He grew up in a war-torn country as a child refugee. Now he's on the cusp of greatness.

The football World Cup final takes place tomorrow at 3am NZ time.

France dreamed of beating its old foe in final of the World Cup.

Around 200 Croatian fans gathered at the Croatian Club in West Auckland this morning.

Rooster's loyalty to France ditched for Belgium.

The much-anticipated Mamma Mia! sequel was filmed on the Croatian island of Vis.

The painter Milan Mrkusich, who was a pioneer abstract artist in New Zealand, has died.

The group chucked in their 9-5 jobs for an around-the-world adventure.

Jennifer Simms is one of 25 contestants vying to win a Discovery Channel internship.

Rhys Davies discovers novel nightlife, magnificent scenery and rich history.

A Kiwi has died while cycling on a Croatian island.

Stephanie Holmes sails away from the crowds on a small ship cruise.

Two Kiwis reportedly injured during nights out drinking in Croatia.

Auckland teen give a "second chance" at life thanks to another family's decision.

Split from the madding crowds and head for a quieter part of Croatia, suggests Hannah Stephenson.

Leighton Luke beds down adjacent to a beautiful Croatian bay.

Watch: Kiwi truck driver Louise Marriott is following in the footsteps of Jean Claude Van Damme.

One of the Australian men who paid more than $10,000 to avoid being jailed for the rape of a teen in Croatia has been defended by a young woman on a date with him.

"Tell me something interesting about your country. Something that people on the other side of the world who've maybe never heard of it would relate to."

On a fine Croatian island, Winston Aldworth learns of local claims to a great traveller.

On the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, Winston Aldworth marvels at one of the world's prettiest cities.

‘President’ declares creation of Liberland.

Neanderthals made jewellery from the talons of white-tailed eagles 150,000 years ago, it has emerged - indicating that the early human species had an aesthetic sensibility.

World Cup fever has officially kicked off as the first game of the competition got under way this morning.

Jared Savage joins a yacht trip that opens his eyes to high-spirited fun on Balkan waters.

A majority of Croatians have voted in a referendum to ban gay marriages in what is a major victory for the Catholic Church-backed conservatives in the European Union's newest nation.

Brac Island was a thirsty climb for Jim Eagles, but it gave him a glimpse of ancient fortitude.

Fantasy nerds: if you've ever fancied yourself on the throne at Kings Landing, battling for the right to the Seven Kingdoms, here's your chance.

The hilltop villages and ancient ports of Croatia's northern peninsula buzz with the sound of summer festivals and the flavours of gastronomic delights, says Mick Webb.