The atmosphere in Abidjan was palpable, a tense calm before the storm as fans gathered around every available screen, their eyes glued to the unfolding spectacle.
The streets were abnormally quiet. It was almost as if the entire city had come to a standstill to witness this monumental clash between Ivory Coast and Croatia.
Families huddled together in their living rooms, friends crowded around TVs in bars and restaurants, and even night workplaces seemed to have paused their activities, all in anticipation of the World Cup quarter-final game.
In homes across Abidjan, the TV screens flickered to life, one after another, displaying the familiar sight of the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.
The commentator's voice echoed through the speakers, greeting viewers in French and setting the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable match. And as the Ivory Coast and Croatia squads were announced, a sense of pride and excitement swept through the Ivorian fans.
