The Courier introduces Vancouverites who are devoted to the World Cup and following their national team from afar in coffee shops on Commercial Drive, pubs in Strathcona and convenience stores on Robson Street.
The accompanying schedule is set to Vancouver time.
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Every time Croatia puts the ball in the box in a World Cup soccer match, a wave of noise wells up at the Croatian Cultural Centre. When that ball hits the net, the wave crashes with a deafening sound from hundreds of ecstatic fans.
The cheers from the centre on Commercial Drive were deafening Wednesday during Croatia’s 4-0 drubbing of Cameroon, a win that keeps “Bilic’s Boys” in the hunt to advance to the Round of 16. Vancouver’s Croatian Centre established itself as the place to follow the national team in 1998 when the side — formed only seven years after Croatia became an independent state — had its best ever World Cup appearance on the talent of a so-called Golden Generation.
“The centre grew into a hub for Croatians to come and watch games and 1998 definitely sparked that because of our positive result,” said Ante Pocrnic, who helps organize the viewings where supporters also congregate to celebrate Croatia SC, the metro men’s soccer team that won provincials and will contend for the national title later this summer.
For Croatia’s opening game against host Brazil on June 12, approximately 900 people filled the atrium.
“It was great to see Croatia on the world stage, not just because we’re proud Croatians but because the whole world was watching,” said Pocrnic. “It’s been a passionate thing for me since day one. To finally see us on the world stage is an honour to all Croatians.”
Pocrnic and his seven-year-old son Ivan told us what it means to support the Vatreni, or Blazers.
What does the typical fan drink?
AP: The typical fan has a quick brandy and a beer to calm the nerves and off they go. Then it’s the majority beer. We like to support domestic [Canadian] beer.
What does a fan eat?
AP: We have traditional food here that we serve: Croatian-style sausages with cabbage rolls.
What is your favourite World Cup memory?
AP: 1998 when Croatia finished third in the world. That’s definitely the highlight of our, let’s say, young soccer country. We got out of our groups stage and played Germany, we won 3-0, I believe, and that got us to into the semifinals and we lost to France. [Croatia then beat the Netherlands to finish third overall.]
What is your favourite Croatia goal?
AP: Robert Jarni against Germany [in 1998]. That put us up 2-0 late in the fist half, which dictated the outcome of the game.
Who is your favourite player?
Ivan Pocrnic: [Mario] Mandzukic because he runs really fast!
If not Croatia, who will win?
AP: Germany.
