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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Celtic and Rangers duo Juranovic and Barisic in wild Croatia scenes as thousands salute World Cup stars

Josip Juranovic and Borna Barisic arrived back in Croatia to a wild party celebration as thousands lined the streets to hail the national team.

Zlatko Dalic's men finished the World Cup in third place after defeating Morocco 2-1 in the third-placed play-off following elimination at the semi-final stage to Lionel Messi and his Argentina side - who went on to defeat France to become world champions. Huge numbers turned out in the capital city of Zagreb to show their appreciation.

Neither of the Celtic or Rangers full-backs featured in Saturday's game at the Khalifa International Stadium but Juranovic did massively impress throughout the tournament with the defender selected by many punters and pundits as man of the match in the quarter-final success over Brazil. He's now been linked with a big money January move away from Glasgow with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Torino, Real Sociedad and clubs in England all named as potential destinations.

READ MORE: When will Josip Juranovic make Celtic return as injury and transfer latest assessed after World Cup sparkle

The domestic action is back underway in Scotland with both Rangers and Celtic winning on their return. Ange Postecoglou and Michael Beale will be keen to get the players back and into the fold once again but before that they stopped off in their homeland to lap up the party atmosphere and celebrate with the loyal supporters.

A bus carrying the squad made its way through the streets before the players took to the stage with their bronze medals on show as the huge crowed saluted the 23-man squad.

Rangers are in midweek action tomorrow night as they head for a tricky test against Aberdeen at Pittodrie looking to keep the pressure up on table toppers Celtic.

The Hoops play Livingston at home 24 hours later as both sides look to make it back to back wins following the World Cup shutdown.

Speaking about plans for Juranovic on his return to Scotland, Postecoglou said: "He’ll have a week off same as everyone else and then we’ll get him back into the building on Monday week.

“He’s been great, like all our boys. He’s done really well against world class opposition and was a key player on his country’s ride to the semi-final of a World Cup.

“That’s something he will have with him forever. He represented his country well, himself, his family and our football club. I’m really pleased for him.”

READ NEXT:

- Josip Juranovic taunts Rangers as Celtic star revels in league points gap after World Cup medal success

- James Forrest incredible Celtic record as veteran joins two Hoops icons in exclusive club after Aberdeen assist

- Celtic and Rangers Scottish Cup TV information revealed as holders handed Saturday night slot

- Yuki Kobayashi reveals Phil Foden tough test that sparked Celtic move trajectory as he recalls sliding doors moment

- Celtic vs Livingston gets pay-per-view treatment as supporters handed Parkhead live stream boost

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