Fans turn out to watch World Cup final

<p>New Jersey soccer fans gathered Sunday to watch Croatia and France face off in the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2018, 4:00 PM

Updated 2,281 days ago

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New Jersey soccer fans gathered Sunday to watch Croatia and France face off in the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966.
Crowds attended a World Cup block party hosted by a Croatian social club in Fairview at Anderson Avenue and Walker Street. Many fans were backing Croatia, which played in the final for its first time ever.
A prolific game gave way to France when two goals were scored in the 59th minute – but the warning signs were there. Croatia's Mario Mandzukic inadvertently headed the ball into his own net in the 18th minute.
France’s 4-2 win marked France's second World Cup title in 20 years.
“Obviously the loss hurts, but we’re all here together to celebrate making it this far,” said Sara Hroncic, of Fort Lee.
The loss did not put an end to the celebration.
"It is what it is,” said another fan. “I'm proud of them no matter what. Proud Croat."
Croatia fans in Bergen County were proud of the team despite the defeat, celebrating their hard work and the achievement of Croatia becoming the second smallest country to make it this far in the World Cup.
AP wires contributed to this report.