Luka Modric shows off his silver medal as thousands of fans await Zagreb return

Luka Modric sported his World Cup silver medal as the Croatian squad reported for their flight home from Russia on Monday.

While their side may have lost their first final 4-2 to France in Moscow, there was still much cause for celebration and the Golden Ball winner and fellow stars including Ivan Perisic donned sunglasses at Vnukovo International Airport.

The players carried their luggage as they passed through a security checkpoint and Perisic was seen saying his farewells to one acquaintance before departure.

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic later uploaded an Instagram photo of himself, Perisic, Ante Rebic, Ivan Strinic and Filip Bradaric proudly displaying their medals on-board the flight.

Despite the disappointment of that eventful defeat at the Luzhniki Stadium, thousands of Croatian fans awaited the team's return in Zagreb as they looked to pay tribute following a memorable campaign.

The city's main Ban Jelacic Square was packed full of adoring supporters - some with their faces painted - wearing those familiar red-and-white checked shirts and proudly waving flags and scarves.

The Croatian team are due to land at Zagreb's Franjo Tudman Airport later this afternoon, after which they will be transported in open-top buses along a route lined with fans.

According to Croatia Week, thousands of red and white balloons will be released to mark their return along with a musical performance from the Zapresic Boys.

They are then expected to join manager Zlatko Dalic and staff in receiving medals at the office of President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic - who attended matches in Russia - in Pantovcak.