What is the name of the Croatian national anthem and what is the English translation?

CROATIA are back in the World Cup semi-final, four years after they made it all the way to the final.

Their performance at the 1998 World Cup  was also another the high-point in their footballing history, but the current crop of players have the potential to produce yet again in 2022.

Croatia are singing their national anthem before each game at the World CupReuters

Croatia fans bring their amazing red and white colour to stadia in every tournamentGetty

Ahead of Croatia’s semi-final against Argentina is all you need to know about Croatia’s national anthem.

What is the Croatian national anthem called?

The Croats will be belting out their anthem in their group games against Canada, Morocco and Belgium.

Officially called ‘Lijepa naša domovino’, it translates to ‘Our beautiful homeland’ – but is often just referred to as just ‘Lijepa naša’.

Original lyrics were penned as long ago as 1835, with the tune and words adapted over the years.

It wasn’t until 1972 that the anthem was formally made official, whilst more lyrical changes were made between 1974 and 1990.

Croatia’s anthem is almost 200 years oldPA:Press Association

What are the lyrics?

At most sporting occasions – including the World Cup – only the first two verses are sung.

Here is the full English translation:

Our beautiful homeland,
O so fearless and gracious.
Our fathers’ ancient glory,
May you be happy forever.

Dear, you are our only glory,
Dear, you are our only one,Dear, we love your plains,
Dear, we love your mountains.

Drava, Sava, keep on flowing,
Danube, do not lose your vigour,
Deep blue sea, tell the world,
That a Croat loves his people.

Whilst his fields are kissed by sunshine,
Whilst his oaks are whipped by bura’s winds,
Whilst his ancestors lie buried,
Whilst his live heart beats.