Croatia has a population of four million, like a half of Hong Kong.  This geographically small country declared independence in 1991, and its national soccer team has been recognised by FIFA since 1993.  Many players in this year's squad have experienced the Croatian War of Independence.  The real eye-popper is Croatia had been 1-0 down three games in a row and had overturned all of them during the Russia 2018.  All these games went to extra time, of which two even required penalty kicks!  With great perseverance and endless reserves of energy, Croatia entered the final.  Notwithstanding the defeat by France, Croatia has been seen as the World Cup champion in the eyes of the public.

At times, we are amidst untoward circumstances or chaos.  When we see no future, try playing back the Russia 2018 marches in which Croatia had partaken.  The one that Iceland held Argentina to a draw is also worth revisiting.  Not only may you confirm that adversity could really be reversed, but you will also be keenly aware of the power of peer support.  Luke Modric never fights alone.  You will never walk alone.

Again, it is not necessary to only indulge ourselves in the good old days.  The rise of Kylian Mbappè suggests that teenagers are able to score a goal in the World Cup final as what Pelè did 60 years ago.  You, in the teenage or early twenties, have a lot of room for writing the history of future.

Sincerely yours,

Irene Ng
Director
I·CARE Centre for Whole-person Development