Congratulations arrive for the Vatreni

Among the first to offer their congratulations to HNS and the Vatreni were numerous international football associations:

"I would like to convey my heartfelt and sincere congratulations to you, all Croatian players, technical staff and whom contributed to this great achievement to play the FIFA World Cup final in Moscow," wrote Vice-President of the Turkish FA Servet Yardımcı in a letter addressed to HNS's President Davor Šuker.

"The Croatian team took the world by storm, showing beautiful football and impressive will on your road to the final in Moscow. This was also shown at the very exciting Round of 16 match between our two nations in Nizhny Novgorod on 1 July," said President of the FA of Denmark Jesper Møller.

"The Vatreni displayed exemplary dedication and motivation throughout the tournament, and impressed us all with their skill and solid performance. There is no doubt that your team was one of the best teams in the competition, and they deserve the utmost commendation for their achievements," stated President of the Japanese FA Tashima Kohzo.

"The Croatian national team played excellent games and displayed the highest level of organizations, tactics and mastery during the Tournament. Placing in the final of such a major sports event is proof of the quality work done by the Croatian FA, as well as of the talent of this generation," wrote President of the FA of Slovenia Radenko Mijatović.

"We believe that this historical result for Croatia and Luka Modrić's Golden Ball award will inspire new generations of Croatian players to carry on the legacy," stated President of the Azerbaijani FA Rovnag Abdullayev and General Secretary Elkhan Mammadov.

HNS was honored to receive further congratulations from the FA of Portugal, the FA of Switzerland, the FA of Hungary, the FA of Lichtenstein, the FA of Bahrain, the FA of Lebanon, the FA of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the FA of Grenada, the FA of Kosovo, the FA of Albania, and the FA of Palestine.

The success of the Vatreni was addressed by Croatian Cardinal Josip Bozanić:

"If ever a grain of sadness appears in your heart because you have not lifted and brought home the golden statue meant for the champions, remember that your silver, your hard work and sacrifices, your unity and love have brought Croatia something of much greater value: you have brought joy and hope to your Croatian homeland."

Letters of congratulations aarrived from the Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandić, the Mayor of Split Andro Krstulović Opara, the Mayor of Slavonski Brod Mirko Duspara and the Mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Franković:

"You have made us happy and proud, you have made us all breathe as one and you have helped us show once again how much we love Croatia," wrote Franković.

"You have made history and have become our most successful generation," stated Bandić.

Croatian Member of the European Parliament Dubravka Šuica expressed her support:

"Thank you for making the most beautiful story in Croatian football a reality! Your silver is our gold!"

The Vatreni also received congratulations from a number of Croatian football clubs, including Rijeka:

"Croatia has not slept for nights. You have returned joy, indescribable happiness, and pride to our streets, squares, hearts, and homes. Thank you for that."

"You should take pride in the way you have promoted Croatia and our football as we take pride in everything that you have done," stated a letter from Dinamo. Further congratulations arrived from Rudeš.

HNS also received letters from the European Olympic Committee, the Croatian Olympic Committee, the Croatian Olympians' Club, the Croatian Basketball Federation, the Croatian Athletics Federation, the Croatian Weightlifting Federation, the Split Sports Federation of the Deaf, and many other members of the Croatian sports family.

"The silver medal that you have won for Croatia shines brightly. You have shown us that the top is reached through unity and hard work, but also through knowledge and having a big heart," wrote President of the Croatian Handball Federation Tomislav Grahovac.

"We congratulate you on this historic success for Croatian sports and on winning the title of world vice-champions. We especially congratulate captain Luka Modrić on his well-deserved award for Best Player of the FIFA World Cup in Russia," stated a letter from the Croatian Sailing Federation.

Letters bearing supports and congratulations were also sent by State Secretary Janica Kostelić and the Central State Office for Sports, the City Assembly of the City of Zagreb, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (Regional Chamber of Rijeka), Autism Association Pogled, the Croatian National Council of Montenegro, the Croatian Teachers' Union, the Croatian Physicians' Association, the Croatian Helsinki Committee of Human Rights, the Olympic Committee of Iran, the FA of Zagreb, the FA of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Croatian Bridge Federation, FC Hrvatski Dragovoljac, FC Arsenal Tivat, FC Novigrad, HC Podravka Koprivnica, HC Dugopolje, Zenta Sailing Club, Kutina Sports Center, the "Napredak" Croatian Cultural Society, the Croatian World Congress, the Alka Knights Society, the Croatian Sports Museum, Hrvace Municipality, Mostarska Panorama Radio, and many others. HNS and the Vatreni thank everyone for their kind words and congratulations.

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