Party time for Croatia

SPORTS scientists around the world are scratching their heads in bewilderment.

Croatia’s national team is a throwback to a bygone semi-professional era when changerooms resembled bars.

Yet it has swept all before it to reach Monday morning’s World Cup final against France.

While the English FA posted social media videos of the players’ yoga class, the Three Lions may have thought they had a foot in the final with the Croatian federation’s official pages posting videos of its team celebrating the Russia win by standing on tables and chairs while singing along to local classics — beer and scotch flowing.

Come game day, it was England that capitulated, finishing with 10 players as Kieran Tripper limped off after four subs had been made.

Croatia upped the ante after the semi-final, recruiting popular Croatian singer Mladen Grdovic into the hotel — players sipped gemišt (spritzer) while belting out a medley — Luka Modric front and centre while coach Zlatko Dalic filmed.

Josip Skoko has a unique grasp on both cultures having played for Hajduk Split for six years. He said the approach showed a human element remained in the game.

“In the Croatian culture and this team, they feel the need to celebrate [such moments],” Skoko said.

And the celebrations — if Croatia gets up in the final — promise to be epic.