The temperatures in Toronto on Thursday is expected to reach a high of 35C, but it should feel even hotter for the FIFA World Cup match between Croatia and Portugal — and we’re not talking about the humidex.
No, things should be heating up because Toronto Stadium will be getting another visit from the World Cup’s “sexiest fan,” Ivana Knoll.
“It’s nice to have hot weather this time,” Knoll told the Sun over the phone before Thursday’s match. “Last time I was here it was cold, so it’s nice this time.”
Knoll, who performs under the name Knolldoll, has been in attendance at every Croatia match so far this Cup, backing her home country — and looking good doing it.
The stunner turned heads during Croatia’s game against England in Dallas, rocking a sheer Croatian flag-themed corset that could be described as “barely there.”
The Croatian influencer/DJ was in Toronto last week to support her team in its group-stage finale against Panama, a 1-0 win that helped the Vatreni advance to the knockout stages.
She also was part of the massive parade of Croatian fans who marched to the Exhibition Grounds in numbers estimated to be at more than 10,000 strong.
What Knoll has to say to Ronaldo
After watching Croatia persevere against a tough Ghana side in Philadelphia, Knoll took it upon herself to poke the bear a little bit, calling out Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in a post on Instagram.
“Croatia 2:1 just like I predicted,” she captioned a clip of herself at the game. “Lucky KRAVATA is coming to Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo, get ready for us!!!”
While Ronaldo may be on the opposing team for Thursday night’s game against her home country, that didn’t stop her from heaping praise on the forward.
“He’s definitely the best player in the world,” Knoll proclaimed of the 41-year-old Portuguese star. “He’s the best player ever in history.
“There’s nobody close. I don’t care what people think.”
What is Knoll’s prediction?
On Wednesday from her hotel room overlooking Toronto Stadium, Knoll offered her latest confident prediction for the hotly anticipated Round of 32 matchup.
“I’m in front of the stadium in Toronto where Croatia and Portugal are playing,” she said, before taking a brief pause and stating “and I can’t wait for us to win!”
Earlier in the week, she also took to her Instagram Stories to note that a couple of heavy favourites, Germany and Netherlands, already had fallen victim in the knockout phase of the tournament.
“Following that logic, Portugal will soon be joining them,” she posted alongside a picture of herself in downtown Toronto traffic.
But when asked what thought would happen during Thursday night’s game, Knoll was a bit hesitant to make a scoreline pick.
“I’m scared of penalties,” she said, before eventually changing her tune.
“If we can take it to penalties, I think we can win,” she claimed, noting Croatia’s solid history in shootouts.
Whether that comes to be true remains to be seen, but her home country does have a few things going for it.
Where is the party?
Croatia had a better record in the group stage, putting up six points compared to Portugal’s five and it already has experience playing in Toronto, having defeated Panama here.
It also has Knoll cheering them on, which could be enough to put it over the top.
After Croatia’s previous game in Toronto, Knoll performed at an after-party hosted by rooftop club Lavelle on King St., but doesn’t have anything as big planned post-match this time around.
“Just the game,” she said for her plans on Thursday night, noting that her U.S. tour had just recently ended in Philadelphia. “A couple of days of relaxing for now.”
And what about if Croatia continues to advance through the World Cup? Will Knoll follow the squad to show her undying supporter?
“Yes, of course!” she said.
Fans of Croatia who can’t attend the game can purchase tickets to Croatia House at the Toronto Event Centre at 15 Saskatchewan Rd. for a pre-game event and watch party.