THE “World Cup’s hottest fan” has tried to cheer up crushed Croatian fans with a bikini-busting snap after they were beaten by Argentina.
Stunning Ivana Knoll hailed her nation’s football heroes for their incredible efforts after they crashed out of the tournament
But the brunette beauty also took the opportunity to share some choice words towards referee Daniele Orsato following his controversial penalty decision.
In a sizzling yet scathing social media post, the model made it clear she held the Italian official responsible for their 3-0 defeat.
Ivana shared two jaw-dropping snaps of her celebrating in the stadium in one of her signature red-and-white ensembles.
Sporting a plunging halterneck bikini top paired with figure-hugging leggings, the Croatian beauty gave devastated supporters a reason to smile.
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She then praised Zlatko Dalić’s men for their achievements in the 2022 World Cup, before taking a shot at the referee for his ruling.
The 30-year-old wrote in her Instagram caption: “Sometimes we play amazing, sometimes not so well.
“Sometimes in the semi-finals we have bad referee like yesterday to give penalty for nothing and losing the chance to get the trophy.
“Sometimes we are underrated and then we show the way home to the most favored team, that is football…
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“But the most important thing, we are A SMALL COUNTRY WITH A BIG HEART and I am proud to be a Croatian forever and ever!”
Croatia were swept aside by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, with the magician scoring once and setting up another.
Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez scored twice, including a fine second following quite the incredible assist from Messi.
But this all came after Luka Modric and Co were left furious with the award of the penalty for Argentina’s opener.
Dominic Livakovic came charging out of the net and took out Alvarez, sending the striker tumbling to the ground.
Argentina was awarded a penalty for the clash – which Messi scored – while Livakovic was booked for the challenge.
Croatian midfielder Modric later slammed Orsato as “one of the worst” referees to step foot on the pitch, branding him a “disaster.”
The team’s army of fans – including heartthrob Ivana – inevitably agreed with his condemnation after Croatia’s hopes for world glory were dashed.
But the German-born beauty reminded her 2.8million followers that they weren’t going home empty-handed.
She encouraged Croatians to take solace in the fact that they managed to sensationally knock five-time champs Brazil out.
Taking to her Instagram story, she added: “How I feel after yesterday? To be honest, very disappointed and sad…
“But then I say to myself: can you imagine how is Brazil doing right now, we kicked them out and Argentina is in the finals.
“Remember: there is always someone who is in more pain than you.”
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Although Croatia will no longer compete in the finals, they will return to the stadium for a third-place playoff on Saturday.
They will take on either France or Morocco, depending on who loses in Wednesday’s game.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
