Pre-match atmosphere in Lyon

04.07.98 17h49 CET

The city of LYON is expecting nearly 25 000 Croatian and German supporters for the quarter final on 4 July. Coming from all over the world they are making the most of the few hours they have before the game to visit the 'city of lights' and its surroundings. Around the Gerland stadium, the mobile homes with foreign number-plates, can be seen side by side in perfect FIFA fair play style.

"I've come here especially from Australia to follow my team. I don't have a ticket, but I'm ready to pay 10 000 francs to get one!". Zlatko has rediscovered his native country by meeting up with the young people who have come especially from CROATIA to support their national team wherever they play. Young people like Zoran, has not missed a single match, "I spent 25 hours in a bus to get to FRANCE, so a few hundred kilometres between the cities isn't going to make any difference to me. His chequered shirt tied around his waist, he says with a proud glint in his eye, "I am really satisfied with our team. For our first World Cup appearance, we've really done well."

Here in the capital of Gaul since Thursday, the supporters are looking for familiar sights, a baseball cap in the Croatian colours here, a team shirt there. The most important moment of the day, the players training session scheduled at the Gerland pitch where the fans had converged, "We want to show them, no matter what happens, that we are with them all the way" affirms Zlatko.

Marc, a Lyonnais of Croatian origin has once again become 'Marko' during this World Cup, "I'm worried that the refereeing will favour the big teams. However, we've got what it takes to make it. If we lose, we will still party in the streets of LYON to celebrate our great performances during the tournament."

For Peter, a young 20 year-old German, the fact that GERMANY has reached this quarter final stage was never in doubt. Surprised however by the performances of their future opponents, he gives credit to them and has respect for their combative spirit.