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Dark horses Croatia an example to unruly fans

Croatian coach Ante Cacic said his heroic players are an example the country's unruly fans should follow after shocking European champions Spain 2-1 to top their Euro 2016 group.

Flares thrown by Croatian fans halted their side's momentum in a 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic on Friday and saw the country's football federation fined 100 000 euros ($113 000).

However, despite threats of a repeat in Bordeaux, the Croatian fans were on their best behaviour to celebrate a glorious night as they ended the two-time defending champions 15-game unbeaten record in the European Championship finals.

"We achieved first place and I can be really satisfied that in all three matches we were really aggressive, we played to win," said Cacic after the Group D drama.

"We had great support from Croats all over the world and we have to fight to make all the Croatian people happy.

"These players are showing how you have to represent and play for your country and how you have to behave."

Croatia are now in a dream part of the draw as they meet a third-placed team in the last 16 in Lens on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Spain face a murderers' row of Italy and then potentially Germany and France to reach the final.

"I am aware winning against Spain is a huge achievement, now we can be really confident. We can show how strong we are," added Cacic.
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