Vigilant Sports Pacers Podcast

What was the feeling in Croatia when they played in the FIFA World Cup Final over the weekend? I had to find out. On this episode of the Pacers Podcast, I called up former Pacer forward Damjan Rudež, a native of Zagreb, Croatia. While he’s not a huge soccer fan, the monthlong run by Croatia, with a population just over 4.1 million people, was special and impactful for the professional basketball player. France ultimately won, 4-2. Rudež, who’s 32 years old, has represented his country several times in international competition, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a FIBA World Cup. But this was different. This was memorable — and he explains why. “This is more than I’ve ever felt proud in my life. I swear. I can’t even tell you. It’s the state of catharsis and exhilaration.” He was a little excited, can’t you tell? FINALE!!!!!!!!!!!