The Hajduk pioneers lost to Osijek in the Croatian Cup final last Tuesday, though it didn’t go without sharp criticism from Hajduk against referee Ante Čuljak and his assistants.

Namely, Čuljak distributed 11 yellow cards during the game, in which Hajduk lost 3:2. And even worse - Čuljak excluded two Hajduk players with red cards. 

The aftermath saw the exchange of several nasty words and the further critique of HNS.

An outraged Hajduk released the following statement: 

"Once again, the entire Croatian public has had a chance to see, through direct television broadcast, why HNK Hajduk insists on systematic and rooted changes in the referee organization.

Unfortunately, this time we have to respond because of the Croatian Cup final for the pioneers, where Hajduk lost to Osijek 3:2. In this meeting, referee Ante Čuljak from Zagreb distributed a total of 11 yellow cards and unjustifiably excluded two Hajduk players.

We ask the referees responsible what this message sends to children, our youngest, to those who represent the future of Croatian football and society. Is this a fairer football system and a more honest society we are fighting for? Or just the opposite? Would you like them to see that from their little legs, this has become almost common on Croatian football pitches? And this is not just a picture of injustices in senior football, but we have been witnessing a lot of absurd situations and decisions in meetings of all younger age categories lately. 

The tears of children after suffering injustice are our duty, our responsibility and the responsibility to fight harder and continue the way we started.”

Hajduk fan group Torcida invited fans to welcome Hajduk’s juniors back to Split and sent a sharp message to HNS.

"We do not forgive the tears of our children," said Torcida. You can see their outstanding reception for the pioneers at Poljud below.

Thus, new tensions formed between HNS and Hajduk this week. The Federation has finally responded to Hajduk and the media, which you can find transmitted below. 

"Football is the most popular sport in the world, among other things, because of the high emotions it causes. As it's nice to win, it is difficult to lose. It is understandable, therefore, that Hajduk’s young footballers cried tears after losing to Osijek in the final of the Croatian Cup, as it is understandable that the Croatian A team cried tears in the defeat of the World Cup final. Moreover, all of us who are parents are particularly sensitive to our children, and we are proud of their successes.

However, we sincerely believe that it is not necessary to raise tensions nor to emphasise the refereeing in the first place because we do not do a service to the young footballers and football in general.

The Croatian Football Federation is open to any club to submit comments or suggestions to improve any area of HNS's activities through the democratic forums of the Federation.

The current leadership of the Federation continually invites dialogue and communication as the only way for a quality relationship and will continue to insist on it. Only in the interest of Croatian football can we continue to achieve international results.

The fact that HNS is a regional leader in the implementation of VAR suffices to show that the Federation is devoted to progress in that segment of its action. However, we do not consider that the verbal attack on any referee individually is the right path to progress, as this is a terrifying pressure on referees who must be independent, and in public, it creates a bad picture of Croatian football.

We believe that this is true even in cases where the decisions are wrong because each referee makes mistakes (and accordingly), especially in this case where independent experts have confirmed the justification of the referee's decisions.

The Croatian Football Federation is absolutely committed to establishing a dialogue and a good-natured, constructive and quality relationship with each club in Croatia. We hope the same in turn.”

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

May 21, 2019 - The 35th round of the Croatian First League was held from May 18 to 20, 2019. The second to last round of the season saw Hajduk move into third place and Osijek fall to fourth after a loss to Gorica.

Inter Zaprešić v. Dinamo (2:3)

Inter and Dinamo met in Zaprešić in front of 1,688 spectators to open the 35th round on Saturday, May 18, 2019. 

While it was Kadzior to score the first two goals for Dinamo (5’, 17’), Inter’s Ajayi came back with a goal in the 32nd, and Tsonev with another in the 35th to equalize. Dinamo was awarded a penalty in the 61st minute which Andrić scored for 2:3.

Inter is currently in 8th place with 31 points, while Dinamo has already claimed the Croatian championship and sits in first with 89 points. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (1:0)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Rujevica stadium in front of 3,068 fans. 

Murić scored the only goal of the game in the 36th minute, which ultimately gave Rijeka the home win. 

Rijeka is currently in second place with 66 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 49. 

Hajduk v. Istra 1961 (4:1)

Hajduk and Istra met at Poljud in front of no fans on Sunday, May 19, 2019. 

While Istra was the first to score thanks to Ivančić in the 6th minute, Hajduk picked it up in the second half and managed four goals. Caktaš scored first in the 48th minute, followed by Gyurcso in the 56th for 2:1. Jairo scored in the 77th minute for 3:1, and Nejašmić in the 93rd for 4:1. 

Hajduk is currently in third place with 62 points, while Istra is in 9th with 22. 

Gorica v. Osijek (1:0)

Gorica and Osijek met on Sunday, May 19, 2019, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,693 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, it was Gorica’s Suk to score in the 57th minute for 1:0, which was the final score of the game. 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 56 points, while Osijek is in 4th with 59. 

Rudeš v. Slaven Belupo (0:1)

Rudeš and Belupo closed out the 35th round on Monday, May 21, 2019, at Kranjčevićeva street stadium in front of 83 fans. 

The first half went without goals and it wasn't until a penalty for Belupo in the 78th minute that Delić scored for 0:1. 

Rudeš remains in the last place with 14 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 36. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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

May 16, 2019 - The 34th round of the Croatian First League was held on May 14 and 15, 2019. In one of the few mid-week rounds, we saw Rijeka fall to Osijek, and Hajduk crush the last-placed Rudeš, inching them even closer to securing that sacred 4th European spot. 

Without further ado, here is our 34th round recap.

Istra 1961 v. Inter Zaprešić (0:1)

Istra and Inter met in Pula on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, to open the 34th round in front of 488 fans. 

The first and only goal of the game was scored by Inter’s Serderov, which gave the away team the 0:1 win. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 22 points, while Inter is in 8th with 31. 

Rudeš v. Hajduk (1:4)

Rudeš and Hajduk met on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Kranjčevićeva street stadium in front of 738 fans. 

Hajduk’s Mijo Caktaš was the first to score with a goal in the 17th minute for 0:1. Caktaš increased Hajduk’s lead to 0:2 with another goal in the 58th minute, though Rudeš was able to come back with one thanks to Lisakovich who scored in the 62nd. Caktaš nailed a hattrick in the 65th minute for 3:1, and Jradi scored one minute later for the final score of 1:4. 

Rudeš remains in the last place with 14 points, while Hajduk sits in 4th with 59.

Slaven Belupo v. Lokomotiva (1:1)

Belupo and Lokomotiva met on May 15, 2019, in Koprivnica in front of 315 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, it was Belupo to score first thanks to a penalty scored by Mateus for 1:0. Lokomotiva was able to equalize in the 75th minute for 1:1. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 33 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 49. 

Dinamo v. Gorica (3:1)

Dinamo and Gorica met on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Maksimir in front of 610 fans. 

Dinamo’s Moro scored first in the 17th minute, which was followed by a goal from Olmo in the 21st for 2:0. Gorica did come back with one goal in the 25th thanks to Ndiaye for 2:1 at the half. 

After Petković missed a penalty in the 66th minute, it was Leovac to score in the 71st minute for the Dinamo win.

Dinamo has already clinched the title and is in the first place with 86 points, while Gorica is in 5th place with 53. 

Osijek v. Rijeka (2:1)

Osijek and Rijeka met on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, to close out the 34th round at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,032 fans. 

Rijeka was the first to score thanks to a goal by Colak in the 11th minute, though Osijek’s Marić equalized in the 24th minute for 1:1. Rijeka’s Pavić was sent off the pitch after a double yellow in the 39th minute. 

Marić scored again for Rijeka in the 48th minute, giving Osijek the home win. 

Osijek is currently in third place with 59 points,  while Rijeka is in 2nd with 63. 

You can see the HNL table here. 

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

“Taking a step towards overcoming disagreements.” Thus, in one sentence, the meeting was presented - a sort of détente on the relationship between HNS and Hajduk. 

On the premises of HNS, on the 11th floor of the Green Gold Tower in Zagreb, representatives of the Split Club (attended by the head of the Administration Marin Brbić, and president of the Supervisory Board Benjamin Perasović) visited HNS Executive Director Marijan Kustić a few weeks back. You can read Hajduk's description of the meeting here.

Today, however, Slobodna Dalmacija conducted an interview with Kustić about his details on May 14, 2019. 

“I thank the leaders of Hajduk that have come to HNS and expressed their readiness to resolve all disputes and misunderstandings through dialogue. Our conversation was based primarily on building new relationships with honesty. We discussed the conversation in three points: we discussed reforms, development plans of HNS and, of course, the qualification match against Hungary in Split,” said Kustić.

Does asking for "wholehearted commitment to change and reform" insist on removing Damir Vrbanović and Bruno Marić from influential duties in HNS and re-establishing the Association of First League Clubs?

“We did not talk at these levels. Reform is not the move of a single man. It is a process that is felt in all the work of the Federation. The fact that since my arrival at HNS, seventy new people are involved in various commissions, as the auxiliary bodies of the Executive Committee, clearly indicate a new way of the Federation. I think that's what the people of Hajduk accepted."

How real is restoring the Association of First League Clubs?

“The Association of First League Clubs was abolished by the clubs themselves. They can also renew it again. HNS does not want to interfere with club relationships. The Federation can only initiate a meeting on that topic.”

Hajduk already announced specific demands, "the seven sacraments," which they consider necessary to establish "diplomatic relations" with HNS.

“There was no talk of this at the meeting. We talked about the points I mentioned. I do not know what we will discuss at the second meeting, which should take place in Split at the end of this month, but my impression is that there is a sincere will on both sides to overcome all misunderstandings.”

Will the Euro 2020 qualifying match between Croatia and Hungary on October 10, 2019, take place in Split?

“I am very optimistic about the realization of that idea. We also organized a training match of the Croatia national team in Omiš, as a kind of return of the national team in Dalmatia.”

The Split mayor Andro Krstulović Opara also attended the HNS and Hajduk meeting. His presence, as well as the statements of state leaders, suggest that bringing the national team back to Poljud is a political issue.

"I would not say that the game in Split against Hungary is a political question. The national team playing in the second largest city in Croatia is primarily a sporting interest. I think all people in Croatia want the football team to play in Split as well. Sport is an essential segment of society because it connects and unites people.

The fact that the meeting was attended by Split mayor Andro Krstulović Opara is quite logical. The city of Split is the majority owner of Hajduk and Poljud. It is therefore quite understandable that it would be involved and take part in solving all the problems. You do not have to worry about the help of politics when you mention problems. All help should be accepted, which will enable us to make the sport better and at a higher qualitative level.”

However, building a national stadium is certainly a political issue. At what stage of the realization is the trilateral agreement between the government, the City of Zagreb and HNS regarding the "Blato project"? Recall, after the HNS Assembly, president Davor Šuker announced the idea of building a stadium in Zagreb in Blato, behind the unfinished University hospital.

“I don’t want to talk about the national stadium. This creates distress in people. HNS's primary intentions are to represent the national team across the country, where conditions exist for that. Preferably, in modern stadiums. Therefore, HNS will support every initiative to improve infrastructure and support the construction of stadiums in Rijeka and Osijek, and renewing Poljud.

There is a problem around the stadium in Zagreb. I think Dinamo and the capital of the Republic of Croatia deserve an adequate stadium. President Šuker made a statement about the project as he is directly involved in it. If there is any news related to this project, HNS will certainly release it to the Croatian public.”

Should HNS ever build a national stadium when clubs (like Istria, Rijeka, Osijek, Dinamo...) have their own individual projects?

“The National Football Federation is not a construction company and will not build stadiums but will support any investment in infrastructure. Last year, the Federation invested in reconstructing First-League pitches, which proved to be an excellent project. Football in HNL today is much better than before.”

HNS leaders have been discussing the need for a stadium for twenty years. The last great stadium in Croatia was built forty years ago in Split for the needs of the Mediterranean Games. But when the Chinese Z-RUN consortium appeared and offered a sports complex worth 150 million euros, HNS showed no interest. Why?

“The Chinese entered business with Velika Gorica. So far, only a memorandum of cooperation has been signed. The realization of the project is a long time away. Time will show what will happen. HNS has nothing against this project. Anyway, we would love to do it. Finally, the memorandum was signed by the Football Federation of the County of Zagreb, and they are a member of HNS.”

TCN has translated excerpts from Slobodna Dalmacija, but you can read the full interview with Marijan Kustić on Slobodna Dalmacija here. 

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

May 6, 2019 - The 32nd round of the Croatian First League was held from May 3 to 5, 2019. The 32nd round was crucial for Hajduk, Lokomotiva, Gorica, and Osijek, who are all fighting for a spot in the top 4. 

“Only God and Hajduk live forever” goes one of the most famous sayings about the beloved Split football club. Thus, it would only make sense that the one closest to God became Hajduk’s newest member.

On Monday, Marijan Kustić, the executive director of HNS, met with representatives of Hajduk and the Split mayor in Zagreb. 

April 29, 2019 - The 31st round of the Croatian First League was held from April 26 to 28, 2019. While the Croatian champions Dinamo have nothing to play for but pride for the rest of the season, they did manage to lose to Osijek - and after a brilliant display by Hajduk in the 30th round, the Split club fell to Gorica. 

Without further ado, here is our round 31 HNL recap. 

Lokomotiva v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Lokomotiva and Istra opened the 31st round on Friday, April 26, 2019, in Zagreb in front of 480 fans. 

Lokomotiva was the first to score thanks to a goal by Ivanušec in the 40th minute for 1:0 at the half. Fuentes equalized for Istra 10 minutes later for 1:1. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 48 points, while Istra is in 9th place with 22. 

Gorica v. Hajduk (3:0)

Gorica and Hajduk met on Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Velika Gorica in front of 8,000 fans. 

Gorica scored their first goal already in the 11th minute thanks to Miya. Just before the half in the 45th minute, Zwolinski nailed Gorica’s second goal, which was a penalty, for 2:0. Miya scored again for Gorica in the 47th to confirm the blowout win. 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 49 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 50. 

Osijek v. Dinamo (2:1)

Osijek and Dinamo met on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at City Garden Stadium in front of 3,310 fans.

Dinamo was the first to score thanks to a goal by Šitum in the 20th minute. Talys equalized for Osijek in the 36th for 1:1. 

After Dinamo’s Perić was given a red card in the 66th minute, Osijek’s Marić was able to score for the win in the 76th minute for 2:1. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 53 points, while Dinamo is in first with 79. 

Inter Zaprešić v. Slaven Belupo (1:3)

Inter and Belupo met in Zaprešić on Sunday, April 28, 2019, in front of 263 fans. 

Goda scored for Belupo in the 6th minute for 0:1 at the half. Tsonev equalized for Inter in the 54th, though it was Canadjija to retake the lead for Belupo in the 58th. Delić secured Belupo’s win in the 60th for 1:3. 

Inter is currently in 8th place with 21 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 29. 

Rijeka v. Rudeš (3:1)

Rijeka and Rudeš closed out the 31st round at Rujevica stadium on Sunday, April 28, 2019, in front of 2,846 fans. 

Lončar scored for Rijeka in the 35th minute, which was followed by a goal by Puljić just two minutes later for 2:0. Lisakovich was able to score for Rudeš just before the half for 2:1. 

Čolak scored for Rijeka in the 69th minute for 3:1. 

Rijeka is currently in second place with 59 points, while Rudeš remains in last with 10. 

You can see the full HNL table there. 

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

April 21, 2019 - The 30th round of the Croatian First League was held on April 19 and 20 because of the Easter weekend. It was a rather exciting round that saw Dinamo clinch the Croatian championship title for the 20th time, and Hajduk pull a massive upset and huge win against Rijeka at Poljud. 

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (1:0)

Istra and Osijek opened the 30th round in Pula on Friday, April 19, 2019, in front of 763 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, it was Istra’s Mierez to score with two minutes to go, shocking Osijek for the 1:0 victory. 

Istria is currently in 9th place with 21 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 50. 

Slaven Belupo v. Dinamo (0:1)

Belupo and Dinamo met on Friday, April 19, 2019, in front of 1,882 fans in Koprivnica. 

It was another game without goals in the first half, though Dinamo’s Gojak managed to score three minutes into the second half for 0:1, which was the final score of the game. With this win, Dinamo also claimed the Croatian championship title for the 20th time. 

Slaven Belupo is in 8th place with 26 points, while Dinamo is in first with 79. 

Rudeš v. Lokomotiva (1:2)

Rudeš and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Kranjčevićeva street stadium in Zagreb in front of 100 fans. 

Karačić scored first for Lokomotiva for 0:1, though Štrkalj equalized with a penalty in the 32nd minute for 1:1. Rakić retook the lead for Lokomotiva in the 80th minute for 1:2, which was the final score of the game.

Rudeš remains in the last place with 10 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 47. 

Inter Zaprešić v. Gorica (2:2)

Inter and Gorica met in Zaprešić on Saturday, April 20, 2019, in front of 1,224 fans. 

Inter scored first thanks to Serderov in the 13th minute, while Lovrić scored a penalty for Gorica 10 minutes later to equalize. Gorica was given another penalty which Zwolinski nailed in the 58th for 1:2, though Šimunec equalized for Inter in the 80th for 2:2. 

Inter is currently in 7th place with 28 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 46. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (4:0)

Hajduk and Rijeka met at Poljud to close out the 30th round on April 20, 2019, in front of 14,752 fans. 

Hajduk’s Jurić scored already in the 2nd minute of the famous ‘Adriatic Derby’, forcing the crowd into a frenzy. Hamza Barry scored for 2:0, and it was 3:0 at the half thanks to a goal in the 45th minute by Caktaš. 

But Hajduk wasn’t done yet, and Caktaš scored again in the 50th for 4:0, completely stunning Rijeka and, quite honestly, all Hajduk fans. 

Hajduk is currently in 4th place with 50 points, while Rijeka is in second with 56. 

You can see the full table here. 

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

April 15, 2019 - The 29th round of the Croatian First League was held from April 12 to 14, 2019. The fight for the ‘Top 4’ on the table is getting even more exciting, as Hajduk jumped over Lokomotiva to fourth place thanks to a massive win on Sunday. 

Check out our round 29 recap below. 

Osijek v. Rudeš (2:0)

Osijek and Rudeš opened the 29th round at City Garden Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2019, in front of 791 fans. 

Osijek scored their first goal of the game early thanks to Kleinheisler in the 11th minute. Marić was able to up Osijek’s lead in the 42nd minute for 2:0, which was the final result of the game. Marić did have the chance to make it 3:0, though he missed a penalty in the 82nd. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 50 points, while Rudeš remains in last with 10. 

Istra 1961 v. Dinamo (0:4)

Istria and Dinamo met in Pula on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Ademi scored Dinamo’s first goal in the 20th minute, which was followed by Oršić’s goal for 0:2 in the 44th minute. Olmo increased Dinamo’s lead in the 65th for 0:3, which was followed by another goal by the Spaniard in the 73rd for 0:4. 

Istra is in 9th place with 18 points, while Dinamo remains in first place with 76 points. 

Rijeka v. Inter Zaprešić (7:0)

Rijeka and Inter met at Rujevica on Saturday, April 13, 2019. 

Halilović opened Rijeka’s scoring fest with a goal in the 27th minute. Puljić increased Rijeka’s lead in the 41st for 2:0, and scored a penalty 3 minutes later for 3:0. 

Acosty scored Rijeka’s fourth goal at the start of the second half, followed by a Pavičić goal in the 58th for 5:0. Puljić scored his hat trick in the 88th for 6:0, and secured Rijeka’s blowout win with his fourth goal of the game in the 91st. 

Rijeka is currently in 2nd place with 56 points, while Inter is in 7th with 27.

Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (4:3)

Gorica and Belupo met in Velika Gorica on Sunday, April 14, 2019. 

Belupo was the first to score with a goal by Krstanović in the 9th minute, though Gorica equalized in the 27th minute thanks to Ndiaye. Gorica took the lead in the 34th minute after Lovrić scored, and increased their lead to 3:1 thanks to Dvorneković. 

Mateus brought Belupo new life after scoring in the 62nd minute for 2:3, and Krstanović equalized in the 86th for 3:3. However, Zwolinski scored a late-game winner for Gorica in the 90th minute (4:3). 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 45 points, while Belupo is in 8th with 26. 

Lokomotiva v. Hajduk (0:1)

Lokomotiva and Hajduk met on Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Zagreb to close out the 29th round. 

The game was the battle for 4th place, and Hajduk prevailed. Though the first half went without goals, Hajduk’s Jairo scored in the 80th minute for 0:1 and the win. 

Lokomotiva has dropped to 6th place with 44 points, while Hajduk has jumped to 4th with 47 points. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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