Why war-torn Syria rooted for Croatia in World Cup final vs France

Updated on Jul 16, 2018 07:26 pm IST

Many of the Syrian troops and residents of Ain Terma, just outside the capital Damascus, who were watching the World Cup final on Sunday were hoping that Croatia would win. The neighbourhood is located next-door to Douma, the location of an alleged chemical attack and heavy fighting between the Syrian government and rebels until just a few months ago. Since then, residents have begun to return and rebuild with some saying that the opportunity to watch the game provided a welcome distraction from the war and destruction that the area has seen. (Video: SNTV).

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