France were crowned champions after a month of top action in Russia. Croatian skipper Luka Modric won the Golden Ball, England’s Harry Kane clinched the Golden Boot while Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove.
However, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović won many hearts worldwide despite her side losing in the final to deserve mention for the moment of the day. Standing firm in her support for the national team in Russia, Kolinda had been an epitome of grace and footballing passion.
Even when things were against her team in the knockout stages, she kept her poise and maintained calm in triumph. It was only natural then that she garnered wide-spread admiration after her team went down to the French in the title clash of the biggest football tournament in the world.
Tusker Lager
Seated next to French President Emmanuel Macron, Kolinda followed every on-field move closely. She congratulated Macron when the French took the lead, cheered when her team fought back and eventually walked hand-in-hand with her French counterpart after the end of the match.
Even on the podium and under pouring rain, Kolinda - wearing the jersey of the national team - made it a point to stand tall and congratulate every single French player and official that came up.
Ahead of the quarter-finals, President Kolinda flew in economy class with fellow Croatian football fans from Zagreb to support her country. Her trip along with the many group selfies she took with the fans became the talk of the internet.
After the successful game, she paid a surprise visit to the Croatian team in the locker room. Despite the young men being all hot and sweaty, President Grabar-Kitarović did not hesitate to give the team members congratulatory hugs and encouragement. Her joy and pride in their performance was palpable.