woman who travelled to Russia at her own expense in economy class and often watched from the non-VIP stands – missing only the semi-final against England because it clashed with the Nato summit. Boris Dežulović, a journalist and political commentator, said: “Her presence at the World Cup could definitely be described as an extended pre-election video. “She has used this to reinforce her PR strategy of being the people’s president. This is something she has been doing in Croatia for a while now. “Instead of being limited to the Croatian public, this campaign video of sorts was seen by billions of people all over the world.” Grabar-Kitarović was elected president in 2015, presented as the new “polished” face of the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). The party faced a slew of corruption charges over the years, the most noteworthy being those involving the former prime minister Ivo Sanader, who is involved in five overlapping corruption trials. Grabar-Kitarović, largely a HDZ bureaucrat until the 2015 election campaign, embraced the party’s legacy as the representative of the conservative and patriotic right, joining the lengthy protests and sit-ins of Croatian war veterans that coincided with the pre-electoral campaign. However, with her foreign education, excellent command of English and previous high-ranking position in Nato, Grabar-Kitarović stood in stark contrast to the former generals and brutish local mayors usually associated with the HDZ. Her performance in the World Cup is perhaps the clearest indicator of her role in the HDZ and Croatia’s political sphere, where the president is head of state and the country’s chief representative at home and abroad. While the prime minister, Andrej Plenković, is tasked with negotiating with the head of Russia’s Sberbank, the largest single creditor of Croatia’s biggest and most troubled conglomerate, Grabar-Kitarović exchanged jerseys with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Executive and operational powers reside in Plenković’s government. Grabar-Kitarović is focused on promoting the values that a large part of the Croatian electorate holds dear – love of country and church – and for the president, another term.<doc-sep>Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenkovic and his ministers on Thursday held a session dressed in red and white checkered jerseys to celebrate the nations's victory over England in the World Cup semi-final. Croatia reached their first final of a World Cup after a come-from-behind 2-1 win over England. They will face France in the final on Sunday. "What happened yesterday in Moscow is the best possible promotion for the country on a global level. This is success for a small country with huge heart," Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said at the beginning of the cabinet session. The World Cup fever has gripped the whole of Croatia. Earlier, the country's president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic attended the quarter-finals match against Russia by wearing the team's jersey while in the VIP box supporting Croatia. She even celebrated the victory with the players in the locker room. Croatia have a population of of 4.3 million and they are smallest nation in population terms to reach a World Cup final since Uruguay's win in 1950. Until now, Croatia's greatest moment on the football pitch was reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 1998, the country's first tournament after becoming independent. In 1998, Croatia lost to France in the semi-finals and the Sunday match will be an opportunity to settle the score. "Maybe that game has historical significance, maybe the dear Lord is giving us the chance to settle a score," Dalic said. "We reached the final, we want to play the final, France had one extra day to recover but there will be no excuses. "Today nobody wanted to be substituted. Nobody wanted to say I am not ready. In extra time nobody wanted to be taken off." The French beat Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday to book their spot in the final, giving them one more day of rest ahead of Sunday's showcase match at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. "We haven't said our last word, there is still one more game to go. God willing, we will be world champions. "This tournament will be won by a team with character. We were a goal down in three games in a row. We have shown character. We will now celebrate, rest and then prepare for France. It is another daunting task but we are ready for it," Dalic added. (With Reuters inputs)<doc-sep>Croatian President celebrating after their second goal grabbed all eye-balls. Croatian President celebrating after their second goal grabbed all eye-balls. With Croatia advancing to the World Cup final for the first time, a video clip of the country’s president celebrating wildly from the stands went viral a few days ago. Croatia’s first female President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic was in attendance on the night her team dumped hosts Russia out of the tournament following a 4-3 penalty shootout win. Seated beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev in the VIP section, she was seen raising her hands and doing a little victory dance to celebrated Croatia’s second goal. Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović dances in front of Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev during today’s match. pic.twitter.com/aDgkmCbHVY — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 7, 2018 Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev (right) is not amused by the celebration by Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (left in red & white) #RUS #CRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gn0K1FX6Sd — Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) July 7, 2018 The icing on the cake was that win for Come on England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and The President Of Croatia 🇭🇷 celebrating the goals against Russia 🇷🇺 She was epic too. I would wish Uganda for a president like that. Firstly she… https://t.co/g13BWQB9Tg — EvaMbabazi (@EvaMbabazi_) July 7, 2018 This is the lady who inspired Croatia tonight. She was present. She shouted horse. She screamed. She jumped. She shook Dimitr’s hand. Yes, she is more than a mother to the Croats. Hail Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. pic.twitter.com/H4QeNvh5z7 — Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) July 7, 2018 Unbelievable drama at the very last moment in #WorldCup Tremendous goalkeeper of both sides, bad luck for Russia and Congratulations Croatia. Celebration of Croatian President after second goal was pretty awesome!#RUSCRO #WorldCupRussia — Aminul Joy (@aminuljoy_du) July 7, 2018 Videos of her celebrating in the locker room with players too are doing rounds on the Internet and Netizens can’t stop praising her. This is so inspiring! #Croatia’s president celebrates with players after they beat #Russia and secured a place in #WorldCup semifinals … pic.twitter.com/E4AaAyN0hL — shaimaa khalil BBC (@Shaimaakhalil) July 7, 2018 A tak prezydent Chorwacji pani Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović świętuje z piłkarzami awans do półfinału Mistrzostw Świata 2018. Jest moc w tej drużynie! 🔥🔥💪⚽️🏆 #RUS #CRO #RUSCRO #Mundial18 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5I1zXy5I8I — Dawid Wiejata (@DawidWiejata) July 7, 2018 In the sea of men all in blues, the bright spot in red/white checked shirt and red trousers is President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović celebrating #CRO #WorldCup win against #RUS in the locker room 💃🏾. This is the spirit. This is why football is the beautiful game 😆 pic.twitter.com/bxQEwSwU7R — Victoria Uwonkunda (@Msuwonkunda) July 7, 2018 This was not the first time that her support to the team has made headlines. In an earlier match against Denmark, a picture of her cheering Croatia from the stands along with other fans has gone viral. Let’s take a moment and appreciate the president of Croatia #RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/S6wT9yUQm3 — nikoleta (@nniikoleta) July 7, 2018 Croatia’s President, Grabar-Kitarovic, gave her team tremendous moral support by being there personally. She really won my heart. Cheers to women leaders out there. RT @ammarawrites #ruscro #fifaworldcup #worldcup pic.twitter.com/GMha6eYOdj — Ivan Lutrov (@lutrov) July 7, 2018 The Best President in the World… President Kilonda Grabar-Kitarovic of Croatia boarded economy class with fans to support their team during the Croatia vs Russia match. What an example!!!! Humility, Heart-warming, Patriotism, you name it! pic.twitter.com/yffkCKjiAm — Vision & Focus (@_VISIONANDFOCUS) July 8, 2018 The President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, flew to Russia with fans. A big fan of football, @KolindaGK is also a doctoral student, Fulbright scholar, Harvard grad, mum of two, former NATO assistant secretary general, ex-Croatian ambassador to the US & speaks 7 languages! pic.twitter.com/X2Gp9y7JAx — Rachel Glucina (@RachelGlucinaNZ) July 7, 2018 The President (CROATIA) Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović travelled with the fans to watch her countries quarter final match with Russia in Sochi. Common guys let’s win for our beautiful President. WE ARE CROATIA 🇭🇷🔥🔥🔥🔥#Worldcup pic.twitter.com/BhE8JVzmkL — Successful Seun (@bamconcept) July 7, 2018 The President of Croatia will definitely be down to earth. She wore her Fan ID just like everyone else and ignored the VIP treatment. 😍😘 Pls, how can I get to Croatia from Nigeria. I want to change nationality😢 . #RUSCRO pic.twitter.com/gjgrOY6biS — DoyinDoyenne (@doyin_rogba) July 7, 2018 And if this was not enough to make netizens fall in love with her, Grabar-Kitarovic flew economy class to Russia and even featured in a group picture with other passengers onboard the flight.<doc-sep>
Croatia is in need of a big second half to come away with a World Cup championship today. The Croatians are currently trailing France, 2-1, after 45 minutes of play. The French national team took a lead into halftime thanks to a penalty kick. The Croatian team will attempt to make its second half comeback with their country’s president cheering them on from the stands. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Croatia’s female president, flew straight to Russia from the Nato summit. Few people at the 2018 World Cup in Russia have gotten better reviews than Grabar-Kitarovic. She flew to Russia in economy class, sat in the stands with the fans at the game and then was upset when she couldn’t wear her Croatia jersey in the VIP area. #KolindaGrabarKitarovic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (1968) The First Woman President of Croatia, traveled with fans in economy class, and support their team with the crowds in the stadium. A country of such values, deserves a World Cup in Everything. CHAPEAU pic.twitter.com/usXddoLBMY — Lakany (@AOsamaLaqqany) July 7, 2018 It’s pretty awesome. Just got this Whatsapp post. Incredible, if true! “She flew economy class to Russia&watched the match with fans till recognized&offered a seat in the VIP area.She was unhappy though, as she wasn’t allowed to wear a team T-shirt in VIP area.Her identity?President of Croatia!” pic.twitter.com/w6GVOmh2XA — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 8, 2018 She recently presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Croatia jersey. WORLD CUP: Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic presented Russian President Vladimir Putin a Croatian soccer shirt with the name "Putin" printed across the back. Croatia is playing France in the World Cup final in Moscow right now. https://t.co/HiLk0yUqpL pic.twitter.com/a50F1Nziud — World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) July 15, 2018 She’s shown good sportsmanship so far today, but she is obviously hoping her team crushes all of France in the second half. Croatia President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic with President of France Emmanuel Macron alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the final match.#WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/NXK99kcV28 — The Gulf Today (@thegulftoday) July 15, 2018 The Sun has more details on her background: Grabar-Kitarovic was born on April 29, 1968 in Rijeka in the Croatian part of Yugoslavia. The Croatian president, 50, signed up to a student exchange programme while at school, spending a year at Los Alamos High School in New Mexico. She later studied in Zagreb, Vienna, Washington DC and Havard, before completing her doctoral studies in her home country three years ago. Grabar-Kitarovic is fluent in Croatian, English, Spanish and Portuguese, while she has some understanding of German, French and Italian. More details can be seen here. Croatia and France, meanwhile, are set to play the second half on FOX.