Croatian president takes economy class flight to Russia to cheer WC team

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has flown economy class to Russia to cheer on her nation’s football team at the FIFA World Cup.

Croatia’s first female president said she wanted to show that she is a football fan ‘like everyone else’.

Grabar-Kitarovic shared a photo with other passengers on the Jul 1 flight on her Facebook page.

She arrived in time for her team’s round of 16 clash with Denmark and watched the game from the stands alongside other football fans.

"I wanted to showcase that I am a football fan, like everyone else; I wanted to support the team among other fans in the stands. I put on a shirt with national symbols, whereas the dress code in the VIP zone, which usually presupposes long gowns, wouldn’t have permitted such an outfit," the Russian website Sportbox quoted her as saying.

After Croatia won the penalty shootout she went to the team’s changing rooms to give them hugs and congratulate the coach and players.

She congratulated Russia for their victory against Spain and said she looked forward to the match on Sunday, reports Sputnik.

Croatia beat Russia in penalties and proceeded to a semi-final encounter against England on Thursday.