Croatia was in a state of shock, but not too shocked to celebrate as never before. In Zagreb, masses who had watched the game on two giant screens converged on Republic Square in a state of what one onlooker described as "euphoric disbelief".

For so many years the sound of gunshots had rung in the people's ears as they fought a war they did not want. Now the same sounds mingled with car horns all around the square in honour of an improbable victory.

The president Franjo Tudman acknowledged the power of victory over Germany to put his emerging country on the map. "The Croatia knights have shown their strength," he said. "This is a day which raises the profile of Croatia in Europe and the world."

And even Croatia's coach Miroslav Blazevic was happy to acknowledge the power of change. During the team's bad times his slightly effeminate manner had prompted the supporters to chant "poof, poof". Yesterday the coach was in forgiving mood. "I'm very pleased I'm not gay any more," he said. "Now I'm maestro."

Before the game the Croatia team had been told that their challenge was being belittled in German newspapers. "Thanks to Berti Vogts for the best motivation, saying we are only a small country," said Davor Suker afterwards. "What is he going to say now when it is 3-0?"

In the German media now there is soul-searching and scapegoat-hunting. Some commentators simply concluded that the squad was no longer strong enough. Others, such as the Berlin tabloid BZ, put the blame elsewhere.

"It was our best game in this World Cup . . . it became our greatest debacle since 1958. And the whole of Germany is furious with one man: referee Rune Pedersen.