The fortunes of countries come and go. You can tell some are gearing up for a win. And once they have, they revert to being also-rans.
Of course, some that you think should win make an effort and then lose interest. Or only take part sporadically in a love/hate stylee. Around 20 years ago, our friends in Croatia were making overtures for a maiden win. You may have your favourite. In 2001, they sent today’s birthday girl Vanna (also known as Ivana Ranilović-Vrdoljak). A safe pair of hands, with an assured performance and no chance of hitting bad notes. The bulk of her points came from juries, or those countries using a 50/50 mix of jury and televoting. She came 10th. So maybe Croatia hadn’t quite caught on to what televoters wanted, and this was the beginning of the end for another Zagreb contest.
Vanna is 49 today.
Sretan rođendan, Vanna!