The Big European Dreams of a World Cup Finalist

Lawmakers back pro-euro central bank chief for another term
EU’s newest member seeks to enter euro waiting room by 2020

Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia in Moscow on July 11, 2018.Photographer: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe

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By Michael Winfrey, Jasmina Kuzmanovic, and Gordana Filipovic

July 12, 2018 at 3:32 PM UTC

Updated on

July 13, 2018 at 12:16 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Croatia is brimming with confidence, and its leaders think it’s time for the European Union’s newest member to take a step up on the global stage as well.

A cabinet meeting in Zagreb on Thursday kicked off with every minister proudly wearing the national soccer team’s jersey in celebration of the 2-1 World Cup victory over England. Having joined the elite group of nations that have made it to the final, Croatia has another club in its sights: the euro zone. The goal was confirmed on Friday as lawmakers backed a pro-euro central bank Governor Boris Vujcic for a new six-year mandate.