October 8, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud on Thursday at 8:45 pm in a crucial qualifier for the European Championship next summer. Ivan Rakitic spoke to the media on Tuesday from the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Split. 

Headlines in Croatian media this week will focus heavily on a critical meeting of our 2018 World Cup finalists - Croatia will meet Hungary on Thursday in Split. And while Croatia's fate in the 2020 Euro competition lay heavily on the result itself, the match also carries more significance - it is the first time the Croatia national team has played in Split since 2015. 

Ivan Rakitic re-joined the team after he was absent from the lineup for Croatia's qualifiers in September, naming his alarming situation at Barcelona at the time as the reason. On Tuesday, he faced the Croatian media at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Split, the home of the Croatia national team for the week. 

"I am very happy to play in Split. My best friends are here. I am happy to be with the team and staff again. The stadium sold out in a day; we await a full stadium of our fans."

Why did Rakitic opt out of the national team in September?

For me, the national team is always first, but the situation in my club wasn't right. I needed to come to the national team with a clear head to give my all, and at that time, I wasn't at my best. I thank everyone for understanding. Luka gave me his support. It was a tough decision for me." 

How was it to watch Croatia play so well against Slovakia?

"I was so happy to see how well we played. We were fantastic. The coach said it was the best game under his leadership. I think we can be even better.” 

Rakitic touched on the two big games ahead against Hungary and Wales. 

"We know the games ahead will be difficult. We lost to Hungary away. But I can't wait for the atmosphere, the fans, the full stadium. If we get 6 points, that is the best-case scenario. But we have to go step by step. First is Hungary."

What does Rakitic think about bringing the national team back to Split? 

"We will give our all. We know that Dalmatia wants the national team here. And we as a national team want to play everywhere.

We know that the people wanted the national team in Split. We could see that with how quickly the stadium sold out. Something extraordinary awaits us on Thursday. We are the World Cup finalists. We are going together for the win." 

What does Rakitic have to say about the media speculation that he didn't want to play for the national team?

"Everyone has their opinion and their right, but no one has a bigger love of playing for Croatia than me. Switzerland gave me everything, but my heart beats for Croatia. I’ve been with the team 12, 13 years. I felt that way yesterday, today, and will feel that way forever. Croatia is number one.”

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

October 8, 2019 - Unprecedented security measures are in place for the European qualifier between Croatia and Hungary at Poljud on Thursday. 

Slobodna Dalmacija announced that seats in the VIP lodge are reserved for President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and all ministers - and it looks like Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, will also be coming to Split. But that's not the only reason security is on high alert. 

HNS took over Poljud Stadium on Monday, and until Friday, Poljud is exclusively in the service of the national team, which requires a special regime and security.

Hajduk moved to Brac for the week. This includes not only the first team, but also the offices and services, the entire working community, while the younger teams have been moved to other locations around Dalmatia. 

Hajduk has refused to participate in the organization of the national team match, and according to Croatian media, neither the Hajduk president Marin Brbić nor the vice-president Luksa Jakobusic will attend on Thursday.

Except for one case where the police found 45 tickets purchased by a single person, other such incidents have not been recorded. The Split-Dalmatia County Police Department exclaimed: ”If you do not have a ticket in your name, don't even come to the stadium."

Two to three rings of security have been announced at the stadium, and it is well known that the information on the ticket and ID must match. HNS allowed ticketholders to change the name on their ticket up to 48 hours before the match, but only within their family. Those who are not allowed to enter the stadium have the right to go to the box office and transfer the ticket to their spouse, brother, sister, child, parents, etc. 

Just how meticulous the security will be, remains to be seen.

It has been announced that Victor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, will attend the match with his private arrangement. The police are still awaiting official confirmation as Orban must receive proper treatment - and as much as the PM loves football, the protocol must be respected, and he cannot enter the stadium as a mere spectator. 

The seats in the VIP lodge are reserved for President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Prime Minister Andrei Plenkovic, and all ministers.

Some claim that Split will witness the strongest security of a public event ever in the city. MUP will bring 500 police officers, and as of Wednesday, they will also monitor the city as two thousand Hungarian fans are expected. Police will also patrol all locations around the stadium. The caution has thus been raised to the highest level for this match, which is paid for by HNS. The final bill could reach up to three million kuna.

Police are already overseeing the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Podstrana, where the national team is staying, and will also be monitoring the guests. Nothing will be left to chance.

The field will be monitored from the air, by drones and helicopters, from the sea by warships and from the checkpoints around it. There will also be 500 security guards in the stands and near the pitch. Sokol Maric will lead the security, but other companies have been hired as well. The stands and pitch are monitored with 'sleep’ cameras, which are put into action only when there is activity. 

Split-Dalmatia County police say that everything is going well and that this security is necessary, considering 33,000 spectators and thousands of Hungarian fans are expected. Recall, at the end of May, there were 200 police officers when Croatia visited NK Omis - 150 of them monitoring the city, the hills, and the sea, and only 50 in the stadium.

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

October 7, 2019 - Coach Zlatko Dalic announced the match between Croatia and Hungary at a press conference in Split on Monday. 

On Thursday at 8:45 pm, Croatia will welcome Hungary in their next Euro 2020 qualifying match at Poljud Stadium in Split.

The national team will prepare for the match in Omis, where they played a friendly against NK Omis earlier this year. Coach Zlatko Dalic will hold several press conferences this week at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel, the first of which was held on Monday.

“Not all players have arrived yet; some are late because they had games last night. I expect all the players to be available, and no one has problems so far. The most important thing is that we depend on ourselves; we need 5-6 points to be sure. The first step is Hungary, but no less important is the game against Wales. We had a defeat there, and I expect we will fix it. I think 15 points will be enough to move on, but let's go one step at a time. These three points would be critical to us, and most importantly, we depend on ourselves.” 

Everyone is interested in Dalic's biggest dilemma, whether he will play Rakitic, who just returned to the national team, or the young Vlasic, who is in great form?

“We'll see these next two days, I have a vision in my head, two games in three days await us, and we must divide our forces and use things differently. We will certainly use 15-16 players in these two games; we will see during these next two days and training.”

Will Rebic play?

“He's not been playing lately in Milan, and that's a problem, but when he comes, we'll see. When he's with the national team, he does his best.”

Does Dalic admit he made a mistake in the last game when he didn't change the lineup?

“I said and will repeat - it was my fault. The game against Slovakia took me back, it was probably the best match since I was a coach, but I didn't react in time.”

A big spectacle awaits us in Split on Thursday.

"I look forward to the match and what awaits us. If Poljud had a capacity of 100,000, it would be full. I expect a great match and a win. Tickets were sold in one day and that shows how much Dalmatia and Croatia love the national team. The things that are being emphasized, the problems between HNS and Hajduk, should be solved through meetings and the system, not through the national team. What do Vlasic, Modric, and Rebic have to do with it, what do we have to do with it? It is not good that Croatia does not often play in Split. Now that we are playing there, the question is, why are we playing in Split? So we're never clear, but I'm glad most are on our side. The Croatia national team is playing in Split. "

Are the players in good form?

“I said these were tricky situations, we get together on Monday and play on Thursday, but it's not an excuse. Some players are not at the top of their club, but when we get to the national team, we have to create a group that believes in itself. I think the national team is something special. When you come, you forget about your club, and you do your best.”

Source: Gol.hr

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September 30, 2019 - HNS announces the security measures for fans ahead of Croatia's Euro 2020 qualifier at Poljud.

Before and during the 2020 European qualifier between the national teams of Croatia and Hungary, which will be played on 10 October at 8:45 pm at Poljud stadium in Split, a special security procedure and traffic regulations will be in place at the entrances to the stadium.

Stadium Opening 

Poljud stadium will be open to fans from 6:45 pm. Due to the extensive security measures that will be taken to prevent bringing in prohibited articles into the stadium area, fans are invited to come to the stadium as early as possible. 

Tickets

On the day of the match, there will be no sale or exchanging of tickets for the match between Croatia and Hungary. HNS reminds that the tickets are personalized and as a prerequisite for entering the stadium, a valid identity document (ID or passport) must be presented with the ticket.

Pursuant to the Conditions of Ticket Purchases, persons who do not match the personal data on the ticket during surveillance will be prohibited from entering the stadium and their ticket will be void without the right to a refund. As they are in violation of the law, please note that they can be detained and handed over to the police for competent misdemeanor proceedings.

Each person must have a ticket and use the seat marked on the ticket when entering the stadium until the end of the match. All persons without a valid ticket, as well as persons found in the sector/part of the stadium for which they do not have a valid ticket, will be removed and handed over to the police for competent misdemeanor proceedings.

Traffic info on match day

On match day, in the narrow area of Poljud Stadium at Ulica Mediteranskih igara 8, a temporary traffic regulation will be put in place, which will prohibit the movement of motor vehicles, except licensed vehicles, tenants and users of business premises.

Fans are invited to come to the immediate area of the stadium on foot or by public transport. Parking will be prohibited in the narrow area of Poljud stadium due to the limited number of parking spaces except for accredited vehicles.

Fair and correct behavior of fans

“We ask supporters to comply with the provisions of the Law on the Prevention of Disorder in Sports Competitions and the Law on Public Order and Peace, in particular regarding inappropriate chanting, alcohol consumption and the use of pyrotechnics.

Umbrellas, larger bags or backpacks, bottles, lighters, coins and other items suitable for injury or that can cause a fire will no be allowed into the stadium. Fags or banners larger than 2.00 m x 1.00 m or with inappropriate content will also be disallowed. Flags or banners will not be allowed on the fences or other areas of Poljud stadium to obscure the view from or to the stands.

We invite all fans, visitors, and citizens to be fair, correct, and show good sportsmanship without racist and discriminatory chanting before, during, and after the match.

At the same time, we take the opportunity to inform you that, following the Police Affairs and Powers Act, police will operate video and photo recordings of the narrower area and the stadium itself.

The use of pyrotechnics is not allowed and those who use them will be prosecuted per the Law on the Prevention of Disorder in Sporting Competitions, all aiming to ensure this event is a suitable sporting event,” concludes HNS. 

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September 28, 2019-  Marijan Kustic was spotted in Split again. The HNS executive director leads the team in charge of organizing the highly anticipated Croatia-Hungary match at Poljud, and preparations are in full swing.

Slobodna Dalmacija caught Kustic ten days before the spectacle to see if everything was going according to plan. 

“Arrangements have entered the technical phase, related to security and ensuring all the preconditions for the great spectacle that awaits us. Nothing is out of the ordinary.”

Will security be especially emphasized?

“Everything is going at the usual pace, as is usually the case with big games like this. We conducted a series of interviews and agreements with representatives of the Police Department and the Police Directorate, as well as security companies. HNS always insists on the highest level of preparation regarding all aspects of the organization, including security.”

Rumor has it that Hungarian President Viktor Orban will also be in attendance?

“At this moment, we are not able to provide such information, but when these games are at stake, it is common and expected that political leaders come. Sandor Csanyi, president of OTP Bank, which has its bank in Split, and sponsors of Hajduk, should also attend.

Accordingly, we can also expect President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

I would not announce anything, and I would like to focus on the massive interest of our fans, who generally rule this game.”

Is Kustic surprised by the incredible interest of Split?

“Everyone at HNS and the people involved in the organization are genuinely delighted that Split and Dalmatia have embraced the arrival of our team at Poljud. Honestly, we all hoped for it together, but that the stadium would be sold out in a day or two, it still exceeded my optimistic expectations. And because of that, we look forward to this great game with even more impatience.”

How many tickets were actually sold?

“The capacity is about 33,000 tickets, but the interest was so high that we would sell twice as many tickets if we had the capacity. If tickets were only for sale online, they would be gone in three hours! It’s good that there were old-fashioned sales, too, so the people of Split had the opportunity to get these valuable tickets live. Poljud is sold out.”

How many tickets were set aside that didn’t go on sale to the public?

“It is logical that for the needs of the staff and football players, a small portion of the tickets was set aside. But it is a negligible figure. I tell you, we were pleasantly surprised by the interest, Dalmatia and Split want the Croatia national team. They can hardly wait! This gives everyone in and around HNS the right to be optimistic in the future. I must point out here that this is proof that the HNS Executive Board made the right decision when it decided that Croatia would come to Split. Dalmatia wants the Croatia national team at Poljud!”

Will there be a lot of security around and at the stadium?

“Tickets are personalized and we can announce today that it would be good to get to the stadium on time. Ticket holders will also need to show their ID and ensure that their last name matches the one on the ticket. I invite everyone to follow the instructions of the organizers and the police, so that everyone can enjoy the football and sports spectacle that awaits us together.”

What does Split Mayor Opara have to say?

“We are negotiating everything with the City and everything is flowing normally, without interruptions. On behalf of HNS, the national team and all of us, I would like to thank the Mayor and his associates who are available to us.”

No financial terms have been published?

“It is important to emphasize that HNS bears all costs of the organization. And we are happy that as a Federation we have the conditions to bear such costs. Finances are always important, but this is a match that is more than that and every kuna that is invested makes sense and will be well invested and will be returned not only financially but also intangibly.”

Supposedly, Split is receiving about half a million kuna from the Federation?

“The city will receive its financial part, but the city will receive much more. It will be the center of Croatia that day, gathering tens of thousands of people. The accommodation, the venues, the restaurants, they will all be full of work. One has to look at events like this much wider than the match itself.”

There was a lot of talk (or quarrel) about the arrival of the national team in Split, at Poljud, mostly because of the situation with Hajduk.

“The decision, you see, turned out to be good, a big hit. People want Croatia in Split. The choice of the HNS Executive Board, with which I share the view, is that the national team travels to Croatia and thus to Split. These are all our cities, they have played and will play in Osijek, Varazdin, Rijeka, Pula. Only one game in the qualifying cycle was played in Zagreb against Azerbaijan, and the rest throughout Croatia. So we came to Split. And we will again! This is just the first in a new series.

Have HNS and Hajduk turned a new page?

“All of us at HNS are genuinely trying to bring in a lot of energy to make things right and to start normalizing all relationships. Is it any more normal than having the national team play at least one official qualifying match in Split? I would also like to thank the HNS Executive Board for making this decision and supporting everything. The tickets are sold out and I am convinced of the spectacle!”

Is Hajduk still not involved in the organization of the match?

“They are not and we regret it. I'm sorry that Hajduk stayed out. The national team is sacred and I would not interfere with the Federation when it comes to the national team. But I'm optimistic by nature, so I'm always looking forward. We raised certain issues in our discussions with Hajduk. I believe that the normalization will continue when the match against Hungary is over. And some good things will remain for Hajduk after this game, even though they are not participating in the organization.”

Does Hajduk still have a chance to be involved in organizing the game against Hungary?

“They are always welcome, certainly. But I don't think that's realistic to expect now. It is their decision and I am sorry that they feel that way, which I have already mentioned. I emphasize that our doors will always be open for cooperation between Hajduk and all other clubs. At this point, the audience's interest in the match is what thrills me. The interest is such that we would sell out three Poljud stadiums!”

And what happens when the game against Hungary ends?

“Talks with Hajduk on all outstanding issues are continuing, the story remains, and the team will come to Split again. We want this to become the rule so I can say that we will see you in Split in the next qualification cycle. We will not stop now. We will continue to play all over Croatia, and we will be at Poljud again.”

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September 18, 2019 - The City of Split and the Croatian Football Federation met at Poljud Stadium on Wednesday to discuss the technical details of organizing the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifier between Croatia and Hungary. 

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that the Croatian Football Federation and the City of Split should take a new step towards hosting the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifier between the national teams of Croatia and Hungary, which will be played on October 10 at Poljud. The meeting likely focused on the organization of the match.

It is necessary to emphasize that Hajduk is not involved in the organization of this match, that is, until HNS has shown serious signs towards normalizing their relationship. Recall, Hajduk previously presented their seven requirements to the umbrella football organization, which they expected to be fulfilled as a prerequisite for eventually becoming involved in the organization of this European qualifier.

Certain processes have been initiated, like the meeting in Dugopolje recently been held with HNS and the County Federation, but the results are nowhere near tangible. Thus, Hajduk will continue to hold off from jumping in on the organization of the national team match, which is here in just three weeks.

At 10:15 am Wednesday morning, an HNS delegation led by executive president Marijan Kustic and Zoran Cvrk arrived at Poljud. The representatives of the City of Split, led by Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara, followed.

What we know thus far is that the main topic of the meeting would be to harmonize the technical details. However, some Croatian media unofficially reported that no contract had yet been signed to play the match between Croatia and Hungary at Poljud. This formality was expected on Wednesday or in the coming days.

While we await the details from the meeting, Dalmatinski Portal reported that the message ‘Opara liar - choose a side' welcomed the Split Mayor in front of Poljud Stadium on Wednesday. 

Dalmatinski Portal / N.M.

Recall that Croatia and Hungary will plat at Poljud on October 10, which is the return of the national team to Split for the first time since 2015. The World Cup finalists last played at Poljud in 2015 against Italy behind closed doors. Before that, they met Georgia in 2011. Both matches were played as qualifiers for the European Championships, in 2012 and 2016 respectively.

Croatia is on the verge of qualifying for the Euro once again, and every four years the national team seems to arrive back in Split.

This will be the 13th ever match played in Split, at Poljud Stadium, since Croatia gained independence. 

The meeting on Wednesday is the second of such a gathering at Poljud.

More details soon.

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September 3, 2019 - A meeting of the Executive Board of the Croatian Football Federation was held on Monday in Zagreb, where they announced the ticket prices for Croatia’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifier against Hungary at Poljud.

At the meeting, the ticket prices were revealed for the European Qualification match between Croatia and Hungary, to be played in Split at Poljud stadium on October 10. Prices are as follows:

West: 250 kuna (200 kuna in advance)

East: 200 kuna (150 kuna in advance)

North: 125 kuna (100 kuna in advance)

The South stand is intended for fans of the Hungary national team.

All information about ticket sales will be published later on the HNS website.

Recall, Hajduk will not participate in the organization of the match, and will join the moment problems begin to resolve, the club's president Marin Brbić said at a meeting held back in June. 

The City of Split, as the majority owner of the stadium, will lead the organization with the Croatian Football Federation. 

At its session on June 12, the HNS Executive Committee decided that the Euro 2020 qualifier between Croatia and Hungary would be played in Split by a unanimous vote. 

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Jun 12, 2019 - The Executive Board of the Croatian Football Federation unanimously decided that the European qualifier to be played in Croatia this October between Croatia and Hungary would be played in Split, announced HNS.

After defeating Wales in Osijek, the 2018 World Cup finalists will play away against Slovakia and Azerbaijan in September before hosting Hungary at Poljud Stadium in Split on October 10. The game will begin at 20:45.

That decision was made unanimously by the HNS Executive Board and UEFA will report Split as the host for one of the crucial EURO 2020 qualifying rounds.

Recall, the Croatia national team had not played in Split since 2015 when a swastika was drawn onto the pitch during a Euro 2016 qualifier at Poljud against Italy. 

Hajduk, on the other hand, said they were not informed by HNS of the decision.

"We did not receive any official information on this news, we learned about it from the media."

Coach Zlatko Dalić has been very vocal about returning the national team to Split and was especially adamant last month after receiving the Split City Award for 2018 at the Croatian National Theater.

“For me, this is a huge acknowledgment that I am very proud of,” said Dalić and explained:

"I spent a part of youth in Split, in moments when I was building myself up as a person, Split supported me and I am grateful to Split. Thanks to the people in Hajduk, thank you to the people at the Technical School who helped me become a man of my own, with all the blemishes and virtues.”

When asked about the potential arrival of the national team to Poljud then, Dalić said: 

“The Croatia national team is a representative of all Croats. And I always say, I need to play in Dubrovnik, Osijek, Split, Vukovar. All over Croatia. Specifically speaking, I want to play in Split. 

I am doing everything I can, everything in my power to do this. More than I can say,” he concluded.

After Croatia became World Cup finalists last summer, the national team players from Split were not shy about voicing their opinion on the matter, either. You might remember that at the welcome celebration after the team returned from Russia, Filip Bradarić promised the crowd of thousands on the Riva stage that the national team would play at Poljud again this year. 

More soon...

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The Croatia water polo team failed to defend the Europa Cup title after losing to Hungary in the final in Zagreb 8:10 (2:2, 1:3, 2:3, 3:2), reports HRT on April 7, 2019. 

However, most important for coach Ivica Tucak is that Croatia’s semi-final victory over Spain secured the team placement in the final tournament of the World League, which will be held from June 18 to 23 in Belgrade. The winner of that tournament in Belgrade automatically qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The “Baraccudas” played a solid game, though there were visible flaws. Hungary opened the match with a 0:2 lead, but Croatia came back to make it 3:2 with Joković’s goal at the start of the second quarter. Unfortunately, Manhercz equalized at 3:3, and when Croatia failed to utilize having an extra player in the pool, Hungary scored again for the 3:4 lead. At the half-time, Hungary was up 3:5, and in the third minute of the third quarter, Kovacs scored for 3:6.

Joković was able to reduce Hungary’s lead (4:6), though nothing could help Croatia come back, and Hungary convincingly managed to hold onto an advantage of two or three goals until the end, which ultimately gave them the 8:10 victory and the Europa Cup title.

Loren Fatović was one of the most effective in the Croatian ranks with three goals, while Maro Joković scored two, and Andro Bušlje, Ivan Buljubašić and Josip Vrlić scored one.

Peter Manhercz was the best for Hungary with three goals.

In the match for third place, Spain was better than Italy 9:7 (3:1, 0:2, 5:3, 1:1), while Montenegro defeated Serbia in the match for fifth place 16:14.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also attended the final match in Zagreb. 

In other Croatia water polo news, the national team has been grouped with Australia, the USA, and Kazakhstan for the World Championships, to be held from July 14 to 27 in South Korea. The draw for the tournament was held on Sunday at the Westin hotel in Zagreb. 

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

The Croatia water polo team won the Europa Cup in Rijeka last year, and now, they have an opportunity to defend the title against Hungary in Zagreb on Sunday.