September 10, 2022 - Croatia is the new European water polo champion!!! Croatia beat Hungary in the final of the European Water Polo Championships in Split on Saturday. 

At the sold-out Spaladium Arena in Split on Saturday, Ivica Tucak and his Croatia team sought their second gold medal in their fourth final at the European Championships. The 'Barakudas' won their only European title in 2010 in Zagreb when the team was led by Ratko Rudić.

"What we will have to do perfectly if we want to win, and we clearly want to, will be an aggressive defensive block. At the cost of, I don't know how many exclusions, I don't want us to leave them bombarding Marko Bijač without interruption from five or six meters away. Hungary's strongest weapon is shooting, they have perfect shooters, and they are not shooters, they are bombers. We have to prevent that," said coach Tucak before the match. 

Recall, that Croatia beat Italy in the semi-final match on Thursday after beating Georgia in the quarter-final on Tuesday. 

Croatia beat Malta and France and drew against Greece in the group stage, which was enough to win first place in Group B with seven points.

Match Report

1st Quarter

Croatia won the swim-off and the first attack of the match, which the Hungary keeper saved. Hungary shanked their first chance at goal. Croatia's second attack at goal was blocked by the Hungary defense. Kharkov scored Croatia's first goal for 1:0 with 5:28 left in the quarter! Hungary equalized for 1:1 with 4:59 on the clock. Hungary increased their lead to 2:1 with 4:11 left. Bijac saved Hungary's next attack to keep them only one goal ahead. Buric nailed the back of the net for 2:2 with 3:08 left. Croatia retook the lead for 3:2 thanks to Ivan Krapic with 1:20 to go. Hungary equalized in the next attack - 3:3. The first quarter ended at 3:3. 

2nd Quarter

Hungary won the swim-off for the first attack of the second quarter, but Bukic intercepted their attack. Croatia could not find the back of the next in their first attack. Hungary hit the post in the next play, and Kharkov put Croatia back ahead for 4:3 with 4:19 left in the quarter. Bijac with the save of the match so far put the ball back in Croatia's hands. And another two saves after that! Fatovic hit the post in Croatia's next attack. The match went into halftime 4:3 for Croatia. 

3rd Quarter

Croatia won the swim-off for the first attack. Buric scored his second goal of the match for 5:3 Croatia! Hungary scored for 5:4. Hungary called a time-out with 7:04 to go. Croatia defended Hungary's next attack and called for a time-out with 6:22 left. Basic lost the ball in the 5th minute and Hungary went to attack the goal again. Hungary was given a penalty with 4:30 left and scored for 5:5. Basic hit the post in the next play. Bijac saved Hungary from taking the lead. Buric was on fire tonight and scored for the Croatia lead at 6:5 with 3:10 to go in the quarter! Hungary equalized in the next play for 6:6. Kharkov nailed the back of the net with just under 2 minutes to go for 7:6! Hungary made it 7:7 with 53 seconds left. Basic made it 8:7 with 18 seconds left, which is how the match went into the final quarter. 

4th Quarter

Croatia got the first attack of the final quarter and couldn't get a shot off. Hungary equalized for 8:8 with 6:55 left in the game. Bijac saved Hungary's next attempt at goal and a lob went just over Croatia's goal. Hungary's next attempt hit the post. Fatovic's next shot did the same. Kragic hit the side post, too. Croatia was lucky again as Hungary missed the goal in their next two attacks. A penalty was called for Croatia with 2:47 to go. Kragic scored for the Croatia lead - 9:8! A penalty was called for Hungary in the next play - Hungary hit the post! Croatia was given another penalty - Kragic scored for 10:8 with 2:07 on the clock! Bijac kept Croatia ahead with yet another save. Hungary was given a penalty with 32 seconds left and scored for 10:9. A time-out was called with 20 seconds on the clock. And Croatia won it 10:9! 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 28, 2021 - The Croatia tennis team is in the Davis Cup quarters and will meet Italy in Turin on Monday!

On Sunday, Croatia advanced to the Davis Cup quarterfinals after Nino Serdarušić defeated Hungary's Fabian Maroszan 6-4, 6-4 in the first match against Hungary.

Two breaks were enough to win, one in each set, for Serdarušić, who is 233rd in the ATP ranking. The match lasted an hour and 11 minutes.

The Croatian tennis player was safe from the beginning; he served seven aces and won two of three break points. Maroszan, the 359th tennis player in the world, made 15 unforced errors in the match.

Marin Čilić suffered the shock defeat of the day against the 282nd tennis player in the world, Zsombor Piros.

Čilić and Piros played the second match (Hungary's best Márton Fucsovics withdrew due to injury). Still, the 282nd tennis player in the world proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for the great Croatian tennis player. But it wasn't that way at the start of the match. Marin led 5:2 and served for the set, but Piros returned at 5:5 to win the first set.

The second set was equal until the 11th game when Piros broke Čilić and easily served for 7:5.

Čilić started the third set well, served for 3:1 after which he increased it to 4:1, but Piros came back at 4:3 and for the second time broke Čilić for the 5:4 lead. Finally, in the last game, Čilić managed to save five match points, but Piros won in the end.

Nikola Mektić and Mate Pavić played Fábián Marozsán and Péter Nagy in the doubles clash. The best doubles team in the world won both sets (7:6, 6:2) to confirm Croatia's spot in the quarterfinals.

Croatia finished at the top of the group and will play against Italy in Turin on Monday.

Source: Sportske Novosti

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

August 25, 2021 - After defeating Hungary on Tuesday, Croatia has secured at least 2nd place in Group C at the EuroVolley 2021 in Zadar! 

In the 4th round of the European Championship's Group C in Zadar, the Croatia women's volleyball team achieved its fourth victory, winning 3-1 in sets (25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21) against Hungary.

Although they lost the first set, Croatia achieved their goal and secured one of the first two spots in Group C. On Wednesday at 9 pm, they will play against Italy for the winner of the group.

Like against Slovakia on Sunday, Croatia fell asleep at the start of the match, and Hungary took a 6-3 lead.  In the middle of the first set, Hungary had a four-point advantage (14-10). However, Croatia's captain Samanta Fabris soon served and brought her team to a 16-15 advantage with five points in a row. In that wave, Croatia soon reached an advantage of 2-3 points, and in the end, convincingly won the first set 25-19.

After entering the second set equal, Hungary scored four points in a row for 12-8 on Pekarik's serve for the first time, and after Croatia's return to 14-14, Hungary's 4-0 series followed, this time on Gyimes' serve. Unfortunately, Croatia could not catch up, thus losing their first set at the European Championship.

In the third set, Croatia played more engaged in the block and defense, which gave the result. However, the key was a large series of eight consecutive points won on Fabris' serve, which increased their advantage from 14-12 to an unattainable 22-12.

Croatia controlled the 4th set from the very beginning and was up with a convincing 20-14 before Hungary reduced it to 20-17 with three consecutive points and threatened to turn it around. Fortunately, that did not happen, and Croatia took the final set. 

Croatia leads the standings with four victories, Italy is second with three victories and no defeats, Hungary follows in 3rd with 1-3, Belarus and Switzerland have 1-2, and Slovakia is in last with 0-3.

Source: HRT

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August 4, 2021 - A shock in Tokyo as Hungary defeated Croatia in the final quarterfinal match in Tokyo on Wednesday. Croatia water polo is thus out of the Olympic medal fight. 

The Croatia water polo team met Hungary on Wednesday for a spot in the semifinals of the Olympic Games. The winner will play against Greece, who easily defeated Montenegro in the earlier semifinal match. 

Croatia achieved three victories in Group B (Kazakhstan, Serbia, Montenegro) and two defeats (Australia, Spain), taking second place behind Spain.

1st Quarter

Croatia won the first sprint of the match for the Croatia attack, which was shot wide by Jokovic. Bijač saved Hungary's first attack to keep the scoresheet clean. Vukičević scored Croatia's first goal for 1:0 with 6:34 to go. Bijač saved Hungary's next attack, and Vargas hit the post straight after to keep Croatia ahead. Varga hit the post and after 2 back-to-back saves from Bijač, Hungary finally equalized with less than 5 mins on the clock. 

Bukić's goal was called back for shooting too close to the goal, and the match remained 1:1 with less than 3 minutes left. Bukić got his chance soon after to put Croatia back in the lead for 2:1 with 2:22 left. 

Varga scored for 2:2 with 1:15 to go. Obradović put Croatia back in the lead with 45 seconds on the clock. The 1st quarter ended 3:2 for Croatia. 

2nd Quarter 

Croatia won the sprint again to start the 2nd quarter, but Hungary was the one to successfully attack and equalized at 3:3. Hungary took the lead for the first time with 5:35 left - 3:4. Joković was quick to equalize for 4:4 20 seconds later! 

Bukić put Croatia back in the lead for 5:4 with just over 4 minutes to go, but Croatia and Hungary played goal for goal, and Hungary equalized for 5:5 with 3:43 left. 

Bijač saved Croatia from another Hungary goal with 2 minutes left, and Hungary shot over the goal in their next attack. But. Croatia was unsuccessful in their next attack with one minute left. 

Hungary retook the lead with 46 seconds left - 5:6. Obradović missed Croatia's next extra-man play with 16 seconds left. Hungary scored for the +2 lead going into halftime. 

3rd Quarter

Croatia lost the sprint to open the 3rd quarter and fortunately scored for 6:7 after the referee consulted VAR to rule Bukić's goal over the goal line. 

Hungary retook the +2 lead again for 6:8 with 5:45 to go. Obradović returned with a goal for 7:8! Bijač saved Hungary's next attack, and Miloš equalized for 8:8 with 3:49 left!

Hungary retook the lead for 8:9 with 3:18 to go. It was 8:10 for Hungary with 1:47 to go. Croatia could not capitalize on their next attack. 

It was +3 for Hungary in the final seconds of the 3rd quarter - 8:11. 

4th Quarter 

Croatia failed to score on their first two attacks of the final quarter, and Hungary scored for +4 - 8:12. Fatović scored to restore some hope for 9:12 with 5 minutes to go. Hungary quickly returned for 9:13. Lončar scored for 10:13 with 4:16 left in the match. 

Hungary scored for +4 with 3 minutes to go. Bukić made it 11:14 with 2:36 left. Vrlić missed a clean shot in front of the goal with just over a minute to go, killing Croatia's last hope of coming back. The game ended 11:15 for Hungary. 

Croatia will now play for 5th-8th place at the Olympic Games. 

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May 1, 2021 - In the EHF EURO Cup on Saturday in Veszprem, Croatia handball falls to Hungary (22:26). 

The Croatia men's handball team was defeated by Hungary in Veszprem in the EHF Euro Cup on Saturday - 26:22 (9:10). Croatia celebrated against the same opponent in Osijek 31:27.

After two victories against Slovakia, Croatia lost away without their best players. Throughout the match, the teams were equal, but in the end, the hosts reacted better and reached two points.

Croatia held up well until the 52nd minute when Hungary took the 22:19 lead. The Cowboys also had a three-goal difference (8:5, 15:12), but the experience of Hungary, who played against Croatia with their strongest team, was decisive in the end.

Cupic scored five goals for Croatia, and Kusan, Pavlovic, Lucin, and Sebetic scored three goals each. Croatia must still play a postponed match against Spain before the competition finishes.

This was Croatia's first defeat in the EHF EURO Cup group and has recorded four victories thus far. Hungary has five wins and one defeat in six games. Spain has two points in third place and Slovakia none.

This was Croatia's third game in four days. Croatia continued its winning streak with two wins against Slovakia (32:24, 26:23) in Varazdin earlier this week. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

October 13, 2019 - An online charity auction is underway in which you can win a Croatia national team shirt worn in the Euro qualifier against Hungary at Poljud.

HNS announced on Wednesday that the Croatia national football team would be the first in the world to donate all worn jerseys from one competitive match to an online charity auction.

Thus, after the match against Hungary on Thursday, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Lovren, Vida, and other members of the 2018 World Cup finalist squad auctioned the match shirts they wore online. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Vatreno Srce Foundation, which was founded by the Croatia national team and coach. 

The starting price of each shirt was 89 euro, with shipping included anywhere in the world, but bids have so far multiplied. As expected, HRT reports that the value of Luka Modric's jersey, which now goes to the bidder from Hungary for 4100 euro, has increased the most. The shirt of Ivan Rakitic reached 2500 euro, while Dejan Lovren takes third place with a shirt worth 1500 euro!

All shirts worn during the Hungary match are available for bidding online at www.matchwornshirt.com. Bids can be submitted from the start of the match, and the auction will end after four days (Monday).

And even better? Each shirt will be marked 'Croatia-Hungary' and will be signed by the national team member who wore it!

All proceeds from the auction go to the Vatreno Srce Foundation, which for many years, has helped Croatia’s children and youth. You might recall that they donated significant funds to the Children's Clinic last year as part of the Korak u život campaign.

You can get in on the action here, support the work of the Vatreno Srce Foundation, and treat yourself or your loved ones to the gift of a lifetime.

Croatia and Hungary met at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for their crucial 2020 Euro qualifier, which they won 3:0 in front of 32,000 fas.  It was the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 10, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary met at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for the first time since 2015. The stadium was nearly a sellout, and the national team was reunited with 32,110 of their Dalmatian fans.

The 2018 World Cup finalists and Hungary met in the 7th round of Group E in the 2020 Euro qualifications on Thursday in Split. Coach Zlatko Dalić was lucky to have his full squad, except for Andrej Kramarić, who is recovering from an injury. 

Thus, Croatia’s starting eleven included Dominik Livaković in goal, Tin Jedvaj, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, and Borna Barišić in the defense, Marcelo Brozović, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Ante Rebić, and Ivan Perišić across the midfield, and Bruno Petković up top. 

Slobodan Kadic

Recall, Croatia lost to Hungary 2:1 in their second Euro 2020 qualifier earlier this year. 

The game kicked off at 8:45 pm, and Croatia had their first chance two minutes in when Modrić’s volley went over the goal. Perišić shot at the keeper moments later, though it didn’t take long for them to score, after all. Captain Luka Modrić found himself one-on-one with the keeper to put Croatia in the lead five minutes into the game! 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia continued to press in the minutes that followed and maintained possession. Ivan Perišić had another chance in the 16th minute, though a deflection forced a corner for Croatia. A foul on Modrić resulted in a free-kick for Croatia just outside the penalty area, though Jedvaj couldn’t quite get to the ball. 

Hungary had its first corner in the 20th minute, which was followed by another in the 21st. Croatia’s defense cleared it out for yet another corner, though Hungary was unable to capitalize on their chances.

Croatia increased their lead in the 24th minute. Ante Rebić found himself on a counter-attack with Bruno Petković unmarked on the penalty spot. A Bruno back heel around the keeper made it 2:0 for Croatia. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia had another dangerous attack in the 39th minute. Rebić once again carried the ball up the left-wing, with no Hungarian defender in sight. Rebić crossed into the box, though Petković was unable to get another goal. Though his second goal came just moments later - and Croatia was leading 3:0 at the half. 

Hungary came out hungry at the start of the second half and tried to push an attacking game, though the defense remained solid. Croatia was given a penalty in the 53rd minute, though Ivan Perišic shot at the keeper, which gave Croatia a corner in the end. Amidst the chaos, Hungary's Kleinheisler was given his second yellow card, and Croatia was up a player for the rest of the game. 

In the 59th minute, Dalić used his first substitution - young Brekalo went in for Perišić in the 60th minute. Luka Modrić was subbed out in the 66th minute for Mateo Kovačić. In the 67th minute, Hungary had a shot on goal, though it was an easy save for Dominik Livaković. 

Slobodan Kadic

In the 73rd minute, Nikola Vlašić came on for Ivan Rakitić. 

With 10 minutes to go, Croatia continued their attacking game, and a goal by Vlašić was correctly called offside. Ante Rebić hit a rocket from the right in the 85th minute, which just missed the far post. Croatia was getting chances, though they couldn't get their fourth goal. 

After three minutes of injury time, the game ended 3:0 for Croatia, and the atmosphere at Poljud could not be matched.  

With this win, Croatia remains at the top of Group E. Their next match is against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday, October 13. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 10, 2019 - Ever dreamed of owning a shirt worn by a Croatia national team member?

Not only can this be a reality, but you could soon be in possession of a Croatia shirt worn by Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, and other stars of the Croatia national team while supporting ahumanitarian cause! 

Namely, HNS announced on Wednesday that the Croatia national football team would be the first in the world to donate all worn jerseys from one competitive match to an online charity auction.

Thus,after the match against Hungary on Thursday, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Lovren, Vida, and other members of the 2018 World Cup finalist squad will auction the match shirts they wore online. All proceeds will go to the Vatreno Srce Foundation, which was founded by the Croatia national team and coach. 

For many years, the Vatreno Srce Foundation has helped Croatia’s children and youth. You might recall that last year, they donated significant funds to the Children's Clinic as part of the Korak u život campaign.

All shirts worn during the Hungary match will be available for bidding online at www.matchwornshirt.com. Bids can be submitted from the start of the match, and the auction will end after four days. All shirts will start at 89 euro, with shipping included anywhere in the world.

And even better? Each shirt will be marked 'Croatia-Hungary' and will be signed by the national team member who wore it!

Get in on the action at www.matchwornshirt.com, support the work of the Vatreno Srce Foundation, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a lifetime of memories. 

Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday at 8:45 om local time for a crucial 2020 Euro qualifier.  It is the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 9, 2019 - As most everyone in Croatia is already well aware, Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier. This is the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015, and sold-out stadium awaits. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric spoke to the media on Wednesday at Poljud ahead of the game. 

The Croatia national team moved to Split this week to prepare for their Euro 2020 qualifier against Hungary. The team is staying at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel and trained in Omis before moving to Poljud for a night training on Wednesday evening. Before the team trained on Wednesday, coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric met the press. 

The press conference started congratulating Luka for his goal against Granada. 

“Thank you. But the biggest thing is for us to win tomorrow in front of our fans.”

How does Luka feel about being back in Split?

“Everything is good so far haha. We are happy to be back at Poljud after such a long time. I expect a lot of support tomorrow and that the fans will carry us to a win. We can’t wait to be back here.”

What is the biggest factor in Croatia achieving a positive result on Thursday? 

“It’s most important how we enter the game. We must all play together on the same level. Hungary showed their quality already and that they’re dangerous. It’s a big game, and we must win to get through these qualifications and qualify for Euro peacefully.” 

How much psychological pressure is Luka feeling as captain, being back at Poljud, and playing in front of Dalmatia again?

“There is no pressure; we are only thinking positively. It’s been a long time since we have been here, and the atmosphere will be excellent.” 

It was Dalic’s turn to take the mic.

“We respect Hungary. It doesn’t matter that they’re missing a few players. We need to give everything we have tomorrow. We can't enter the game nervously. We must play with our heads and our hearts."

Kickoff is on Thursday at 8:45 pm. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 9, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud on Thursday for the first time since 2015. To date, the national team only has one win there in the last eight years. A look at Croatia's Split record by TCN contributor Valentino Komusar. 

After four long years, the Croatian national football team is coming back to Split. Poljud Stadium, one of the city’s most famous landmarks and the home of football club Hajduk Split, will host a Euro 2020 qualifying match between Croatia and Hungary, which is set to kick off at 8.45 pm on Thursday. This will be the 13th time Croatia plays in Split; however, they won only once, drew seven times, and lost four. The first time Poljud hosted Croatia was in 1995, but the first victory came 16 years later!

In July 2011, Croatia were victorious 2:1 against Georgia in a Euro 2012 qualifying match. The guests even took the lead in the 17th minute through Jaba Kankava, but in quick succession, late in the second half Nikola Kalinić and Mario Mandžukić secured all three points for the home team. 

Numerous sports and other events have taken place at Poljud, which are still held today. From the games of Hajduk to music festivals like Ultra, and concerts of Croatian singers, this stadium has seen it all, but no-one likes to talk about the last time Croatia visited Poljud. In 2015, Italy were the visitors and the match was played behind closed doors after Croatian fans twice disrupted their team’s 1:1 draw with the same team at San Siro the year before. This Euro 2016 qualifier played in Split also ended in a 1:1 draw, but was overshadowed by a massive incident when a large swastika appeared to have been mowed into the turf before the game. That incident only created a bigger rift between the Croatian Football Federation and Hajduk/Torcida. The Split club has not participated in the organization of the match on Thursday, and according to Croatian media, neither the Hajduk president Marin Brbić nor the vice-president Lukša Jakobušić will attend the game. 

In November 2014, there was even an anti-FA protest held in Split on the Riva, the city's main seaside promenade. More than 20.000 people showed up to show their disapproval of the FA’s leaders who are considered to be the source of all problems in Croatian football. Hajduk's fans group Torcida also requested the resignation of all key figures in the CFA because they believe that the organization is completely controlled by Hajduk's archrival Dinamo Zagreb. Much bigger are suspicions about criminal conduct and corruption. 

While the hatchet between Hajduk/Torcida and the CFA hasn’t been buried yet, it seems like the Croatian national football team is more than welcome in Split since it took only 24 hours to sell out the whole stadium last month. 

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