June 25th, 2021 - Croatia expects to join the eurozone in early 2023 and plans to meet all the requirements by then, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said in Brussels on Friday.

He is attending a two-day EU summit which today will include a eurozone summit.

"That's an opportunity for me to state once again our willingness to meet all the criteria and, after entering the Exchange Rate Mechanism last year, to meet the action plan and create the prerequisites for Croatia to become a member of the eurozone during 2023, hopefully at the beginning," Plenković told reporters.

At the eurozone summit, he said, he will present the timetable Croatia expects regarding accession "given all the achievements in implementing the euro introduction strategy since 2018."

Member states' leaders began the second day of the EU summit by discussing economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic.

Plenković said he expected the Commission to approve Croatia's recovery and resilience plan in July, after which Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would come to Zagreb to personally give the Commission's the green light for the 6.3 billion worth grant plan.

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June 25, 2021 - In the second friendly match in Split, this time closed to the public, Croatia basketball tops Puerto Rico 72:66 (22-18, 24-9, 10-17, 16-22).

Puerto Rico started attacking aggressively, jumping to a 2-9 lead, forcing coach Veljko Mršić to call a time-out. Croatia successfully completed several well-executed plays and took the lead at 11-9. There were a few more draws in the first half, but Croatia held the reins firmly in their hands, and did not allow Puerto Rico to threaten the result seriously in the remaining three quarters, reports HKS.

HKS

Croatia held the biggest advantage when they were up by 23 points at 52:29 and 54:31 in the third quarter, both times thanks to Ante Toni Žižić. By the end of the game, Puerto Rico managed to get close to a single-digit difference.

Bojan Bogdanović also officially played the first game in this cycle of preparations, scoring 12 points with 5 assists. Ante Žižić was perfectly accurate (7/7 for field goals and 4/4 free throws) with which he scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Captain Roko Leni Ukić also hit double digits with 11 points and Miro Bilan with 10 points.

HKS

“This match was closed to the public; we tried some things to see what it would look like. This is our second game in 24 hours. The first 25 minutes were excellent, we were up by 23 points, but we gave up in the last 15 minutes. We allowed Puerto Rico a lot of attacking jumps, as well as some points from the counterattack. The defense was at a nice level, we received 66 points, and we also created quite good situations offensively. Just like yesterday, our shots were weaker. However, 20-25 shots were made well, and when the tournament comes, and we are fresh, they will go in. All in all, we are satisfied. That preparation period was not easy because we got a new player every preparation game, and we had to start from scratch again, have the training, and show actions. There was a little loss of rhythm and intensity in training. However, now we have five days left until the first game of the tournament; it's time to get well, play, do our best, and try to qualify for the Olympic Games," said Veljko Mršić, the national team coach. 

The Olympic qualifying tournament in Split is held from June 29 to July 4, and Spaladium Arena is partially open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at ulaznice.hr and the Spaladium Arena box office.

"I would really like the hall to be filled as much as possible because we really need it. It is different to play in front of a full hall, and that is why I invite all basketball fans to come, support us and together, in synergy, win a place in the Olympic Games and enjoy those four days of top basketball."

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June 24, 2021 - The Croatia sector at Parken stadium in Copenhagen has sold out for Croatia's round of 16 match against Spain! 

Within four hours after the start of ticket sales for the EURO 2020 round of 16 Croatia-Spain match, Croatia fans bought all available tickets for the Croatia sector at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, HNS reports. 

Ticket sales for the Croatia sector began at 11:00 am on Thursday via Uefa's ticket portal, and tickets could be purchased using access codes. At around 15:00, all available tickets for the Croatia sector were sold out, which will thus be filled to capacity in the EURO 2020 round of 16 match against Spain, played on June 28 at 18:00 in Copenhagen.

On Friday, June 25, the free sale of tickets for neutral fans will start via the Uefa ticket portal, if there are unused tickets from other quotas available to Uefa.

The Croatian Football Federation recommends all fans, regardless of the country they come from to Copenhagen, follow the current information on the rules of entry into Denmark on the official website of the Danish authorities.

The rules for entering the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen can be found on the official UEFA website.

Croatia and Spain have played a total of eight games, winning three, drawing one, and losing four. If you ask the bookmakers, Croatia will record their fifth defeat on Monday because Spain is the big favorite of the match. The odds on their victory dropped to 1.60, and Croatia's climbed to a whopping 6.00.

Recall, Croatia lost to England at Wembley, drew against the Czech Republic in Glasgow, and defeated Scotland in Glasgow to win second place in Group D. Spain drew against Sweden and Poland but topped Slovakia 5:0 for second place in Group E. 

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June 23, 2021 - Croatia and Spain will meet in the EURO 2020 round of 16! 

In the EURO 2020 round of 16, the Croatia national team will play against the second-placed team from Group E, which is Spain.

After beating Scotland and finishing second in the group, Croatia knew they would play the second-placed team of Group E in the round of 16 on Monday in Copenhagen. There was total chaos ahead of the final round and all four teams had a chance to be second. 

Spain outclassed Slovakia 5:0 and did their part, but Sweden went up 2:0 and held a solid first place in the group. 

But when we thought it was the end, Lewandowski scored for 1:2, and six minutes before the end, he scored again. It seemed then that Croatia would face second-placed Sweden.

However, in the 94th minute, Claesson scored for 3:2, and Sweden finished first in Group E. 

The Croatia and Spain match is scheduled for June 28 in Copenhagen at 18:00. 

More soon...

Source: Index.hr

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June 23, 2021 - How many Croatia fans in Copenhagen can we expect for the round of 16 match at Parken Stadium? We aren't sure, but we have a feeling it will be a lot. 

After three matches in Group D, Croatia will finally have more fans in the stands at EURO 2020, and information about tickets will be known soon, reports Gol.hr.

Croatia will play in the round of 16 on Monday at 6 pm at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, and they will find out their opponent today after 6 pm when the decisive matches in Group E begin.

Due to strict restrictions, Croatia played in front of less than a hundred fans in London and Glasgow, most of whom lived in the UK, and only a few decided to undergo ten-day and five-day quarantines and several COVID-19 tests.

Copenhagen, however, will be much different. Pictures of an almost full stadium and celebrations of Denmark fans who celebrated their national team advancing to the round of 16. Along with Budapest, Parken Stadium hosts the most fans at EURO 2020 so far. 

Coach Dalic wanted only one thing in the round of 16 after the game.

"I only want Croatia fans in the stands, that's what I want, I'm waiting and dreaming, then we're much stronger."

He mentioned several times that his team was not in the same position as the others because of the lack of fans and the truth is, Croatia and the Czech Republic were the most affected playing in the UK. 

So, who can travel to Denmark?

Many fans have been wondering since last night. In this case, Croatia is on the yellow list, and the restrictions are much milder, meaning many will be able to attend the match.

"For trips to Denmark from the yellow states, it is not necessary to present a COVID-19 test when boarding the aircraft. Passengers entering Denmark from the yellow EU / Schengen countries, including Croatia, must present one of the following upon entry:

- Confirmation of full vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the EMA, and at least 14 and at most 180 days must have passed since the last dose was received.

- Certificate of COVID 19 illness, 14 days to 8 months before the trip.

- perform testing upon entering Denmark."

How to get tickets will likely be announced by HNS on Thursday after we find out Croatia's opponent tonight.

If Croatia makes it to the quarterfinal, they will travel to St. Petersburg.

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June 22, 2021 - Croatia tops Scotland 3:1 in the final Group D match for 2nd place and a spot in the round of 16! 

Croatia and Scotland met in the decisive Group D match for a spot in the EURO 2020 round of 16. The two nations met at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Tuesday night. 

Both teams entered the match with one point. Croatia drew 1:1 against the Czech Republic and lost to England 1:0. Scotland drew 0:0 with England and lost to the Czech Republic 2:0. Both teams could make the round of 16 only with a victory, and if the match ended in a draw, both Croatia and Scotland would be eliminated.

About 11,500 fans were in the Hampden Park stands, and maybe 100 or so Croatia fans expected. 

Lineups

SCOTLAND: Marshall - McTominay, Hanely, Tierney - O'Donnell, McGregor, Armstrong, Robertson - McGinn - Adams, Dykes.

CROATIA: Livaković - Juranović, Lovren, Vida, Gavrdiol - Brozović, Kovačić - Vlašić, Modrić, Perišić - Petković.

Coach Zlatko Dalić thus left Kalinic, Sluga, Vrsaljko, Barisic, Caleta-Car, Brekalo, Kramaric, Budimir, Pasalic, Rebic, Badelj, and Ivanusec on the Croatia bench. 

The game started promptly at 20:00 GMT. Scotland received a corner kick in the first few seconds of the match. 

Croatia had their first attacking play in the 3rd minute thanks to Juranovic, Vlasic, and Modric moving up the right-wing. Petkovic received the ball in the offside position. 

A cross from Robertson into the box found McGinn for a close encounter in the 6th minute which Livakovic saved from a goal. 

Juranovic, Vlasic, and Modric attacked again in the 8th minute. Adams retaliated with a shot on goal moments later. 

Scotland was dangerous again in the 12th minute which Livakovic cleared. They shot right at Livakovic for an easy save one minute later. 

But a former Hajduk combination eased Croatia's nerves. Juranovic and Perisic found Vlasic who scored for 1:0 Croatia in the 17th minute!

Modric nailed a rocket at the Scotland goal in the 21st minute which touched the fingertips of the keeper but the ref called a goal kick. 

A shaky and slippery Croatia defense nearly saw Scotland score three times in the 23rd minute, but Livakovic kept the result at 1:0. 

Croatia possessed the game for the remainder of the half. Gvardiol launched a play up the left to Perisic and Juranovic who shot over the goal in the 37th minute. It's safe to say Croatia was looking far better than the first two games. Another Croatia attack moments later saw Perisic shoot over the goal. 

But Scotland came back with the equalizer after a quick counter and mishap in the Croatia defense. Livakovic could not save the day here - it was 1:1 in the 42nd minute. 

The match ended 1:1 at the half.  

Dalic went into the second half with no changes to the lineup. 

A Croatia attack saw Josko Gvardiol and the Scotland keeper collide in the 49th minute. Croatia had their first corner of the second half in the 53rd minute. 

Croatia had a brilliant chance in the 55th minute, but Modric played Perisic offside which Marshall saved in the end. 

A Scotland ball to the far post almost found McGinn for the Scotland lead but Croatia was lucky to keep it 1:1.  

Croatia went back into the lead thanks to their faithful leader. Luka Modric scored with a classic outside of the boot shot for 2:1 Croatia in the 62nd minute!

Slobodan Kadic

Dalic subbed off Petkovic for Kramaric in the 69th minute. Barasic went on for Gvardiol in the 70th. 

Kovacic shot at the keeper in the 74th minute but Croatia continued to attack. 

Vlasic came out for Luka Ivanusec in the 75th minute. 

A sequence of two Croatia corners brought incredible luck. Modric crossed into the box which touched the top of Perisic's head for 3:1 Croatia in the 77th minute!!

Slobodan Kadic

A Croatia corner in the final minute of regulation time was played short to Kramaric. The ref added 4 minutes to the end of the game.  

Slobodan Kadic

A Scotland corner in the final two minutes was unsuccessful. Croatia finished 2nd in Group D for a spot in the round of 16!!!!!!

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June 21, 2021 - Coach Zlatko Dalić and vice-captain Ivan Perišić addressed the press to speak about Croatia ahead of Scotland on Tuesday. 

The Croatia national football team coach Zlatko Dalić and vice-captain Ivan Perišić addressed the press the day before the decisive match for a spot in the EURO 2020 round of 16. 

After losing to England (0:1) and drawing to the Czech Republic (1:1), Croatia will face Scotland on Tuesday at Hampden Park. The stakes are high; for both teams, the victory brings the round of 16. 

It was announced this morning that Billy Gilmour tested positive for COVID-19. This hurts Scotland considerably, but does it change anything for Croatia?

"The rules are the same for everyone; we have to concentrate on ourselves and our victory; the rest is irrelevant. Some play at home; some can’t even have fans on away pitches. We have to get together and try to get through the group. There is no fear for tomorrow," said Ivan Perišić.

"It is not easy for any national team when they lose an important player. Scotland has a solution, they will be ready for us; they play in front of their fans, but we are concentrated on us, and a lot will depend on us," added Perišić.

How does Zlatko Dalić see the situation?

"Before the Euros, we knew that the third game would be decisive. This is the last chance we have to advance. That was the goal, and we must do everything to achieve it," said Dalić.

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour tested positive and has to go into ten days of isolation, but not the whole team. Dalić believes that his absence will not weaken Scotland much, but he also adds that Croatia is damaged because they are playing without its fans.

"We are damaged around this situation; we are certainly stronger with the fans. We play against two hosts, and various things about the coronavirus have been surrounding us for a month. It will be very difficult; we are playing against an opponent who has the quality and who is motivated. We have to go out on the field as favorites. We must not lose patience; we must not lose our heads. Patience will be very important," added the coach.

"We travel every three days; these are not realistic conditions. I would not want Croatia to do something outside the field, but I think that the conditions must be the same for everyone, and they are not. But I want Gilmour to recover and everything to be resolved on the field."

Players are constantly being tested, and of course, there is the pressure of whether they will be positive.

"We are all under pressure about positive tests. We are all in psychological uncertainty that something will not happen and that someone will not be positive, so that we all go into isolation. I really wouldn’t want it all to expand; I hope there won’t be anything more. We are worried about COVID-19 in the Scotland national team, but we have to play that game."

Asked if any of his players had asked him not to play due to the positive result, Dalić said they had not yet been able to talk because they had just arrived.

"We just arrived in Glasgow, had lunch, and of course we'll talk. It is clear that everyone is in fear and uncertainty, but we have to play the game and focus on the game and forget the rest. Such is the situation throughout the championship. We are all negative and very careful, but you never know what might happen."

Is the absence of Gilmour a gain for Croatia?

"Every player is an absence for the team. Gilmour played well against England but entered that game as a reserve. Scotland has stronger players; I don't see that as a win for us. Scotland is a strong team, they play at home, and that one player who is not standard and will not play is not our advantage," added Dalić.

Source: HRT

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June 21, 2021 - Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina will meet in the EuroBasket Women 2021 quarter-final qualifying match tonight at 18:00!

In the most important group stage match at the European Women's Basketball Championship, Croatia defeated the Czech Republic 84-56 in Strasbourg on Sunday and will play the qualifying match for the quarterfinals, where they will meet the national team of Bosnia & Herzegovina, reports HKS.

After the initial test of strength, Croatia took the lead 27-17 on the wings of the playful trio Dojkić - Slonjšak - Tikvić. In the final 50 seconds of the first quarter, the Czechs halved the score (27-22).

The Croatia crisis lasted in the opening five minutes of the third quarter in which they allowed their opponents to return to the game (29-29). Coach Stipe Bralić used two time-outs. After the second, Ivana Dojkić immediately scored a three-pointer. It was a sign of a new onslaught for Croatia who returned to plus 10 (31-41).

In the third quarter, Croatia's advantage grew from minute to minute, and they played the best basketball of their championship so far. In the 25th minute, it was +22 (34-56) and at the beginning of the last quarter +27 (45-72). No one could stop the Croatian machine that came back from being heavily defeated by France (-42) at the opening of the championship.

Ivana Dojkić (24 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds), Iva Slonjšak (18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists), Ivana Tikvić (17 points, 8 rebounds), and Ana-Marija Begić (13 points, 10 rebounds) were the best players on the court. The others complimented them brilliantly for a great and well-deserved celebration.

Coach Stipe Bralić did not hide his satisfaction after the victory and optimism before the match against Bosnia & Herzegovina:

"We played stably and calmly with good shots and quality play in attack, and firmly and strongly in defense. The Czechs didn't stand a chance. This is the first victory of the Croatia women's national team against the Czech Republic since independence. It is important to have a good rest and surprise tomorrow against Bosnia, stop their American Jones, who is probably the best player in the world, and place among the eight best, which would be a phenomenal success. The girls will do their best and with a little luck, I hope for success," Bralić emphasized.

National team members Ivana Dojkić and Iva Slonjšak are also optimistic.

"We did our best in defense and attack. Every girl who came in gave me extra energy and I'm really proud of all the girls and that's how we should continue," said Dojkić, whose words were followed by Slonjšak:

"Tomorrow against Bosnia & Herzegovina we need the same energy. Let's go for all or nothing. I believe that the players, as they are today, will do their job. Let's do the best we can."

The two teams meet tonight at 18:00. 

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ZAGREB, 20 June, 2021 - The Croatian Danube Region Returnees' Association (ZPHP), established in Vukovar on Saturday, will prioritise the prosecution of war crimes and solving the border and war damage issues.

The ZPHP was established by the returnees' associations of Vukovar-Srijem and Osijek-Baranja counties.

A declaration on Croatian returnees' rights and legitimate expectations was adopted at the founding assembly, the ZPHP said on Sunday.

With the declaration, the ZPHP encourages relevant institutions and the government to consistently apply the international agreements Croatia signed with the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Srijem Agreement which regulate the right to compensation for war damage to all victims.

In doing so, the ZPHP referred to a United Nations Compensation Commission decision of 24 January 1992 on the war damage estimated in the Iraq-Kuwait war.

The ZPHP appealed to the Foreign Ministry to start negotiations with Croatia's neighbours, notably Serbia, on the border issue, starting from the Badinter Commission Conclusion of 1991.

The ZPHP called for intensifying efforts to trace persons gone missing in the Homeland War and launching investigations and the prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.

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June 24th, 2021 - Born and raised in Croatia but has lived abroad for most of her life, TCN intern Marina Kaleb looks at what Croatians find strange when living abroad, speaking from her own experience. 

Croatians are very particular with their daily habits and traditions, so when you're raised in a small town or even the capital, moving abroad is a whole different dimension you have to get used to. Of course, every country has its own way of living, but here are some things I have come across when living abroad that are still strange to me as a Croat. 

1. Working from a cafe

Pixabay

Various cafes abroad have work-friendly stations such as large tables, charging stations, and student discounts to encourage people to choose their place instead of home or a library. It's very common to see people sitting alone or in groups working on their laptops in a cafe, take Starbucks anywhere in the world, for example. It's kind of glamourized to work in a cafe to get the best of both worlds and fit into an aesthetic but are they even productive? Personally, it took me a while to adjust to this because I was raised in a place where going to a cafe for a coffee is for relaxing, socializing, and forgetting about work. You'll rarely see people working in cafes in Croatia (apart from digital nomads), although it is not considered as strange as it used to be anymore. In larger cities, foreigners enjoy working from a cafe, even in Croatia. 

2. Western coffee culture 

Another one to do with coffee, as Croats are very particular about it. The Western coffee culture is the complete opposite of what we are used to in Croatia. We like to sit down with a coffee for hours and catch up with our friends, but it's either quick coffee at the cafe or a coffee on the go in most countries abroad. During the Covid-19 outbreak, coffee to go suddenly became an option in most cafes in Croatia, but people still went and sat down somewhere to enjoy it rather than rushing. To this day, sometimes I still feel weird staying at a cafe for hours and only having one coffee because I feel guilty, but it is such a normal thing back home. 

3. Fast-paced lifestyle 

The pre-pandemic fast-paced lifestyle is extremely strange to someone who comes from a tiny town in Croatia. At home, everything is very relaxed and handled with ease which now sounds extremely strange to me. Perhaps it's the Dalmatian lifestyle of living in peace and simply allowing things to happen at their own pace. However, wherever you go abroad, you will face a fast-paced lifestyle, whether you like it or not.  

4. The lack of old romantic songs abroad

Dusko Jaramaz/PIXSELL

Growing up in Croatia, we are used to listening to beautiful, timeless ballads that our parents and grandparents also grew up with. Whether you go to Croatia, a cafe, a restaurant, or even a bar, you are bound to hear old romantic songs that everyone adores. While you still hear old romantic songs abroad, it's not as common. In Croatia, it's completely normal to play romantic and traditional songs in clubs and bars, while abroad, it's mostly pop music. There is nothing like listening to traditional Croatian acapella singing, Klapa, and it's something I really miss hearing! 

5. Moving away from family 

It's very common for people to remain in their hometown or the region they grew up in their whole life, stay close to family, or even live with their family. Croatia is a collective community, and we like to be close to our family because they always come first. In contrast, many countries focus on their own individual life rather than having family nearby. When it comes to holidays or weekly family dinners, Croats remain very traditional and prefer to spend time with their family, whereas abroad, it's not as common. When living abroad, friends become your family as you form new bonds, but at home, traditions are to be kept.

Is there anything else that you find strange as a Croat living abroad? Let us know your experiences! 

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