Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic commented on Friday on the upcoming World Cup final match between France and Croatia, which is to take place on Sunday in Moscow.

“I am very excited and I can’t wait for Sunday, and I believe we will win. Regardless of the final result, we have won already,” Grabar-Kitarovic said.

She added that this generation, led by coach Zlatko Dalic, has surpassed the previous, legendary generation which won third place in the 1998 World Cup in France.

This is Croatia’s first ever World Cup final.

We must take advantage of this spirit of optimism to begin positive changes in Croatia, and I believe, after talking with other heads of state in Brussels and economic analysts, that this atmosphere can lead to an economic upsurge if we use it well, she said.

Asked to comment on the earlier announcement by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic that the national football stadium should be built, she said that this was absolutely necessary, and something she has supported herself for a long time.

This is a national project around which we must unite, she said, adding it should be seen as an investment in the future and a promotion of sport as an activity which aids not only in maintaining physical health, but also mental focus.

She confirmed she would be present at the final match in Moscow on Sunday.

“I am going to the match not just as the president, but as an enthusiastic supporter of the Croatian national team, as well as other teams, and as someone who played football as a child,” she said.

The president did not wish to predict the final score, saying she was not good at predictions, but adding that the score was not as important, as long as it’s a victory for Croatia.

She added she expected fair play and a good atmosphere at the match.

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