Fans turn out to watch World Cup final

<p>New Jersey soccer fans gathered Sunday to watch Croatia and France face off in the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2018, 4:00 PM

Updated 2,113 days ago

Share:

New Jersey soccer fans gathered Sunday to watch Croatia and France face off in the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966.
Crowds attended a World Cup block party hosted by a Croatian social club in Fairview at Anderson Avenue and Walker Street. Many fans were backing Croatia, which played in the final for its first time ever.
A prolific game gave way to France when two goals were scored in the 59th minute – but the warning signs were there. Croatia's Mario Mandzukic inadvertently headed the ball into his own net in the 18th minute.
France’s 4-2 win marked France's second World Cup title in 20 years.
“Obviously the loss hurts, but we’re all here together to celebrate making it this far,” said Sara Hroncic, of Fort Lee.
The loss did not put an end to the celebration.
"It is what it is,” said another fan. “I'm proud of them no matter what. Proud Croat."
Croatia fans in Bergen County were proud of the team despite the defeat, celebrating their hard work and the achievement of Croatia becoming the second smallest country to make it this far in the World Cup.
AP wires contributed to this report.


More from News 12
0:24
Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

1:45
Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds in Connecticut

Breezy conditions, chilly temperatures and clouds in Connecticut

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

1:46
Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm