Croatia as a country loves football. You know that when your country's president watches the home matches  from the stands along with fans, instead of from the VIP box.

Croatia which was considered the dark horse of the tournament is all set to take on France in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Sunday. Croatians are showing their love to the team by flying the national flag are everywhere, people walking the streets wearing the national team's soccer jerseys and even dogs sporting red-and-white collars.

Despite rainy weather, thousands of people are expected to gather on city squares throughout the country to watch the game live on screens.

Croatians enjoying the carnival atmosphere say that whatever the outcome, their team has already achieved a great deal.

Barbara Selendic says "we are all joyful, we have forgotten everyday worries for a few days. Now we want to see a good match."

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic says the country should use the feel-good factor to drive reform and pull out of an economic crisis.