Danijel Subašić: Effort and hard work to become a nation's hero

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Shortly following Vedran Ćorluka's and Mario Mandžukić's international retirement, Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subašić also confirmed his withdrawal from the national team, as the 33-year-old completed two full campaigns - EURO 2016 and 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

Subašić has made his debut for the Croatia senior national team in November 2009, in a Vinkovci friendly against Lichtenstein, and in the Stipe Pletikosa's era he got several more opportunities in friendlies, until the competitive debut against Malta in September 2014, at the beginning of the road to France.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Conceding on only five occasions, Subašić joined in celebrations as Croatia secured final tournament berth, and proceeded to save a Sergio Ramos penalty as the Vatreni managed to defeat the reigning champions Spain.

He also contributed to a tough, but successful qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Russia, where he deservedly became one of the nation's heroes.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Subašić was selected for the Nigeria and Argentina victories in group stage, and then saved three Denmark efforts in the decisive Round of 16 penalty shootout, repeating Ricardo's record-breaking effort from Germany 2006.

However, this was not the end of Subašić's heroics. Several days later, in the quarterfinals stage, the hosts from Russia failed to score two more penalties as Croatia's goalie paved the path towards the magnificent semifinals clash with England. This time, his fantastic intervention denied Kane from scoring second England's goal and allowed Croatia to come back and secure World Cup final berth.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

It was France to claim the title, but Croatia brought home the historic silver, courtesy of Danijel Subašić as well as others. Therefore, he could close the international chapter of his career with a head held high.

"There is nothing to regret, we have to go home feeling proud. We have managed to bring joy to people of Croatia, and they rarely have something to be happy about. It's not a small thing to be second best", he stated.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

The goalkeeper who was a regural at keeping the team spirit at a high level will continue his club career at Monaco, where he has already won the first and second division titles, alongside individual awards for the best keeper in France. Besides, he even managed to score a goal for Monaco, from a free-kick against Boulogne.

Before departing to Monaco, he played for Zadar and Hajduk, winning a Croatian Cup at Split. From his hometown, he preserved a friendship with tragically deceased Hrvoje Ćustić - Subašić wears a shirt with his name in every match.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"Subašić can be relied upon, we can be confident", said the former Croatia manager Niko Kovač when Subašić took over Pletikosa's duties. Subašić proved him right - and more.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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