Ivana Knoll, dubbed the "world's sexiest soccer fan", has landed in Germany for Euro 2024 and witnessed Croatia suffer a 3-0 defeat to Spain in her country's opening match.
The former "Miss Croatia" - who boats more than three million followers on Instagram - became an internet sensation during the 2022 World Cup, where she cheered on her country until they were ousted in the semi-finals by the champions Argentina. Knoll's social media presence exploded as she donned Croatian flag-inspired attire at the Euros' kickoff.
Knoll shared her unforgettable Qatar experience, stating: "Qatar was a crazy experience, I never thought something could happen like that. When things settled down, and I realised what had really happened, it was something that I will never forget.
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"Everything was amazing, the success of my country and I did things in Qatar that helped many women after me. I was happy about everything that happened."
Post-World Cup, Knoll has become quite the celebrity, keeping her Instagram fans entertained with regular updates. However, her first outing at Euro 2024 saw Croatia fall short.
Spain triumphed with goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal, leaving Croatia with a mountain to climb in its group. Reflecting on the loss, Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic extended an apology to supporters for the team's lackluster display.
"It was a great atmosphere," he said. "I don't know how many Croatia supporters were here today. I apologise for this bad show today... It was amazing how many of them travelled here and my message is that I apologise to them.
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"We weren't aggressive enough, we were too far away from their players. We gave them too much space and when you give such players so much space, it is difficult. Especially in the first half."
Croatia will be eager to make a comeback as the team face Albania on Wednesday and Knoll is likely to be present. "Of course I want Croatia to win, and I support Germany as I was born and raised here," she told The Sun ahead of the tournament.
"I think that France is one of the best teams, I'm sad to say that as we lost to them but they are an incredible team. I think England has a big chance also. I'm sad England doesn't have the best team selected but as a Croatia fan I'm happy."