Croatia’s epic World Cup victory over Brazil turned into theatre

(Kazalište Lutonjica Toporko/HNS)

In a collaboration between the Croatian Football Federation and the artistic organisation “Kazalište Lutonjica Toporko,” a theatrical project titled “Raspucavanje” (Shootout) was unveiled on Monday. 

This project serves as a preventive campaign aimed at promoting diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity among elementary school children. 

The focal point of the campaign is the theatrical performance “Shootout,” which depicts the dramatic quarterfinal of the World Cup in Qatar, where Croatia celebrated an epic victory against Brazil.

The campaign, titled “Shootout – a theatrical project for elementary school children,” seeks to install values of acceptance and unity among young students, combating racism and discrimination not only in football but also in society at large. 

Through dialogues and conversations in the play, the production delves into societal discrimination based on nationality, gender, and other grounds, addressing the social misconceptions transferred to the youngest individuals during their formative years.

During the press conference, actors Jakov Jozić, Jan Novosel, and Roko Raguž, along with director and screenwriter Vido Balog, were joined by Croatian football stars Bruno Petković and Mislav Oršić—the goal scorer and assistant in the legendary victory against Brazil. 

Additionally, two key players from that triumph, Dominik Livaković and Nikola Vlašić, addressed the audience through video messages.

Livaković, the hero between the posts for Croatia, reflected on the pivotal match, stating, “I often remember that game; it’s one of the most important matches in my life.” He emphasised the pride and happiness he felt after saving the first penalty and expressed his satisfaction with the match inspiring a theatrical production.

Vlašić, who played a crucial role in the victory, shared, “The truth is, I volunteered to take the first penalty; I had confidence and didn’t hesitate much.” He added that the emotions didn’t end with the penalty but continued with various other feelings.

A significant moment in the play revolves around Petković’s equalising goal in the 117th minute, earning Croatia the chance to advance through a penalty shootout. Petković shared, “Watching my goal from all angles, you realise its significance. That feeling cannot be compared to anything else.”

“Kazalište ne smije zapostaviti temu sporta. Treba se ugledati i na hrvatske reprezentativce, taj duh i tu snagu treba prenijeti u međusobne odnose”

🎭 Predstavljen je kazališni projekt “Raspucavanje” odnosno preventivna kampanja nastala u suradnji Hrvatskog nogometnog saveza i… pic.twitter.com/DAt6afooTU

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 27, 2023

The director, Balog, underscored the connection between theatre and sports, emphasising the vital role of tolerance and discrimination prevention. “Theatre and sports have been intertwined since ancient Greece. Croatian society is somewhat divided, and sport, through the national team and the football association, can unite us,” he said.

One of the actors, Jakov Jozić, briefly introduced the characters, stating that the play primarily targets upper-grade elementary students and first-year high school students. With the support of the Croatian Football Federation, the play will be performed in elementary schools across the country.

The storyline follows three boys sent for punishment due to their mischievous behaviour on the day of the match against Brazil. The audience will discover the details of their antics during the punishment by watching “Shootout.” 

The grand premiere is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, at 2:00 PM at the Trešnjevka Culture Centre in Zagreb.