There were beers, tears and flares as the Canberra Croatian Club heaved in the early hours and when Ivan Perisic scored their opening goal the 28th minute the place erupted.

It was pandemonium and within 30 seconds five flares let off and smoke billowed as hundreds of Canberra's Croatian community celebrated as one.

There were drinks flowing, children sleeping under tables and grown men running around shirtless, but in the end the Croats fell one win short of eternal glory as France prevailed 4-2.

With a population of only 4.1 million, Croatia is the smallest country to reach the World Cup final since Uruguay in 1950.

Canberra FC president Tony Vidovic estimated close to 1000 people were at the club and said not many were heading into work on Monday.

"Everyone is just coming in and getting together and celebrating football, it's just great," Vidovic said.

"So many people are having Monday off because they're just happy we're in the final. It's all about family; mums, dads and grandparents, everyone is here. A real community event.

"The players have played with such heart and they're all our heroes. Everybody wasn't sure if they'd get out of the group and then they smacked Argentina and got through. They've just made us so proud."

Children were up well past their bed times but mum Bernadette Kuljanac said she wanted to make sure her two boys watched what could prove to be a once in a lifetime game.

"It's a very special night. We didn't want to miss it so I made the boys have a sleep before we came," Kuljanac said.

"Both my parents were born in Croatia and both my husband's parents were born in Croatia. The feeling has been amazing in the community this week, it makes your heart want to burst.

"I'm rapt that they made the final and to me they're winners anyway."

Nick Smith, whose mother is Croatian, said it was a disappointing end to what had been an incredible journey.

"Obviously there were some controversial decisions but at the end of the day France probably deserved to win and that's the way it goes," he said.

"It was pretty special just to see us score a goal in a World Cup final, especially here at the club with a massive crowd, it was great to be a part of.

"Everyone in the Canberra Croatian community has just embraced the journey. It's been pretty special. There's not much more you can do than make the final, we're just very proud."

Anita Tammaro  arrived at the club with her daughter and nephews almost five hours before kick-off, while her son and mother watched the game in Croatia.

"The kids were excited to come but they couldn't stay up so they're under the table asleep," Tammaro said.

"It has been unreal, this has really brought the community together. No work tomorrow, so we'll enjoy tonight win, lose or draw."

There was warm applause at the full-time whistle and those whose heads aren't too weary will return to the club for a special World Cup lunch on Monday.