What was the feeling in Croatia when they played in the FIFA World Cup Final over the weekend? I had to find out.
On this episode of the Pacers Podcast, I called up former Pacer forward Damjan Rudež, a native of Zagreb, Croatia. While he’s not a huge soccer fan, the monthlong run by Croatia, with a population just over 4.1 million people, was special and impactful for the professional basketball player.
France ultimately won, 4-2.
Rudež, who’s 32 years old, has represented his country several times in international competition, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a FIBA World Cup. But this was different. This was memorable — and he explains why.
“This is more than I’ve ever felt proud in my life. I swear. I can’t even tell you. It’s the state of catharsis and exhilaration.”
He was a little excited, can’t you tell?
FINALE!!!!!!!!!!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????— Damjan Rudež (@Damjan_Rudez) July 11, 2018
This was part of the celebration.
Writing ✍️ history #comingbacktozagreb #wordcup pic.twitter.com/sU11SdTJVZ— Rok Stipcevic (@RStipcevic) July 16, 2018
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Topics Discussed:

* The emotions sweeping Croatia after their fun to the World Cup Final
* The homecoming celebration for the team, the streets filled with 300,000-plus fans
* Whether he communicated with any ex-teammates from France, like Ian Mahinmi
* Playing three years in the NBA
* The process of finding a team overseas and recently signing with UCAM Murcia