World Cup runners-up welcomed as heroes in Croatia
Zagreb (Croatia), July 17 : Croatia's national football team rode through this capital in triumph aboard an open-top bus for more than five hours on their return from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they reached the final before succumbing 2-4 to France.
More than 500,000 people, according to police, filled the streets of Zagreb - population 800,000 - to welcome the squad home on Monday.
"We have realized our dream," team captain and Real Madrid standout Luka Modric said, reports Efe.
Modric, who was voted best player of the 2018 World Cup for his part in leading dark horse Croatia to the final, then led the multitude in singing a traditional patriotic song.
Another star, Ivan Rakitic, was greeted with chants of "Ivan, Ivan, Ivan."
"It's impossible to describe these feelings," the FC Barcelona midfielder said adding: "We are truly proud of having defended our colors."
Croatia, a nation of roughly 4.5 million people, became the second-smallest country to reach a World Cup final behind two-time winners Uruguay.
?? What a welcome for #WorldCup silver medallist in Zagreb. ??#BeProud #CRO #FlamingPride #Vatreni? #Family pic.twitter.com/v0HqUFc8aZ
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 16, 2018
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Davangere: Two policemen injured in stone pelting during Ganesha procession
Davangere: Reports state that two groups engaged in stone pelting at each other during Ganesha idol immersion ceremony in Davangere on Thursday. Two police personnel were injured in the incident.
Few days ago, two groups of youth engaged in verbal altercation regarding raising of a flag for Eid Milad celebration. On account of the clashes, police had heightened security for the Ganesha procession. Despite the additional security, stones were pelted at the procession, sources stated. Inspector Gururaj and constable Raghavendra were injured in the incident. The procession continued after the police brought the situation to control. However, the stone pelting resumed once again as the procession surged forwards.
Security has been tightened up in the area and all shops have been closed down by the police. The two police personnel, who were injured in the stone pelting, are undergoing treatment at a hospital.
