Why Croatia's keeper wears this t-shirt under his jersey in every game he plays

Danijel Subašić was the hero for Croatia last night, saving three Danish penalties as they secured a place in the last eight of the World Cup.

When Ivan Rakitic scored the winning spotkick, the jubiliant Croatian squad quickly raced over to Subašić to mob their goalkeeper.

But once the 33-year-old was able to break free from the celebrations, he quickly pulled his shirt over his head to reveal a t-shirt underneath – one he wears every game.

On it was a photo of Hrvoje Ćustić, Subašić’s former team-mate who tragically passed away just over ten years ago.

Both Ćustić and Subašić were born in Zadar in the early 1980s and rose through the ranks at NK Zadar.

After a two-year spell at NK Zagreb, Ćustić returned to Zadar ahead of the 2007/2008 season and was reunited with Subašić, who was one year younger them him, but he would have undoubtedly known when rising through the youth ranks.

READ MORE: Is the time right for golden Swiss generation to cash in?

READ MORE: The 32: Brazil ready to move through gears after nervy start

READ MORE: The 32: Parlour explains why the World Cup has been blown wide open

On March 29, during a home game with HNK Cibalia, Ćustić’s head collided with a concrete wall around three metres away from the pitch at Zadar’s home ground.

He was rushed to hospital, underwent surgery and placed in an induced coma, but passed away on April 3.

Subašić was the goalkeeper that day and witnessed the accident, which is why he wears a t-shirt with the photo of his former friend and team-mate underneath his goalkeeping jersey every game.

And when the celebrations had ended, he was quick to remember Ćustić, who had represented Croatia at U21 level and is clearly always in his thoughts.