Photog Dog-Piled by Croatia at World Cup Given 7-Day Croatia Vacation

The photographer who was dog-piled by celebrating Croatian soccer players at the World Cup — and who gained worldwide fame by continuing to shoot as it happened — has been given a 7-day vacation to Croatia by the country.

You can see how Cortez found himself at the middle of the Croatian soccer team’s goal celebration in this clip by FOX Soccer:

Here are photos Cortez captured from beneath the dog-pile, including several previously unpublished views:

Al Dia reports that Cortez received an email from the Croatian National Tourist Board with the offer of the all-expense-paid vacation. It stated: “Just make sure to bring your good humor and your camera. Please specify the conditions under you would like to visit Croatia.”

Cortez accepted the offer and is planning to visit Croatia in late August or early September.

“I think I will have the opportunity to see [the Croatian players] closely again,” Cortez tells AFP. “Not on top of me, but close.”