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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

World Cup's 'sexiest fan' turns heads again in daring outfit at Croatia vs Belgium match

The World Cup 's 'sexiest fan', Ivana Knoll, caught the eye once again during Croatia 's nail-biting 0-0 draw with Belgium.

Knoll, a Croatian model who turned heads while at her nation's previous group-stage matches, watched on from the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium as Zlatko Dalic's side edged their way through to the knockout rounds. The 26-year-old brunette has sported a range of eye-catching outfits throughout the tournament which have not only made headlines, but also risked her arrest in Qatar.

That's because the Gulf state has strict rules when it comes to what women can wear. Both male and female visitors to Qatar were advised to 'dress modestly' in public during the World Cup by organisations such as the UK Foreign Office - but Knoll has no fear.

"I think how my dress or bikini can hurt someone? Please explain me that," the former Miss Croatia told her 700,000 Instagram followers, insisting that local authorities were 'not making any problems' for her.

Knoll was confident that she wouldn't have to compromise, though, having answered critics before Croatia thrashed Canada 4-1 last time out. "First I was thinking if the World Cup is happening there (Qatar), for sure they will allow us everything to make it comfortable for all fans without any of the restrictions," she said.

"Then I heard about the rules and I was shocked. The dress code forbids showing shoulders, knees, belly and everything and I was like, 'Oh my God, I don't even have the clothes to cover all of that .I was super angry because if I'm not a Muslim and if we in Europe respect hijab and niqab, I think they need also to respect our way of life, our religion and in the end me wearing dresses, bikinis because I'm Catholic from Croatia who is here because of the World Cup.

Knoll dazzled as Croatia edged through to the last 16 (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old model has 'no fear' for arrest in Qatar (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Have your say! How far will Croatia go at the World Cup? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.

"But when I arrived I was surprised they were not making any problems about dressing, they allow you to wear everything what you want - except in government buildings, and in the end that's fine." Knoll added when asked if she felt that there was any risk of her being arrested: "I am never afraid of something like that."

Fortunately for Knoll, she'll be able to sport another risqué outfit for Croatia's last-16 clash next Monday. Luke Modric and co are set to face Spain, who're themselves on course to top Group E.

Dalic guided Croatia to the World Cup final four years ago and will be aiming to defy the odds once more. Meanwhile, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez - whose team fluffed a series of late chances to win the game and pip Croatia to qualification - has confirmed that he's out as manager, revealing post-match: "That was my last game with the national team and it was emotional as you can imagine."

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