September 7, 2021 - Croatia tops Slovenia in their final 2022 World Cup qualifier this month thanks to goals by Marko Livaja, Mario Pašalić, and Nikola Vlašić! 

Croatia met Slovenia in their final 2022 World Cup qualifier this month at Poljud Stadium in Split. Around 20,000 spectators were expected for this match, though only those with COVID certificates were able to enter the stadium. Split Police have been vigilant since the morning to avoid any incidents. 

Recall, Croatia already played two qualifiers in the last week - against Russia in Moscow, and against Slovakia in Bratislava, taking 4 points.

Slobodan Kadic

Slobodan Kadic

Lineups:

Croatia: Ivušić, Juranović, Lovren, Vida, Barišić, Brozović, Kovačić, Pašalić, Livaja, Perišić, Kramarić

Slovenia: Oblak, Stojanović, Bijol, Mevlja, Balkovec, Gnezda Čerin, Stanković, Kurtic, Lovrić, Iličić, Šeško

Croatia's first attack happened in the first minute of the match. Ivan Perišić ran the ball up the wing and shot on goal. Andrej Kramarić had a chance two minutes later which went out for a goal kick. 

Another attack for Croatia in the 5th minute saw Juranović carry the ball up the right wing to find Kramarić who crossed into the box. Barašić played the ball back in from the left and Pašalić headed to the keeper. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia's first corner kick came in the 6th minute. The ball ultimately found Barašić who shot over the goal. 

Croatia's best chance came in the 9th minute - a Perišić cross made its way to the penalty box with 3 Croatia players in front of the goal. 

Another incredible chance for Croatia in the 19th minute - a beautiful play between Kramarić, Perišić, and Barašić found Andrej at the top of the box, though his shot went straight to the keeper. 

Another almost goal happened in the 25th minute - Oblak was out of his goal but Livaja was unable to shoot before the ball went out for a goal kick. 

Livaja tried his luck and shot from 30 meters out in the 28th minute which Oblak touched out for a corner. 

Then it finally happened - Hajduk superstar Marko Livaja scored for 1:0 Croatia in the 33rd minute!

Slobodan Kadic

Pašalić had a chance two minutes later off a corner but headed to the Slovenia keeper. 

A cross in from Juranović in the 37th minute found Perišić's head but was an easy save for Oblak. Perišić dribbled up the left wing a minute later but shot over the goal. Oblak made an unbelievable save in the next minute to keep it 1:0. 

Croatia was playing really beautiful football, which was a huge improvement from their game against Slovakia. The momentum from the home fans was certainly helping. The match ended 1:0 for Croatia at the half. 

Croatia's attacking game did not dwindle to start the second half. Balls were launched into the box from both sides, though Oblak always seemed to find his way there. 

Slobodan Kadic

Slovenia was having a hard time making it past the halfway line in the first 10 minutes of the second half. 

Slovenia subbed in Hajduk player Jan Mlakar in the 53rd minute. 

Zlatko Dalić made his first sub in the 57th minute - Marko Livaja came out for Nikola Vlašić. 

Kova dribbled through the Slovenia defense in the 60th minute which went out for a corner.

But it didn't take long for Croatia to get their second goal. A Perišič cross found Pašalić who scored for 2:0 in the 66th minute! Playing at Poljud was certainly giving these former Hajduk stars an extra push. 

Slobodan Kadic

Mateo Kovačić was subbed off for Luka Ivanušec, Andrej Kramarić came off for Mislav Oršić, and Dejan Lovren came off for Duje Ćaleta Car in the 76th minute. 

Nikola Vlašić nearly had his chance in the 81st minute after dribbling to the goal line but was unlucky in the end. 

Ivan Perišić was subbed off for Antonio Čolak in the 85th minute. 

Oršić and Ivanušec both had chances in the 88th-90th minutes, but the game remained 2:0. Four minutes of extra time were added. 

A Hajduk hattrick tonight became a reality - Nikola Vlašić scored in the final minute of the game for 3:0! 

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September 5, 2201 - Croatia defeated Slovakia in their second match of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers this month, taking a crucial 3 points to keep first place in the group. 

After beating Slovakia in Bratislava, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said he was proud of the team's performance, primarily of the strong engagement of the players during the demanding away game.

With the triumph in Bratislava, Croatia kept first place in the group before the third consecutive September match in the qualifications for the World Cup in Qatar next year.

"Congratulations to our players on three points, but they deserve even greater congratulations for the energy, fighting spirit, and perseverance, which they showed throughout the game. That ultimately rewarded them with a victory. We played aggressively, combatively, compactly, trying in every way to score a goal. Unfortunately, we did not succeed, mostly because of a good, compact, and aggressive opponent, but also because of the really desperate terrain, which was a big problem for us. However, we took three points, did what we came to Bratislava for," says the coach Zlatko Dalić, whose team secured important points in the very end.

"We wanted to put pressure from the beginning of the game with three fresh players, highly raised Ivanušec, Čolak, and Oršić, because the field was terrible, and we knew that Slovakia likes to play over the backline. So we tried to be aggressive in that context and knew that we would give a chance to fresher, more rested players in the second half. Unfortunately, we didn't find the back pass and a real shot from a cross in the second half either, and the field really had a great impact on the game. And then, when the 80th minute came, I was afraid that we might be punished, In the end, we scored a goal."

After the game, the coach greeted Croatia fans in the stands.

"We should thank the people who managed to come to the game through some of their channels and support Croatia. It's really nice, I thank them for coming, and I think we made a nice base for Split and Poljud. I hope that the stands will be full."

Dalić spoke about the stressful period after the Euros: 

"It's hard and stressful, it's not easy, but people from my staff, who are very active, help me a lot. Ladić was at the matches between Slovenia and Slovakia and Slovenia and Malta, and with me are Olić, Ćorluka, and Pletikosa. We try to be even more compact and better, correct some of our mistakes and the pressure… I don’t follow, and I don’t watch, I do the best I can, and I can’t ban stories and comments; everyone has a right to them. I am glad that the players accept everything we agreed on in the meeting, and how they fought today is proof of how much they care and confirmation that the atmosphere is much better now. We have made a huge step forward without Luka Modric."

Up next is Slovenia in Split.

"I hope that we will take three more points against Slovenia and that in this September part of the qualifications we will get what we were looking for, a positive atmosphere and a big step forward. Here, look at the team that played today… All national team players play in their clubs, they are in shape, they have consistent playing time. That was very important. This game is a real indicator that we are on the right path, and there is no reason to give up. True, some players played both games, Juranović, Sosa, Brozović, Kovačić. However, it feels like Vlašić is a little tired. We will have to think about changes because it is difficult to expect all these players to be at the same level in the third game in a week." 

Another big winner in Bratislava is Ivica Ivušić, who replaced the injured Dominik Livaković in goal and saved Croatia on several occasions.

"I have to praise Ivušić; he pulled us out of some situations. He has constantly been defending for Osijek for two years. He is the most standard goalkeeper in the HNL. How did we decide between Ivušić or Sluga? The goalkeeper's coach Marijan Mrmić decided, and we supported his decision. In any case, Ivica bought a place in the national team with this match," concluded Dalic.

Source: HNS

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September 4, 2021 - In their second 2022 World Cup qualifier this month, Croatia beats Slovakia 1:0 in Bratislava.

After drawing to Russia in Moscow, the Croatia national team met Slovakia in Bratislava as part of the most demanding mini-cycle in these 2022 World Cup qualifications.

The starting lineups were released an hour before the match, which saw as many as five changes for Croatia. It was announced that starting goalkeeper Dominik Livaković would not be able to play tonight's match, and is questionable against Slovenia, with Osijek keeper Ivica Ivušić taking his place. Dalić also opted for Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Mario Pašalić on the bench to start this match, while Domagoj Vida returned to the starting lineup after serving his yellow card suspension.

Slovakia: Rodak - Pekarik, Šatka, Škriniar, Hancko; Mak; Kucka, Lobotka; Hamšik, Weiss; Schranz

Croatia: Ivušić - Juranović, Lovren, Vida, Sosa; Vlašić, Brozović, Kovačić; Ivanušec, Vlašić, Oršić; Čolak

Croatia had their first chance in the 3rd minute. Čolak played Brozović at the top of the box who failed precision in his shot.  

In the 10th minute, a brilliant ball by Čolak found Oršić who hit the post. Dalić's match strategy was high-pressure in the attack, which Croatia had fulfilled from the start. Ivanušić shot on goal 4 minutes later which was saved by the Slovakia keeper. 

Another great chance for Croatia happened in the 18th minute - Oršić found Čolak near the penalty area who was just a second too late with his shot which deflected for a corner. 

Slobodan Kadic

Slovakia's first real chance came in the 22nd minute when Weiss shot just wide of the goal. Croatia's defense had a lapse in judgment in the 26th minute forcing Ivušić to save the day to keep the game 0:0. 

A dangerous free-kick for Slovakia followed two minutes later which made its way into the box. Vida and Lovren were brilliant in the back to block the ball for a corner. 

Vlašić's shot was deflected for a corner in the 32nd minute, and his chance a minute later was saved by the keeper.  

Slobodan Kadic

Slovakia picked up their attacking game from the 40th minute which put Croatia's defense to work with moments of panic. The match ended 0:0 at the half. 

The second half started with no changes for Croatia. 

Croatia continued their high-pressing game to start the second half, with a good chance by Vida in the 51st minute. 

Slovakia had a chance a minute later which the referee ultimately called for a foul. Another great chance for Croatia came from a Sosa cross in the 53rd minute which went across the box. 

There were three substitutions for Croatia in the 55th minute - Livaja, Perišić, and Pašalić came in for Čolak, Ivanušec, and Vlašić. 

Another Sosa ball across the box just missed Pašalić in the 57th minute. Croatia's hunger for a goal was not slowing down. 

Slobodan Kadic

Livaja shot in the 60th minute which was deflected for a Croatia corner that went out off the head of Lovren.

Andrej Kramarić came in for Oršić in the 62nd minute. 

Slovakia missed a chance in front of the goal in the 72nd minute. In the 77th minute, Perišić and Livaja both crossed into the box with no luck. Croatia was creating chances but had much difficulty finding the back of the net. 

Kovačić lost the ball in the 82nd minute which almost resulted in a Slovakia lead, but Ivušić was there to make the save. 

Dalić made his last substation in the 84th minute - Lovro Majer came in for Mateo Kovačič.

Two minutes later, it finally happened for Croatia. In the 86th minute - Majer's free-kick made its way to Brozović who volleyed in for a goal! It was 1:0 for Croatia with 4 minutes to go. 

Slobodan Kadic

Slobodan Kadic

Slovakia followed with a dangerous attack in the next minute which Ivušić tipped over the post for a corner. A series of corners for Slovakia followed, with Croatia's defense in a panic to clear the ball out. 

The ref added 4 minutes to the end of the match, which was not enough for Slovakia to equalize. The match ended 1:0 for Croatia!

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia concludes this mini-cycle at home against Slovenia at Poljud on September 7.

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September 1, 2021 - Russia and Croatia draw in Moscow in the first 2022 World Cup qualifier for the Vatreni this month. 

The Croatia national team continued their qualification cycle for the 2022 World Cup against Russia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Coach Zlatko Dalic faced a problem before the start of the match. Gvardiol, who was supposed to play stopper with Lovren, felt muscle tightening before kick-off. Duje Ćaleta-Car entered the starting lineup instead. Recall, Luka Modrić did not travel with the team to Russia due to an injury. 

Lineups

Russia: Guilherme; Mario Fernandes, Diveev, Dzhikiya, Karavayev; Kuzyayev, Barinov, Golovin; Ionov, Miranchuk, Zakharyan

Croatia: Livaković; Juranović, Lovren, Ćaleta-Car, Sosa; Brozović, Kovačić; Vlašić, Pašalić, Perišić; Kramarić

The match started with a Russia attack which was no problem for Livaković. Good movement up Croatia's wings saw a few balls played into the penalty area but went short to Russia's keeper. Croatia's first corner of the match was in the 11th minute. Ćaleta Car's header went high over the goal. 

Russia's most dangerous opportunity came in the 14th minute with a rocket from Zakharyan, but Livaković's fingertips forced it out for a corner. 

Croatia began attacking more aggressively in the 5 minutes that followed, with crosses lobbed into the box by both Sosa and Juranović. 

Slobodan Kadic

While Croatia maintained possession they maintained their calm and didn't attack Russia's goal much from the 30th minute. Russia, however, also had trouble giving Livaković much work to do. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia's best chance came in the 40th minute with a world-class through ball from Kovačić. The Russia keeper beat Kramarić to it by a millisecond, thus ending the play. Another great chance happened two minutes later. A brilliant Juranović cross into the box went off Pašalić's head to Perišić who just shot wide of the goal. 

Slobodan Kadic

The match ended 0:0 at the half after a much more offensive Croatia in the final 5 minutes.  

The second half started with a shot on goal for Russia which Livaković saved to keep the score 0:0. Croatia's first real chance of the second half came 10 minutes later when Vlašić shot over the goal. Croatia was struggling to break through the tough Russia defense. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia's defense was lucky when a Russia attack was called offside in the 62nd minute. Sosa shot from outside the box two minutes later but it was an easy save for the Russia keeper. 

Luka Ivanušec came in for Mario Pašalić in the 69th minute. Mislav Oršic came in for Andrej Kramarić and Mirko Livaja for Ivan Perišić in the 72nd. 

Russia increased its attacking game but failed to find the back of the net. Ivanušec shot at the keeper in the 81st minute. An injury ended Ćaleta Car's game in the 84th minute. Mile Škorić was subbed on in his place. 

A weak clearance from Lovren in the 87th minute nearly cost Croatia a goal, but Livaković saved it to keep the score even. The final few minutes saw panic for the Croatia defense who were threatened by Russia in the penalty area. 

Four minutes were added by the referee. 

Kovačić used his technical skills to dribble through the Russia defense, sending a slow-motion ball across the goal line in the 2nd minute of added time for another Croatia chance, but it wasn't enough. The match ended 0:0. 

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September 1, 2021 - Tickets are on sale today for Croatia's 2022 World Cup qualifier at Poljud against Slovenia on September 7!

Following the decision of the Croatian Civil Protection Headquarters from August 30 that public gatherings are still allowed in which only persons with an EU digital COVID certificate participate, the Croatian Football Federation confirms that the Croatia-Slovenia match will be played in the presence of spectators with a valid EU digital COVID and hereby informs the public about the ticket purchasing process.

Ticket sales for the qualifying match between Croatia and Slovenia at Poljud Stadium (September 7 at 8:45 pm) begin on Wednesday, September 1 at 12 pm.

Ticket sales are organized exclusively via the Internet at the following prices:

Ticket prices presale / until September 6 (TICKET PORTAL):
West middle: 200 kn
West: 150 kn
East middle: 120 kn
East: 100 kn
North / South: 80 kn

Ticket prices (on the day of the match):
West middle: 250 kn
West: 200 kn
East middle: 150 kn
East: 120 kn
North / South: 100 kn

ALL PERSONS COMING TO THE STADIUM WITH YOU MUST HAVE AN EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE.

Please note that vaccination certificates or illness certificates will not be recognized and various test results, but only the EU digital COVID certificate with a valid QR code that will be checked at the entrance.

Children under the age of 12 who have a ticket can enter the stadium without an EU digital COVID certificate if accompanied by a parent or guardian who has a certificate and a ticket.

Information on how to download EU digital COVID certificates can be found at the following link: https://eudigitalnacovidpotvrda.hr/hr/cesta-pitanja.

Fans who have not been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 on arrival at the stadium will be tested through rapid antigen tests. The price of the test will be 50 kn per person, and the test point will be open in front of the Spaladium Arena in the following terms:

Monday, Sept. 6, from 12:00 to 22:00
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 9:00 to 21:00

Ticket sales include e-tickets that the customer must download and print. Only citizens of the Republic of Croatia have the right to purchase by filling in the required personal information.

Due to special epidemiological measures in the stands, one person can buy up to four (4) tickets. In addition to their data, the buyer enters data on another fan for whom they buy tickets, where another fan does not necessarily have to be a citizen of the Republic of Croatia, but cannot be a citizen of the Republic of Slovenia due to UEFA epidemiological measures banning ticket sales to visiting fans for September qualifiers.

Tickets will be available online, where you can find detailed information on ticket sales and payment methods.

"We warn the fans that when entering the stadium, security will check the accuracy of personal data on the tickets and that fans who try to enter the stadium with a ticket in another name will be denied entry. Therefore, we warn fans not to buy tickets on the "black market" with other information on the ticket," concluded HNS.

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September 1, 2021 - The Croatian football league matches will be broadcast to more than 300 million people from the 2022/23 season!

After buying TV rights for competitions under the jurisdiction of the Croatian Football Federation for a record amount, Endorphin Magine has signed a multi-year contract with an Indonesian partner that will market Croatian First League matches to more than 300 million people, reports HNS.

Last year, HNS and Endorphin Magine signed a ten-year contract for production and distribution rights for all matches owned by HNS, starting with the 2022/23 competition year.

Endorphin Magine has signed a contract with Indonesian house PT Global Media Visual (Mola TV), which has bought TV rights for the territories of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Italy from the 2022/23 season until 2025. As announced by Endorphin, this is the first step in expanding the distribution of the Croatian league worldwide.

"This is an exhilarating time for Croatian football - we are entering new territories and can now broadcast matches internationally to 300 million new fans, which will contribute to the strong growth in popularity of this Top 20 Uefa league. We are delighted to partner with PT Global Media Visual, the market leader. This confirms the recent successes of the national team and clubs and that Croatian football is an exciting value. The Croatian Football Federation is delighted to expand into these new territories and fully supports new stakeholders. In addition, the growing international visibility of Croatian football will further promote clubs and players in these markets," said Endorphin Maginea CEO David Johnson.

"Our company is constantly looking for new and exciting content that allows us to offer our customers the best possible entertainment package. The first Croatian football league has developed into a top football experience. We are thrilled to give our viewers a chance to watch this competition for the first time. Our partnership with Endorphin Magine fits in perfectly with our vision of expanding the sports package offering," said Mirwan Suwarso, PT Global Media Visual’s representative.

"We are happy to hear about this agreement because it confirms the international attractiveness of our First League. We are sure that Mole TV viewers will enjoy Croatian football because the First League has never been more interesting, uncertain, and exciting. This agreement shows that we have chosen Endorphin Magine as an excellent partner who will help us in the development and promotion of Croatian football around the world," said the President of the Croatian Football Federation, Marijan Kustić.

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August 29, 2021 - Croatia captain Luka Modrić will miss Croatia's Russia and Slovakia qualifiers next week, but could still join the team in Split before the Slovenia match on September 7 at Poljud. 

The Croatia national team captain and Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modrić, will not come to the Croatia national team gathering on Monday, August 30, reports HNS.

Due to an adductor injury, Modrić missed last week's La Liga league match against Levante and was in recovery treatment during the week. In consultation with the medical services of Real Madrid and the Croatia national team, it was established that Modrić cannot compete in the qualifying matches against Russia on September 1 and Slovakia on September 4. 

Coach Zlatko Dalić and captain Modrić agreed that therefore, Modrić will not come to the national team gathering in Moscow on August 30, and left open the possibility for the captain to join his teammates in Split for the match against Slovenia (September 7), if Modrić gets the green light from his doctor that he is ready to return to the pitch. 

After it was decided that Modrić would not compete in the qualifying matches, coach Zlatko Dalić decided to call up Lovro Majer.

The 23-year-old offensive midfielder signed a contract for Rennes this week, after playing his 100th game in the Dinamo Zagreb jersey against Sheriff. Majer was a regular member of the Croatia national youth team, and in 2017 he made his debut for the A national team in a friendly match against Mexico in Los Angeles.

However, Majer shouldn't be looked at as Luka's replacement. It is likely that Dalić will use Mario Pašalić or Nikola Vlašić to play with Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović. 

The 2018 World Cup finalists gather on Monday, August 30, and during this busy September week, they will play against Russia (September 1 in Moscow) and Slovakia (September 4 in Bratislava) and at home against Slovenia (September 7 in Split).

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August 25, 2021 - Ticket prices for the 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Slovenia have been announced by HNS. However, the National Civil Protection Headquarters still needs to determine if spectators will be allowed, with a decision set for September 1. Croatia and Slovenia are due to meet on September 7 at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

The 2nd session of the Croatian Football Federation Executive Board was held in Zabok in the Gjalski Castle, hosted by the Krapina-Zagorje County Football Federation, announced HNS on Wednesday.

The HNS Executive Board has determined the ticket prices for the 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Slovenia (September 7 at 20:45), which will be held in the presence of spectators if permitted by measures to be announced by the National Civil Protection Headquarters on September 1.

The following prices have been determined:
West middle: 200 kn presale / 250 kn on the day of the match
West: 150 kn presale / 200 kn on the day of the match
East center: 120 kn presale / 150 kn on the day of the match
East: 100 kn presale / 120 kn on the day of the match
North: 80 kn presale / 100 kn on the day of the match
South: 80 kn presale / 100 kn on the day of the match

Information on ticket sales will be published after the Headquarters decide if the match will be played in front of an audience.

The Executive Board also adopted all the materials needed to hold the women's football competition - calendar, leadership, and competition propositions for the 1st HNLŽ, 2nd HNLŽ, 1st HNL pioneers, HNKŽ, and women's youth at the center level, as well as the list of refs for these competitions. 

The IO appointed the presidents of the HNS commissions and adopted the list of delegates for the 3rd HNL.

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August 24, 2021 - Three Croatian diaspora footballers will join Igor Bišćan's U21 Croatia squad for the new qualification cycle. 

U21 Croatia coach Igor Bišćan has selected players for the new qualification cycle, which includes three footballers born and raised abroad - Luka Sučić, Josip Stanišić, and Marco Pašalić, announced HNS.

Red Bull Salzburg's offensive midfielder, Luka Sučić, already has 17 appearances for the young Croatia national team and was among the candidates for the U21 national team before the European Championship final, which he missed due to injury. Sučić played for the U15 Croatia national team for the first time in a friendly match against Austria, where he was born and raised.

"It is a special feeling to wear a jersey with red and white checks, and I am looking forward to continuing to represent Croatia," said Sučić, who is currently on the call-up list for the A national team coach with coach Zlatko Dalić.

Defender Josip Stanišić was born on April 2, 2000, in Munich, where he played for the first team of the Bavarian giants Bayern this season. He played for the German U19 national team in two friendly matches but chose to play for his parents' country:

"I am pleased to be invited to the U21 Croatia national team. I am honored to be able to wear the Croatia jersey," Stanišić said.

Borussia Dortmund striker Marco Pašalić also attracted the attention of the Croatian public this summer. Pašalić was born on September 14, 2000, in Karlsruhe, and so far, he has played in two friendly matches for the U17 Croatia national team.

"I can't describe how proud I am to play for the Croatia national team because I was raised from a young age that Croatia is my homeland. I am looking forward to the first gathering with the young national team, and it is up to all of us to prove ourselves with good games and dedicated work, first for coach Bišćan, and then potentially for coach Dalić," said Pašalić.

⬇️ Popis Hrvatske U-21 za rujanske utakmice ⬇️ #MladiVatreni pic.twitter.com/GmFRY7gGKi

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) August 23, 2021

The talented trio from the diaspora confirms the quality work of the Croatian Football Federation, said the president of the HNS, Marijan Kustić:

"We are aware that there is great potential in the diaspora, and young men like Sučić, Stanišić, and Pašalić show with their decisions to play for Croatia how strong the commitment of our families abroad is to the Croatia national team. Furthermore, by bringing Stipe Pletikosa as the technical director of the A and U21 national teams, we wanted to strengthen this segment of operations further because we are a small country, and we must successfully find every talent in Croatia or abroad."

The newly appointed technical director of the A and U21 national team, Stipe Pletikosa, has already held talks with Sučić and Stanišić, and this week he will also meet with Pašalić:

"I am extremely pleased that Sučić, Stanišić, and Pašalić have chosen to represent Croatia. We have a responsibility to develop our scout network further and nurture quality communication with guys who are potential for Croatia national teams, and organize as many activities as we can see them up close, such as the Memorial of Croatian Veterans in Vukovar. "

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August 4, 2021 - The newly elected HNS president Marijan Kustić held a meeting with the head coach of the national team, Zlatko Dalić, and the new technical director to discuss the upcoming September 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. 

A working meeting of the newly elected HNS president Marijan Kustić with the Croatia national team coach, Zlatko Dalić, technical director of the A and U-21 national team, Stipe Pletikosa, Dalić's assistants Vedran Ćorluka and Ivica Olić, and team manager Iva Olivari was held at the Croatian Football Federation, reports HNS.

After the official meeting with technical director Stipe Pletikosa, the main topics of conversation were the upcoming September activities of the A national team, which is expected to continue the qualifying cycle for the World Cup in Qatar with important matches against Russia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

"Once again, I congratulate Stipe on his new position; he has our full support, just like the national team before the important September matches. The Croatian Football Federation will, as always, provide the national team with maximum conditions, and I am convinced that the team will also provide the maximum on the field and do everything to be even one step closer to Qatar," said the new president of HNS, Marijan Kustić.

"It is a great honor and pleasure to be part of the Croatian A national team again. I thank the leaders of HNS led by Marijan Kustić for their trust; I will try to help the team maintain high standards with my knowledge and experience. I am looking forward to new challenges, cooperation with coaches Zlatko Dalić and Igor Bišćan; I believe that together we will achieve the set goals," said Stipe Pletikosa.

The Croatia national team continues its qualifications for the 2022 World Cup by visiting Russia on September 1. Croatia will visit Slovakia three days later, and the September mini-cycle will end on September 7 in Split against Slovenia.

After three rounds, Croatia leads in Group H with six points, as does Russia. Slovakia has five, Cyprus four, Slovenia three, and Malta one point.

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