July 25, 2022 - SuperSport HNL round 2 was held from July 22 to 24, 2022. The 2nd round only included four games as Rijeka asked to postpone the Adriatic Derby against Hajduk due to Conference League obligations. Here's our SuperSport HNL round two recap. 

Istra 1961 v. Varazdin (1:2)

Istra and Varazdin opened the 2nd round in Pula on Friday, July 22, 2022. 

While the first half went without goals, Marin put Istra ahead in the 70th minute for 1:0. Brodic equalized 7 minutes later for 1:1, before Postonjski gave Varazdin the lead and ultimate win in the 83rd minute for 1:2. 

Istra is currently in the last place with 0 points, while Varazdin is in 6th with 3. 

Gorica v. Sibenik (0:0)

Gorica and Sibenik met on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in Velika Gorica. 

The first half went without goals, and Kalik's goal in the 83rd minute was eventually called offside after consulting VAR. The match ended at 0:0. 

Gorica is currently in 8th place with 1 point, while Sibenik is in 9th with 1. 

Slaven Belupo v. Dinamo (1:5)

Belupo and Dinamo met on Saurday, July 23, 2022, in Koprivnica in front of 2613 fans. 

Marina missed a penalty for Belupo in the 2nd minute of the match, which was redeemed with a goal in the next play for 1:0 Belupo in the 2nd minute. Baturina scored 6 minutes later to equalize at 1:1. Orsric put Dinamo ahead in the 15th minute for 1:2 and Drmic five minutes after that for 1:3, which was the score going into halftime. And Dinamo wasn't finished yet. Misic made it 1:4 in the 74th minute, and Spikic 1:5 in the 90th, which was the final score. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 3 points, while Dinamo upped their goal differential this round to sit in first place with 6 points. 

Lokomotiva v. Osijek (2:1)

Lokomotiva and Osijek closed out the 2nd round on Sunday, July 24, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Kleinheisler put Osijek in the lead in the 16th minute, which was the result at halftime. Osijek also had a goal called offside by VAR in the 50th minute. Boskovic equalized for Lokomotiva in the 80th minute for 1:1 before scoring again for 2:1 six minutes later, which was the final score. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 3 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 3. 

Recall that Rijeka and Hajduk did not play the Adriatic Derby in the 2nd round as planned after Rijeka asked for the game to be postponed due to Conference League obligations. The two teams will make up the 2nd round match when they have a free term. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE. 

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July 18, 2022 - Hajduk, Osijek, and Rijeka learn their possible opponents in the Conference League 3rd round qualifiers beginning early next month. 

In the Conference League 3rd round qualifiers, Hajduk Split will play against the winner of the match between Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães and Hungarian club Puskas Akademia.

Hajduk enters the hunt for its first European autumn after more than a decade and will have a difficult task ahead. Vitória de Guimarães finished sixth in the championship, and the team is full of young internationals - their average age is 23.6. According to Transfermarkt, the value of the team is estimated at 42 million euros, which is slightly more than Hajduk (41.4 million euros).

The last time they competed in Europe was in the 2019-2020 season when they were eliminated in the Europa League group stage.

Vitoria's best player is the young 22-year-old Andre Almeida, who is already a sought-after commodity on the market. Transfermarkt values him at 5 million euros, and reportedly Wolverhampton has already sent an offer of almost 10 million euros for the midfielder.

Puskas is the easier opponent, as several players have left the club, including new Hajduk player Toni Borevković.

The Hungarian club is much smaller than Vitoria, and Transfermarkt estimates them at 12.3 million euros. Jakov Puljić stands out among the better players. They finished third in the championship, 17 points behind Ferencvaros.

Puskas is also known for its fantastic stadium, the Pancho Arena, which was built in 2014 and accommodates 3,816 fans at total capacity.

Osijek and Rijeka could also play in the same stage of the competition if they are successful in the 2nd qualifying round.

If Osijek beats FC Kyzylzhar in the 3rd qualifying round, they can face Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv or APOEL from Cyrpus. On the other hand, if Rijeka knocks out Swedish club Djurgården, they will play against Romanian club Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe or Slovenian club Olimpija Ljubljana in the next round of qualifications. 

Hajduk will be the host in the first game, and the second leg will be played away, while Osijek and Rijeka will be guests in the first games, and the second legs will be played at home.

The first matches will be played on August 4, and the second leg on August 11.

Conference League 3rd qualifying round
Hajduk - Vitória de Guimarães (Portugal) or Puskas Akademia (Hungary)

Botev Plovdiv (Bulgaria) or APOEL (Cyprus) - Osijek

Sepsi (Romania) or Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Rijeka

Dinamo Zagreb also learned their possible opponent in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round and the Europa League 3rd qualifying round.

If Dinamo wins against North Macedonian club KF Shkupi, they will play against the winner of the match between Ludogorec and Shamrock Rovers in the 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League.

If they advance to the 3rd preliminary round, Dinamo will play the first match away on August 2 or 3, while the return match will be played at Maksimir a week later.

If they lose against Shkupi, Dinamo will continue their European journey in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League, where they will play against the losers from the same pair, Ludogorec - Shamrock Rovers.

The first match of the Europa League 3rd round qualifiers will be played on August 4, and the second week later, on August 11.

Source: Gol.hr

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July 18, 2022 - The new Croatian football season opened on July 15 after a month of preparations. A look at the SuperSport HNL round 1 results. 

Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (3:2)

Dinamo and Lokomotiva opened the first round on Friday, July 15, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 4,320 fans. 

Kulenovic and Ibrahim put Lokomotiva ahead by two goals by the 22nd minute, though it didn't last long. Dinamo subbed on Drmic, who scored two goals in the next 10 minutes for 2:2 at the half. Maric was shown a red card in the 78th minute, forcing Lokomotiva to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Menalo scored in the 91st minute for the final 3:2 Dinamo. 

Dinamo is currently in 2nd place with 3 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 0. 

Osijek v. Gorica (2:1)

Osijek and Gorica met on Saturday, July 16, at City Garden Stadium in front of 3,590 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Beljo scored for 1:0 Osijek in the 62nd minute. A Loncar own goal made it 1:1 four minutes later. Beljo put Osijek back in the lead for 2:1 with a penalty in the 74th minute. Lokomotiva's Julardzija was shown a red card in the 86th minute.

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 3 points, while Gorica is in 7th with 0. 

Sibenik v. Rijeka (0:1)

Sibenik and Rijeka met in Sibenik on Saturday, July 16, in front of 1,678 fans. 

The first half went without goals, and the match's only goal came in the 74th minute when Obregon scored for 0:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 0 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 3. 

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (0:1)

Varazdin and Slaven Belupo met in Varazdin on Sunday, July 17. 

The match's only goal came in the 49th minute when Kocijan scored for 0:1 Belupo. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 0 points, while Belupo is in 5th with 3. 

Istra 1961 v. Hajduk (0:2)

Istra and Hajduk closed out the first round in Pula on Sunday, July 17. 

Interestingly, it was announced before the match that the VAR system was out of order because there was no electricity in the VAR room, meaning the match would go on without using VAR. 

Melnjak scored Hajduk's first goal for 0:1 in the 43rd minute. Livaja increased Hajduk's lead to 0:2 off a header in the 60th minute. 

Istra is currently in last place with 0 points, while Hajduk is in first place with 3 points. 

*Rijeka and Hajduk will not play in the 2nd round next weekend as Rijeka asked that the match be postponed due to Conference League obligations. 

You can see the standings HERE.

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

July 11, 2022 - Manuel Neuer's Dalmatia holiday continued in Dubrovnik, where the famous footballer was spotted wearing a Hajduk goalkeeper jersey with an Ožujsko in hand at a famous Elaphiti islands restaurant. 

Last week, famous German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer decided to start his pre-season preparations before rejoining his club and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, cycling from Germany to Croatia.

"My kind of pre-season before pre-season! Nice guys and a bike ride to Croatia! Let‘s goooo!" Neuer captioned his Instagram post last Thursday. 

Manuel Neuer has never hidden his love for Croatia, which has become his go-to holiday home. After all, he is visiting the country for the third summer in a row! Neuer seems to be spending most of this time in Dalmatia, which he has visited several times. You may recall when he cycled from Dubrovnik to Omiš one summer, singing hits by Marko Perković Thompson and treating locals to drinks at a cafe along the way. 

Neuer's Dalmatian journey has continued in Dubrovnik, where he also stayed one month ago. On Sunday, BOWA, a famous restaurant for boaters located in Vrbova Bay on Šipan Island near Dubrovnik, published a photo of Neuer wearing a Hajduk goalkeeper jersey with a local Ožujsko beer in hand.

"Welcome to the family," BOWA shared as the caption, with Neuer looking as relaxed as ever on a luxury speedboat. 

The German footballer is certainly enjoying his time in Croatia as he recharges his batteries ahead of new challenges with Bayern Munich and the German national team.

Manuel Neuer is one of the world's most legendary goalkeepers and the captain of both Bayern Munich and the national team of Germany. The 36-year-old was named the best goalkeeper of the decade from 2011 to 2020 by IFFHS and won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany and the Golden Glove award for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Neuer has played for Bayern Munich since 2011. 

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

July 9, 2022 - Dinamo beat Hajduk 4:1 on penalties to win the SuperSport Superkup on Saturday in Zagreb. 

Dinamo and Hajduk opened the new season of Croatian football, fighting for the first trophy of the season - the SuperSport Superkup.

Around two and a half thousand Hajduk fans visited Maksimir for the first derby of the season, many of them on the 'Bili Vlak', or organized train transport that left this morning from Split. Around 17,000 spectators were expected at the match in total. 

Dinamo was said to have a slight advantage tonight playing at home, though we must remember that last season, Hajduk beat Dinamo twice, one match ended in a draw, while Dinamo celebrated in the last derby of the season. 

Dinamo has won six Superkups, Hajduk is close behind with five, while Rijeka has one. However, from 1995 to 2001, the Superkup was not played because Dinamo won the championship and the Cup, for the same reasons it was not played in 2008 and 2009, 2011 and 2012, as well as from 2015 to 2018, when they dominated again.

Lineups

Dinamo (4-3-3): Livaković - Moharrami, Lauritsen, Perić, Ljubičić - Ademi, Mišić, Ivanušec - Špikić, Petković, Drmić

Hajduk (4-3-3): L. Kalinić - Mikanović, Borevković, Simić, Melnjak - Vuković, Grgić, Krovinović - Livaja, N. Kalinić, Biuk

Match Report

Dinamo was more offensive in the first 5 minutes of the match before Livaja, Biuk, and Kalinić picked things up for Hajduk in the next few attacks. The closest call of the match so far was in the 10th minute when Livaja hit the net near post. 

Petković was dangerous for Dinamo in the 22nd minute with a brilliant Lovre Kalinić save for Hajduk to keep it 0:0. Mikanović hit the crossbar for Hajduk in the 30th minute. 

Petković took a dangerous free kick in the 37th minute which was shot over the goal. The first half ended 0:0. 

Hajduk was the first to be dangerous in the second half. Livaja shot powerfully from 18 meters but it went far to the right post. A minute later, Ademi shot from the edge of the penalty area which Kalinić deflected into the corner. Two minutes later, Ivanušec shot over the goal.

Biuk went up the right wing and tangled with Moharrami. Hajduk looked for a penalty, but the referee remained silent.

Biuk came off for Sahiti in the 58th minute. Kalinić continued to be outstanding in goal, with another superman save to keep Dinamo from scoring. What a match so far. 

Livaja had a chance in front of Dinamo's goal in the 62nd minute which Lauritsen managed to clear. Drmić missed directly in front of Hajduk's goal in the 66th minute. 

Kalinić was having the match of his life - saving yet another close call from Dinamo a minute later. Nikola Kalinić came out for Mlakar in the 70th minute. 

Ademi was dangerous dribbling into the penalty area which Kalinić ultimately stopped. Ademi was subbed off for Baturina in the 77th minute.

A Dinamo corner in the 82nd minute put Kalinić to work again and Sipic headed towards the goal. It was 0:0 with 5 minutes left.  

Livaja shot near post in the 84th minute before Dinamo attacked again. Menalo was subbed on for Spikic in the 87th minute. 

Orsic was one-on-one with Kalinić which he too managed to save. It was 0:0 in the 90th minute with four minutes of stoppage time added before penalties would decide the winner.  

Penalties

Bruno Petković was up first to score for Dinamo - 1:0.

Livaja scored for Hajduk - 1:1.

Orsic scored for Dinamo - 2:1. 

Mlakar shanked over the goal to keep Dinamo ahead 2:1. 

Ljubicic scored for Dinamo - 3:1. 

Vukovic's penalty was saved by Livakovic for 3:1. 

Ivanusec scored for Dinamo (4:1) and the SuperSport Superkup title in 2022. 

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

July 8, 2022 - Hajduk and Dinamo will meet in the SuperSport Superkup match at Maksimir Stadium at 20:00 on Saturday.

At the first official press conference this season, Hajduk coach Valdas Dambrauskas and striker Nikola Kalinić gave their views on the upcoming match and answered numerous questions.

The Hajduk coach first reflected on the recent preparations in which four games were played against strong rivals:

"We are satisfied with our preparations; we have fulfilled the set goals and played matches against solid rivals. Therefore, in the pre-season, I don't worry about results, we are focused on progress, and I am sure the team will be at the right level soon. We also brought in a new player during the preparations; he played in a strong league, he plays in the style we want to play, and he is fast and will get in shape in a few games.

The season is just starting, the game will undoubtedly be challenging for both teams, and I think derbies are rarely attractive. Both teams will try to limit each other, and I think a moment of individual quality will decide the game. We have prepared well for this match, and we want to prove to everyone that we are ready," said the coach of Hajduk.

Asked about the expectations for the next season and the importance of support from the stands, striker Nikola Kalinić said:

"We play for the biggest Croatian club, and we have to fight for every trophy. Last year we won the Cup and were second; we are expected to be in a higher position this season. There are many games ahead of us; others have the same goals, and we can only promise the fans that we will do our best. Our fans are the best in the country and show it at every game. There will certainly be a lot of them in Zagreb, and I hope that we will repay them on the field, and in the end, we will all celebrate together," concluded Kalinić.

Dinamo Zagreb is also ready and presented their new jersey before the Superkup against Hajduk. Arijan Ademi, Josip Drmić, Luka Ivanušec, and Dario Špikić appeared in front of the press on Friday. 

"We went through a lot of difficult preparations, worked hard, and are satisfied with how it all ended. We hope to be successful in the new season," said captain Ademi and revealed the expectations for the new season.

"It's just the beginning of the season, and it's hard to predict how the championship will end. Anyway, we'll do our best not to make it so dramatic. I hope we will be good and win the championship."

Ademi spoke about Dinamo's new additions - forward Josip Drmić and midfielder Robert Ljubičić.

"Both are excellent. We already saw last season what kind of player Drmić is, a real 'killer.' Ljubičić already showed us that he is a great player. They will be reinforcements for sure", concluded Ademi.

Drmić had a very good last season in Rijeka. He was the club's top scorer, but the expectations are even higher at Dinamo. 

"It's hard to say what awaits us against Hajduk; I hope it will be a good match. The derby is already at the start; it will show where we are and what form we are. I'm looking forward to the match; we'll be ready," said Drmić.

"I'm not thinking about the goal; the most important thing is that we win and present ourselves well in the new shirt. If I manage to score, it will be great."

Bruno Petković will be his biggest competitor for that position. 

"Bruno is a top player and top quality. He is one of the best players on our team. I think we can present ourselves well as a tandem. We complement each other well, each has his qualities, and we can make a good mix. The coach will decide whether we will play together, but we will certainly do our best."

Drmić is aware of the pressure at Dinamo and the high expectations.

"I always say that I work best under pressure. So it is important that teammates help, and then we will handle it well in the future and be successful if we work together," concluded Drmić.

After several months of problems with his abdominal wall, Luka Ivanušec is fully ready for the new season. He commented on the speculation that he could leave Dinamo in the summer transfer window.

"At the moment, I am focused only on Dinamo, and there are always stories and interests. I'm preparing for the season as if I'm staying at Dinamo, and then we'll see what happens."

Dario Špikić said that Dinamo had prepared well for the new season.

"We are ready for Hajduk; I believe in victory," said Špikić.

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

July 1, 2022 - The latest Croatian football transfer news for Dinamo, Hajduk, and Rijeka ahead of the new HNL season. 

Dinamo

The talented midfielder Marko Brkljača, one of the greatest young talents in the world, is a new Dinamo player. 

Marko was born in 2004 in Zadar and started his career as a child at club NK Velebit Benkovac. After that, he joined the ranks of Hajduk, where, in addition to his football development, he played in the Youth Champions League last season as a junior team member. Brkljača is continuously a member of the younger age groups of the Croatia national team.

In The Guardian's 'Next Generation,' Marko was included in the list of TOP 60 young football talents in the world in 2021. 

"My first impressions are excellent; I am delighted about coming to Dinamo. Now it's all up to me. I need to prove myself in football terms. I desire to win my place, assert myself and show what I know and why I came. I want to play in the HNL and Europe in the future. Dinamo has excellent quality. I think everything will be as it should be in the new season, by which I mean that the club will be the champion of Croatia again and will be successful in European competitions.

I look forward to everything that lies ahead. I am sure that I can progress and contribute to Dinamo. I want to take this opportunity to thank Hajduk for the football knowledge and experience I have gained there in recent years," said Marko upon his arrival at the Zagreb club.

Hajduk

Hajduk announced on Friday that captain Lovre Kalinić would remain at the Split club for the next three years. On Thursday, Lovre terminated his contract with the English Premier League side Aston Villa by mutual consent and signed a contract with Hajduk until the summer of 2025.

The current captain started his goalkeeping career at Poljud, where he arrived at the age of nine and passed all the younger age categories of the Academy. So far, he has played 191 official matches for Hajduk. He made his debut in 2011 in an away victory against Slaven Belupo. In his last appearance, he led Hajduk to the SuperSport Croatian Football Cup title in a 3:1 victory against Rijeka at Poljud.

Lovre is also the club record holder with 775 minutes without conceding a goal in HNL matches. This record was set by Hajduk's goalkeeper in 2015 when he did not concede a goal for eight games in a row. He also made 19 official appearances for the Croatia A national team. 

"I can never refuse Hajduk. I came back here at a demanding moment in my career, the club gave me a chance to revive myself as a goalkeeper, and I did not want to miss this opportunity to sign for Hajduk. My only wish was to stay there and that eventually came true," said Kalinić. 

Rijeka 

Matej Mitrović has returned to Rijeka. On Friday, Matej underwent a medical examination, signed a new contract, and should join his teammates for training in Kranjska Gora this afternoon. 

"It's nice to return to Rijeka after so many years. A good club, nice city, great fans, and I'm satisfied," said Matej Mitrović upon his arrival in Rijeka.

After two seasons in the Cibalija jersey, Mitrović arrived in Rijeka in September 2013. He made his debut in the Croatian Cup round of 16 match against Zmaj (11:0) on October 9 of the same year. After that, he made his debut in the HNL, wearing the Rijeka jersey for the first time in the victory against Zadar (October 19, 2013), but everyone will point out the match against Hajduk on April 6, 2014, as the most crucial game that directed his path. Namely, Dario Knežević had to leave the pitch due to an injury at halftime, and Mitrović got the chance.

"As every year, we want to compete for the top of the table. I want to fit into the team as soon as possible. I invite fans to support us this season, as in previous years. Only Rijeka!" concluded Mitrović.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated sports section. 

June 25, 2022 - The Croatian Police, Dinamo, Hajduk, and HNS discussed fan safety ahead of the Croatian Super Cup in Zagreb between the two clubs on July 9. 

A meeting of the Police Directorate and competent persons was held in front of Dinamo, Hajduk, and the Croatian Football Federation. The first derby of the season is being played as part of the Super Cup on July 9, and the goal is to prevent the incidents that accompanied last season's derbies.

The HNS press release is transmitted in its entirety below:

"On Friday, June 24, 2022, a working meeting was held on the official premises of the Police Directorate to prepare and implement security for the upcoming Super Cup football match between GNK Dinamo Zagreb and HNK Hajduk Split.

In addition to the representatives of the Police Directorate, the persons in charge of security on behalf of the Croatian Football Federation and the football clubs Dinamo and Hajduk participated in the meeting and discussed all segments of security preparation and implementation that affects security in this football match.

Namely, the Police Directorate declared the football match a high-security risk match and all participants in the meeting agreed on the importance of making every effort to play the match in the atmosphere of a football sports spectacle in which sport will be at the forefront with all necessary security measures for all participants and spectators." 

Recall, football fans and Croatian police clashed after Dinamo Zagreb beat Hajduk 3:1 in the final match of the season one month ago. Dinamo celebrated the Croatian championship title in front of their fans at Maksimimr Stadium, as Hajduk fan group Torcida remained outside protesting a new Dinamo banner rule. Later that evening, fans and police clashed at the Desinec rest area along the Zagreb-Split motorway. As a result, four men sustained shotgun wounds, and 35 people were injured. Forty-two people were in investigative custody and only released 9 days ago. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated sports section. 

June 22, 2022 - A look at the latest Croatian Football League transfer news ahead of the 2022/23 season. 

The summer transfer season is heating up as Croatian clubs look to enhance their squads ahead of the 2022/23 season. A look at who Dinamo, Hajduk, Rijeka, Osijek, and Šibenik have brought in so far. 

Dinamo

Boško Šutalo is a new Dinamo player, arriving as a reinforcement in the stopper position. It is increasingly likely that current Dinamo player Josip Šutalo will leave the club.

Boško Šutalo comes from Atalanta, and Dinamo allegedly paid 3 million euros for the transfer. The 22-year-old Croat thus becomes one of the most expensive reinforcements in Dinamo's history. 

Šutalo was born in Metković, played for Neretva and Split, and in 2018 went to Osijek. He was transferred to Serie A, signed for Atalanta, and played on loan last season.

"I am very happy to come to Dinamo. Dinamo is the most successful Croatian club that achieves significant success every season in Croatian competitions and Europe," Šutalo said.

"I will do my best in the Dinamo jersey in every game. I will fight for the club. I hope we will have great support from the fans in everything ahead of us this season, and I am sure that great moments await us," concluded Šutalo, who has signed a four-year contract with Dinamo. 

Hajduk

Toni Borevković is a new Hajduk player. On Sunday, the 25-year-old stopper underwent medical examinations in Zagreb and joined Hajduk's preparations in Bad Waltersdorf, Austria. Borevković joins Hajduk on a one-year loan with the right to buy his contract from the Portuguese first division club Vitoria de Guimaraes. He will wear the number 5 for Hajduk.

Borevković was born on June 18, 1997, in Slavonski Brod and began his football career at Marsonia. In 2012, he transferred to Dinamo, where he played until 2016, followed by Rudeš, where he played notably for the next three seasons and collected over sixty official appearances.

He transferred to the Portuguese city of Rio Ave in 2018 and recorded over 80 official appearances in three seasons. In the last season, he joined the ranks of Vitoria de Guimaraes, for which he played 24 games.

"My ambitions coincide with Hajduk. I came here to fight for the title. I followed Hajduk and the First HNL last season; I am glad that we won the trophy and were a little short of taking the second. I believe we can make that happen in the new season. I come ready for the preparations. I will immediately join the training, and I can only tell the fans that I will do my best in every training session and game," said Toni after signing for Hajduk.

Rijeka

Mario Vrančić is a new Rijeka player. Last season, Vrančić played for Stoke City in the Championship. Mario is an offensive midfielder and arrived in Rijeka on a one-year loan with the possibility of buying his contract.

Behind Vrančić is an impressive career in which he played for Mainz, Paderborn, Darmstadt, Norwich City, and Stoke City. However, Rijeka is a new station, a new opportunity to prove himself, and a great challenge. Vrančić has already played with Josip Drmić, Antonio Čolak, and Roman Bezjak in his career.

"I am very happy to be a new player of Rijeka. This is a new challenge for me. I chose Rijeka because I have a very good feeling," said Mario. 

Mateo Pavlović also signed with Rijeka on Wednesday. Pavlović arrived in Rijeka from French club Amiens and joined the first team. 

"I am happy and excited to be in Rijeka. The main reason for my arrival was that I felt that the people in the club wanted me, they showed great will and desire and that was decisive. I can't wait to wear the jersey and prove myself on the pitch," said Mateo Pavlović.

Mateo has played for Zagreb, Werder, Ferencvaros, Angers and Amiens.

Osijek

Damjan Bohar is no longer a player of Osijek. An agreement was reached on his transfer to Polish first league club Zaglebie Lubin, from which the occasional Slovenia national team player joined Osijek less than two years ago. Bohar mutually terminated his contract, and he should spend at least two seasons in Poland. 

Although he arrived in Međimurje for Osijek preparations, Mirlind Daku will go on loan again from Osijek. Daku joined Slovenian first division team Mura, where he also spent the spring half-season. 

Šibenik

Duje Čop arrived in Šibenik and agreed on a one-year loan from Dinamo after it expired in Celje, Slovenia.

This will be the 11th club in Čop's senior career, and he returns to Dalmatia after 10 years, where he left RNK Split in 2012. The 32-year-old striker has already joined Šibenik's team in the preparations in Slovenia with their new coach Damir Čanadi.

"The former Vatreni, as well as the former top scorer and player of the HNL, is coming on a one-year loan from Dinamo. We wish him a lot of luck and goals in the orange jersey," reads a short post on Šibenik's Facebook profile about the transfer. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated sports section. 

June 15, 2022 - Croatian clubs have learned their opponents in the upcoming Champions League and Conference League season. A look at what Dinamo, Hajduk, Osijek, and Rijeka have in store. 

In the second qualifying round of the Champions League, Croatian football champion Dinamo will play against the winner of the first qualifying round between North Macedonian club Shkupi and Lincoln Red Imps from Gibraltar. The draw was held in Nyon on Wednesday. 

Dinamo will host the first match, which will take place on July 19 or 20. The return match will be played on July 26 or 27. Dinamo thus avoided the Swiss champion Zurich and Slovan from Bratislava.

Dinamo will be the leader through all preliminary rounds. If they are successful in the second qualifying round, they are automatically guaranteed to play in the Conference League group stage, while entering the Champions League play-offs guarantees them the Europa League group stage. 

Later in the day, Osijek and Rijeka found out their rivals in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, while Hajduk will join the competition in the third qualifying round.

Osijek will play against Kyzylzhar from Kazakhstan, while Rijeka will play against the Swedish Djurgarden in the 2nd qualifying round of the Conference League.

The first matches will be played on Thursday, July 21, and the return matches one week later, on July 28.

This means that Osijek will play the first game in Kazakhstan, and play the return match at City Garden a week later, while Rijeka will play the first game at Rujevica.

The Kazakh championship is underway, and Osijek's rival is currently in 11th place. The Swedish Championship is also underway and Djurgarden is currently in fourth place.

Hajduk Split will start the competition in the 3rd qualifying round and learn their opponent only in July. Hajduk gathered for their first preseason training today. 

Coach Valdas Dambrauskas answered questions from numerous media representatives who came to see Hajduk at the training session held at Poljud Stadium.

"We did a good job last season, but we have to prepare for the future. Yes, we play for trophies, we play to make people happy and to have reasons to celebrate, but from today we have to talk about the next games, training, and meetings. What we have done is a part of the past. It is important for the club, but it remains in the past. We need to focus on the new season and new challenges and prepare to be in the best position to win," said Dambrauskas 

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