July 14, 2020 - Marin Brbic has resigned from the President of the Management Board of Hajduk, the club announced on its official website.

"I am resigning from the position of President of the Management Board of HNK Hajduk. It is my moral obligation because we failed to achieve the promised result this season, and that is the place that leads to the qualifications for the Champions League," said Brbic, adding:

"I will not leave the club immediately, but when the conditions for that are met, because out of responsibility towards Hajduk, I must not and do not want to allow them to run without their heads, keeping in mind the importance of maintaining business stability and the functioning of the Club."

The Supervisory Board may or may not accept Brbic's decision

Now, everything is decided by the members of the Hajduk Supervisory Board, who may or may not accept Brbic's resignation. 

Brbic's resignation does not come as a surprise, because at the beginning of the season, he announced that he would leave Hajduk if the club does not win at least second place in the current season, which leads to the qualifications for the Champions League next season.

If the Supervisory Board manages to persuade Brbic to stay, we won't know until next Sunday, when the Assembly of the club will be held, at which the City of Split and the association Nas Hajduk (which together control over 90% of ownership) will comment on the situation.

Since Hajduk was two points away from Osijek two rounds before the end of the championship, there will likely be no Champions League this time around.

Brbic began his second term as president of the Split club in early March 2019, when he succeeded Jasmin Huljaj.

Brbic's return at the time was a natural solution after the arrival of Benjamin Perasovic at the head of the Supervisory Board.

Brbic was first the President of the Hajduk Management Board in a challenging situation, when the club was saved from bankruptcy by selling young players and raising loans for which the city of Split was its guarantor.

After three years and nine months in office, his cooperation was terminated by a decision of the then Supervisory Board, which sought a step forward.

When Brbic first came to Hajduk, he was met with a debt of 105 million kuna. His closest associate at the time was Goran Vucevic, who put together a team of young players and later sold them in order for the club to survive.

He held the position of President from 2012 to 2016.

Source: Index.hr

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July 13, 2020 -  The 34th round of the Croatian First League was held from July 10 to12, 2020. This round featured the 'Eternal Derby' between Dinamo and Hajduk, which was the rival club's final meeting of the season. 

Gorica v. Varazdin (0:1)

Gorica and Varazdin met in Velika Gorica on Friday, July 10, 2020, in front of 953 spectators. 

The only goal of the match came in the 76th minute when Drozdek scored a penalty for 0:1. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 47 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 33. 

Inter Zapresic v. Rijeka (0:1)

Inter and Rijeka met on Saturday, July 11, 2020, in Zagreb in front of 312 spectators. 

The only goal of the match came in the 71st minute when Colak scored a penalty Rijeka for 0:1. 

Inter is currently in the last place with 17 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 58. 

Osijek v. Istra 1961 (2:0)

Osijek and Istra met on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,178 spectators. 

Lopa scored Osijek's first goal right before the half for 1:0. Maric missed a penalty in the 72nd minute, though Mance increased Osijek's lead with a goal 10 minutes later for the final score of 2:0. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 62 points, while Istra is in 9th with 24. 

Slaven Belupo v. Lokomotiva (1:1) 

Belupo and Lokomotiva met in Koprivnica on Sunday, July 12, 2020.

While the first half went without goals, Bogojevic scored in the 62nd minute for the Belupo lead, though Tolic equalized for Lokomotiva in the 73rd minute for the final score of 1:1.

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 35 points, while Lokomotiva is in 3rd with 61. 

Dinamo v. Hajduk (2:3)

Dinamo and Hajduk closed out the 34th round with the 'Eternal Derby' on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. 

Dinamo's Ivanusec scored a quick goal in the 13th minute for 1:0. Hajduk's Caktas missed a penalty 10 minutes later, though 19-year-old Cuic equalized for 1:1 in the 31st minute. Dinamo's Gojak received a double yellow in the 45th minute, forcing Dinamo to play with a man down for the entire second half. 

Orsic put Dinamo back in the lead in the 61st minute for 2:1, though Cuic scored his second goal fo the game for Hajduk to equalize again for 2:2 in the 81st. An own goal by Theophile-Catherine gave Hajduk the 2:3 win in the 86th minute. 

Dinamo has already clinched the title and sits in 1st place with 76 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 57.

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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

July 6, 2020 - The 33rd round of the Croatian First League was held from July 4 to 5, 2020. This round featured two big derbies, between Hajduk and Osijek, and Rijeka and Dinamo. 

Istra 1961 v. Gorica (2:2)

Istra and Gorica opened the 33rd round in Pula on Saturday, July 4, 2020. 

Istra led right before the half with a goal by Grzan for 1:0. Hamad and Mudrinski put Gorica in the lead with goals in the 49' and 51' minutes for 1:2. Delic equalized for Istra in the 81st minute for a final score of 2:2. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 24 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 47. 

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (1:0)

Varazdin and Belupo met on Saturday, July 4, 2020, in Koprivnica.

Drozdek scored the only goal of the game, which was a penalty in the 79th minute for 1:0 Varazdin. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 30 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 34. 

Lokomotiva v. Inter Zapresic (3:1)

Lokomotiva and Inter met on Saturday, July 4, in Zagreb. 

Markovic put Lokomotiva in the lead with a goal in the 30th minute for 1:0 at the half. Mamut equalized for Inter in the 52nd minute. Goals by Tolic and Jakic in the final minutes of the gale ultimately gave Lokomotiva the 3:1 win. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 2nd place with 60 points, while Inter is in the last place with 17. 

Hajduk v. Osijek (0:1)

Hajduk and Osijek met on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

The only goal of the game came in the 15th minute, thanks to Bockaj for 0:1 Osijek. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 54 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 59.  

Rijeka v. Dinamo (2:0)

Rijeka and Dinamo closed out the 33rd round on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium. 

An own goal by Gvardiol made it 1:0 for Rijeka in the 2nd minute. Colak increased Rijeka's lead to 2:0 in the 52nd minute, which was the final score of the game. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 55 points, while Dinamo is in first with 76. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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July 2, 2020 - The 32nd round of the Croatian First League was held from June 30 to July 1, 2020. This round saw Hajduk lose to Gorica, while Osijek defeated Rijeka. 

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (3:0)

Belupo and Istra opened the 32nd round on Tuesday, June 30, in Koprivnica, in front of 502 spectators. 

All three of Belupo's goals were scored in the first half - Zirdum (13'), Krstanovic (25'), and Jeffren (27') for the 3:0 victory. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 34 points, while Istra is in 9th with 23. 

Lokomotiva v. Varazdin (2:0)

Lokomotiva and Varazdin met on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, in Zagreb in front of 683 spectators. 

Tuci scored for Lokomotiva seconds before the half for 1:0. Jakic increased Lokomotiva's lead to 2:0 in the 84th minute for 2:0. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 2nd place with 57 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 27. 

Gorica v. Hajduk (3:1)

Gorica and Hajduk met in Velika Gorica on Wednesday, June 30, 2020, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,700 spectators. 

Gorica's Hamad scored first in the 17th minute for 1:0 Gorica. Suk increased Gorica's lead to 2:0 in the 43rd for 2:0. Jakolis came back with one goal for Hajduk for 2:1 at the half. 

Ndiaye's goal in the 53rd minute gave Gorica the 3:1 win. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 46 points, while Hajduk has dropped to 4th place with 54.  

Inter Zapresic v. Dinamo Zagreb (0:1)

Inter and Dinamo met on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, in Zapresic in front of 5,228 spectators. 

While the first half went without goals, Dinamo's Cuze scored in the 61st minute for 0:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Inter is currently in 10th place with 17 points, while Dinamo is in first with 76. 

Osijek v. Rijeka (1:0)

Osijek and Rijeka closed out the 32nd round at City Garden Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

Mance scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute for 1:0. Rijeka's Galovic received his second yellow of the match in the 90th minute. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 56 points, while Rijeka is in 5th with 52. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

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

June 28, 2020 -  The 31st round of the Croatian First League was held from June 25 to 27, 2020. This round saw Hajduk top Slaven Belupo for a move back to 2nd place, while Gorica was better than Rijeka, and Dinamo and Osijek drew. 

Istra 1961 v. Lokomotiva (1:1)

Istra and Lokomotiva opened the 31st round on Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Pula in front of 665 spectators. 

Lokomotiva's Kastrati was the first to score with a goal in the 8th minute for 0:1. Guzina equalized for Istra just six minutes later for 1:1. 

The second half went without goals, though Karacic was booked for a red card in the 69th minute. Lokomotiva ended the game with 10 players, and a final score of 1:1.

Istra is currently in 9th place with 23 points, while Lokomotiva is in 3rd with 54. 

Varazdin v. Inter Zapresic (1:0)

Varazdin and Inter met on Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Varazdin in front of 2,194 spectators. 

Obregon's goal in the 33rd minute was enough to give Varazdin the 1:0 win.

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 27 points, while Inter is in the last place with 17. 

Rijeka v. Gorica (1:2)

Rijeka and Gorica met on Friday, June 26, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 2,071 spectators. 

A Gorica penalty saw Lovric score for 0:1 in the 12th minute. Ndiaye increased Gorica's lead in the 79th minute for 0:2, though Rijeka was able to get one in the 84th minute thanks to Pires. 

Rijeka is currently in  5th place with 52 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 43. 

Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo (2:1)

Hajduk and Belupo met at Poljud Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2020, in front of 4,253 spectators. 

A Caktas penalty put Hajduk in the lead for 1:0 in the 10th minute. Medjimorec equalized in the 25th minute for 1:1 at the half. 

A 60th-minute goal for Eduok put Hajduk pack in the lead for 2:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Dinamo v. Osijek (0:0)

Dinamo and Osijek closed out the 31st round on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Maksimir Stadium.

The match went without goals and ended 0:0.

Dinamo sits in first place with 73 points, while Osijek is in 4th with 53.

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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

June 26, 2020 - Hajduk and Slaven Belupo met at Poljud Stadium for the 31st round of the Croatian First League. It was Hajduk's first game in front of home fans since the league came to a halt because of COVID-19. 

After Gorica topped Rijeka at Rujevica Stadium on Friday night, Hajduk met Slaven Belupo in front of their fans for the first time in 114 days. Recall, while other clubs were able to welcome back their fans already a few rounds ago, the Split club had to serve a punishment of a game behind closed doors. 

With the coronavirus on the rise again in Croatia, stricter measures were enforced at the stadium. Namely, temperature checks were reinstated for journalists at the entrance, while we were asked to disinfect our hands before entering. Furthermore, we had to sit one per table instead of the usual two. The jumbo screen at the stadium also reminded fans to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. 

Whether they feared the coronavirus would spread or were boycotting because of Hajduk's last two losses and drop to 5th place, the stadium wasn't nearly as full as expected, considering the Split club's beloved fans haven't seen them play in the flesh in almost four months. Namely, only 4,523 fans were in attendance. 

Hajduk played with a bit of a weaker squad on Friday night, missing a few starting players due to injuries and yellow cards. Slaven Belupo was also in a weaker form. A win for Hajduk was imperative.

The fans at Poljud showed enthusiasm at the beginning and Torcida's chants certainly helped Hajduk to their first goal. Caktaks scored a penalty for 1:0 in the 10th minute. 

Slaven Belupo equalized thanks to an easy goal by Medjimorec in the 25th minute. The game ended 1:1 at the half. 

The second half started with only one Hajduk substitution, as Dolcek came on for Colina. Hajduk was quick to score their second goal, which came in the 59th minute. A header by Eduok rattled the Belupo keeper for 2:1!

Belupo was awarded a VAR penalty in the 90th minute, which was hit wide to keep the game 2:1 for Hajduk. Nine minutes of injury time were added, though neither team was able to score. Hajduk won 2:1. 

Dinamo and Osijek close out the 31st round on Saturday at Maksimir Stadium. Stay tuned for our 31st round recap on Monday. 

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

June 22, 2020 - The 30th round of the Croatian First League was played from June 20 to 21, 2020. This round saw losses for Rijeka and Hajduk, while Dinamo mathematically secured their 31st title.

Inter Zapresic v. Osijek (0:1)

Inter and Osijek opened the 30th round on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Zagreb. 

While the first half went without goals, Maric scored for Osijek in the 67th minute for 0:1 and the final score of the game. 

Inter is currently in the last place with 17 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 52. 

Varazdin v. Istra 1961 (3:0)

Varazdin and Istra met at NK Varteks Stadium on Saturday, June 20, 2020. 

Another game that saw no goals in the first half, Obregon opened the scoring for Varazdin with a goal in the 54th minute, while Drozdek (85') and Petkovic (95') made it 3:0. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 24 points, while Istra is in 9th with 22. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (0:0)

Gorica and Dinamo met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, June 20, 2020. 

A rather uneventful game that went without goals, Gorica and Dinamo ended 0:0.

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 40 points, while Dinamo is in first with 72 and has mathematically clinched the Croatia First League title. 

Slaven Belupo v. Rijeka (1:0)

Belupo and Rijeka met in Koprivnica on Sunday, June 21, 2020. 

Mateus' goal in the 30th minute was enough for Belupo, who held their own for the victory against Rijeka. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 31 points, While Rijeka is in 4th with 52. 

Lokomotiva v. Hajduk (3:2)

Lokomotiva and Hajduk closed out the 30th round in Zagreb on Sunday, June 21, 2020. 

A Caktas goal in the 3rd minute of the match gave Hajduk an early lead. A Caktas penalty in the 36th minute made it 0:2. However, Kolinger scored for Lokomotiva right before the half, which ultimately changed the game for Hajduk. 

The game was 1:2 for Hajduk until the 66th minute, when Tuci equalized for 2:2. In the 7th minute of added time (97'), Kolinger gave Lokomotiva the lead, and ultimately the 3:2 win. 

Lokomotiva has now jumped to 2nd place with 53 points, while Hajduk has dropped to 5th place with 51. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

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

June 18, 2020 - The 29th round of the Croatian First League was played mid-week, from June 16 to 17, 2020. This round saw a shocking Hajduk loss to Varazdin, the second-to-last placed team in the standings. 

Istra 1960 v. Inter Zapresic (2:0)

Istra and Inter opened the 29th round in Pula on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. 

Istra's Bosancic scored the first goal of the game 6 minutes in for 1:0. A Grzan penalty in the 34th minute gave Istra the 2:0 lead, and the final score of the game. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 22 points, while Inter is in the last place with 17. 

Hajduk v. Varazdin (2:3)

Hajduk and Varazdin met on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

Hajduk was down 0:3 at the half thanks to goals by Drozdek (19', 40') and Mamic (24'). Hajduk's Vuskovic came back for 1:3 in the 49th minute, and Caktas made it 2:3 in the 74th, which was the final score of the game.

Hajduk has now dropped to 3rd place with 51 points, and Varazdin is in 9th place with 21. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (2:2)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva met at Rujevica Stadium on June 16, 2020. 

Lokomotiva took the lead thanks to a Kastrati goal in the 36th minute for 0:1. Yakete equalized in the 66th minute for 1:1, and Andrijasevic gave Rijeka the lead for 2:1. Karacic scored a penalty for Lokomotiva in the 84th for 2:2 and the final score of the game. 

Rijeka is currently in 2nd place with 52 points, while Lokomotiva is in 4th place with 50. 

Dinamo Zagreb v. Slaven Belupo (3:2) 

Dinamo and Belupo met on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Maksimir Stadium. 

Dinamo was up by two goals in the 37th minute thanks to Kadzior and Ivanusec, though an own goal by Theophile-Catherine made it 2:1 at the half. Mateus scored the equalizer for  Belupo in the 49th minute, and a late goal by Petkovic in the 90th minute gave Dinamo the 3:2 victory. 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 71 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 28. 

Osijek v. Gorica (2:1)

Osijek and Gorica closed out the 29th round on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. 

Maric put Osijek in the lead in the 35th minute for 1:0 at the half. Zaper increased Osijek's lead to 2:0 in the 57th minute, though a late goal by Lovric in the second minute of injury time made it 2:1.

Osijek is currently in 5th place with 49 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 39. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

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

June 16, 2020 -  Two footballers from the Croatian First League, Hajduk's David Colina and Dinamo's Antonio Marin, are among the 100 promising young football players nominated for the Golden Boy award.

Namely, Nogomet Plus reports that the Golden Boy award, which was founded in 2003 by Tuttosport, chooses the best footballers under the age of 21 that play in European leagues.

Alongside Colina and Marin, among the nominees this year are stars such as Erling Halland and Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, Vinicius and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Ansua Fati from Barcelona, Phil Foden from Man City, and Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea. Twenty of the best young players will advance to the finals, after which journalists will vote for the best.

Born in Zagreb,David Colina played in Dinamo’s youth system before joining Monaco in 2018. In July 2019, Colina signed a four-year contract with Hajduk Split. 

Also born in Zagreb, Marin began his career with NK ZET and signed for the Dinamo Academy in 2009. While there was speculation he’d be going to giants like Milan, Manchester City, PSG or Juventus, he signed a three-year-long professional contract with Dinamo in October 2019. 

In addition to Tuttosport, journalists from Bild (Germany), Blick (Switzerland), A Bole (Portugal), l'Équipe (France), France Football (France), Marca (Spain), Mundo Deportiv (Spain), Ta Nea (Greece), Sport Express (Russia), De Telegraaf (Netherlands) and The Times (United Kingdom) also took part in the voting. 

The previous winners are Joao Felix, Matthijs de Ligt, Kylian Mbappe, Renato Sanches, Anthony Martial, Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba, Isco, Mario Gotze, Mario Balotelli, Alexandre Pato, Anderson, Sergio Aguero, Cesc Fabregas, Lionel Messi and Wayne Ro Rafael van der Vaart.

The list of nominees can be seen on the Tuttosport website, where you can also vote for your favorite young footballer online. 

Best of luck to David and Antonio!

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

June 15, 2020 - The 28th round of the Croatian First League was played from June 11 to 13, 2020. This round saw Dinamo lose to Lokomotiva, draws for Rijeka and Osijek, and a win for Hajduk against Istra. 

Inter Zapresic v. Gorica (0:3)

Inter and Gorica opened the 28th round on Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Zagreb. 

While the first half went without goals, Lovric scored in the 53rd minute for the Gorica lead, and Mundrinski scored in the 78th and 84th for the final score of 0:3. 

Inter is currently in the last place with 17 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 39. 

Istra 1961 v. Hajduk (0:1)

Istra and Hajduk met in Pula on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Hajduk scored early thanks to a Caktas header in the 6th minute for 0:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 19 points, while Hajduk has moved back into 2nd place with 51. 

Varazdin v. Rijeka (0:0)

Varazdin and Rijeka met at NK Varteks Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2020. 

Neither team was able to score, and the game remained 0:0.

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 18 points, while Rijeka has dropped to 3rd place with 51. 

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo Zagreb (1:0)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo met at Kranjceviceva Street Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2020. 

The game remained without goals until the 90th minute, after Nikola Moro received a red card and Lokomotiva a penalty, which Tolic scored for 1:0 and the victory. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 49 points, while Dinamo is in first with 68. 

Slaven Belupo v. Osijek (0:0)

Belupo and Osijek met in Koprivnica to close out the 28th round on Saturday, June 13, 2020. 

It was yet another game in this round that went without goals and ended 0:0. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 28 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 46. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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