May 30, 2023 - 19-year-old Hajduk player Niko Sigur has chosen to represent Croatia. The young footballer is on Dragan Skočić's preliminary list for the U-21 European Championship.

Niko Kristian Sigur was born in Canada, where he grew up and played football until the beginning of 2022. He then moved to NK Radomlje, a partner club of Hajduk, and then to the Hajduk Academy. This spring, he played for the first team as the right back and can also be a defensive midfielder.

Due to his dual citizenship, Sigur could have played for the national teams of Croatia or Canada. After speaking with the technical director of the A and U-21 national team, Stipe Pletikosa, Sigur and his family decided he would represent Croatia.

"Croatia is my family's homeland, so I want to wear that beautiful Croatian jersey in the future. I appreciate and love Canada, where I lived and grew up playing football, but I feel that this is the right and best decision. I thank the Croatian Football Federation for expressing the desire to have me play for Croatia and Hajduk for the opportunity to help me develop as a football player in Croatia. And also to my family for the great support I feel every day. I am looking forward to representing Croatia, a true world football superpower," said Sigur.

"Of course, we are thrilled with the decision of Niko Sigur and his family, and we welcome him to the Croatian football family. In a short time, he has shown high quality; he plays very disciplined and maturely, with technical quality, which, in addition to his physical characteristics, makes him serious national team potential. Through pleasant conversation with Niko and his family, I was convinced that he is a responsible, mature and ambitious young man who is determined to become a top footballer and with a great desire to approach playing for the Croatia national team," stated the technical director of the A and U-21 national team, Stipe Pletikosa.

Source: HNS

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

May 26, 2023 - Hajduk will meet Šibenik in the last round of SuperSport HNL on Sunday, and apart from this being the last match of the season, it carries even more significance as Hajduk goalkeeper and the 2018 World Cup silver medalist Danijel Subašić will say goodbye to his football career.

This is the second time that Subašić played for Hajduk. He first arrived on loan from Zadar in the summer of 2008, and later Hajduk bought out his contract. After that, Subašić moved to Monaco in January 2012 and won the French championship in 2017. He was also named the best goalkeeper of the French championship that same year, reports Index.hr.

He returned to Hajduk in September 2021 as a 36-year-old. In total, he made 132 appearances for the Split club. He has not played in goal this season, and it is unknown whether he will defend against Šibenik in his farewell. With the Croatia national team, he won the silver medal at the World Cup in 2018 and was one of their key players.

Hajduk invited all fans to come dressed in white to Poljud on Sunday.

"We invite all fans, members and season ticket holders, sponsors and friends of the Club and all those who have Hajduk in their hearts to fill the Poljud stands to the last seat. Let's all dress in white shirts and come see off the old season and wish the team and the Club good luck in the new one. Because Hajduk makes us happy, regardless of everything else we are doing and where we are."

To celebrate winning the SuperSport Croatian Football Cup, Hajduk is also organizing an exciting entertainment program that will start on Sunday at 10 am.

From 10 am to 4 pm, all fans can take photos with the Cup trophy, the same one that Hajduk lifted again in Rijeka against Šibenik. The trophy will be set up under the eastern stand. 

A DJ will be in charge of warming up the atmosphere from noon. Prize games are also organized in the amusement park for children and mascot Rico will join the Fan Zone from 2 pm. Then, from 4:15 pm, singer Jasna Zlokić and other surprise guests will raise the atmosphere for all generations of fans at Poljud. Hajduk and Šibenik kick off at 5 pm. 

Source: Hajduk

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

May 24, 2023 - Hajduk beat Sibenik 2-0 at Rujevica Stadium on Wednesday in the Croatian Cup final! It's the first time the Split club has celebrated the Croatian Cup trophy back to back. 

We're in the final week of the SuperSport HNL season week, and with that, we get to see who will celebrate the SuperSport Croatian Football Cup ahead of the 36th round played this weekend. Hajduk and Šibenik met in the final from 19:00 at Rujevica in Rijeka. Interestingly, the two teams also meet in the final round of the league on Sunday. Hajduk has already clinched second place, while Šibenik has been relegated from first league football.

Hajduk was the big favorite and has also been in great form. They haven't conceded a goal in six games, nor have they lost. The Cup final was also unique for Hajduk. It was the first time in eighteen years that Hajduk had the opportunity to win the trophy two seasons in a row. 

Hajduk had loud support from the stands. Most of the east stand was filled with fans from Split, while the north stand was reserved for Šibenik fans who bought only a few hundred tickets for the final. Rujevica was thus not sold out, and around 6,500 fans were in attendance. 

Regarding the lineups for each team, Hajduk was without Mikanović, Lovrencsics, and Kalik, while Šibenik could not count on Điro and Radonjić due to injuries.

Lineups

Hajduk: Lučić - Sigur, Awaziem, Ferro, Melnjak - Pukštas, Krovinović - Sahiti, Benrahou, Mlakar - Livaja

Šibenik: Đaković - Kvržić, Perić, Kvesić, Mina - Đorić, Soldo - Arai, Hiroš, Dolček - Špeljak 

Match report

Hajduk found the back of the net in the 4th minute, but Mlakar's goal was disallowed after VAR. Hajduk completely dominated Sibenik so far at Rujevica.

Hajduk continued to dominate, but they didn't have any great opportunities in the next 20 minutes. On the other hand, Šibenik, now in the second division, held their own at Rujevica.

Hajduk had two great chances in the 39th minute. Mlakar was one on one with the keeper, who brilliantly saved before the ball went out for a corner. Livaja just missed the goal off the corner. 

A minute of stoppage time was played, and the first half ended 0-0. 

Hajduk put on the pressure in the first few minutes of the second half, but Melnjak missed an open goal. 

Hajduk had their 8th corner in the 56th minute, and Livaja headed to the right of the goal. Sibenik had 0 corners at this point. 

And then it happened. Benrahou shot into Šibenik's defense. After the rebound, the ball reached Melnjak, who scored for Hajduk and the 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute! 

Sibenik held their own to not concede another goal, but Hajduk's defense remained solid and tried to get their second.  

Four minutes of stoppage time were added. 

And Hajduk was awarded a penalty in the final minutes off a Pukstas foul in the box! Livaja scored for 2-0! 

The match ended 2-0 for Hajduk, winning the Croatian Cup trophy for the second consecutive time!  

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

April 30, 2023 - With a 0-0 draw against Hajduk at Poljud, Dinamo becomes the 2022/23 Croatian football champion, defending the title four rounds before the end of the 2022/23 SuperSport HNL season. 

Dinamo currently has 71 points, 12 more than the second-placed Hajduk, who cannot theoretically reach Dinamo this season. Dinamo has thus secured their sixth consecutive and 24th overall national championship title.

A draw at Poljud was enough for Dinamo to become the Croatian champion once again. Dinamo maintained a 12-point advantage over second-placed Hajduk four rounds before the end, and since they have a better head-to-head this season, it is unattainable for Hajduk to catch them. 

Two of the best Croatian clubs played an even game at a packed Poljud, though both teams were left without a serious chance to score.

The biggest excitement happened in the 23rd minute when Melnjak snatched the ball from Špikić about 30 meters from Dinamo's goal and then brilliantly played past Mlakar, who was at the top of the penalty area. Mlakar beat Livaković with an excellent shot into the back of the net, putting Poljud into a trance. However, the ref took his time and decided to consult VAR, which ultimately ruled the goal offside, and the game stayed 0-0. 

Hajduk had more chances in the second half and was hungrier, while Dinamo was happy to play for a draw, knowing it would bring them the title. Hajduk had 47% possession compared to Dinamo's 53%, both teams had only one shot on target, with 5 total attempts for Hajduk and 8 for Dinamo. 

Dinamo thus secured the Croatian Championship title with 71 points. Hajduk is safe in second place with 59 points, given that they have 14 points more than Osijek in third and 15 more than Rijeka in fourth. 

The 32nd round still features Rijeka-Slaven Belupo and Lokomotiva-Gorica, who will play tomorrow. On Saturday, Istra beat Sibenik 3-0 and Osijek beat Varazdin 3-1. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 12, 2023 - Hajduk beat Slaven Belupo on Wednesday and will play Sibenik in the SuperSport Croatian Cup final on May 24 in Rijeka.

The second SuperSport Croatian Football Cup semi-final match was played in Koprivnica between Slaven Belupo and Hajduk on Wednesday. Recall that Šibenik sensationally defeated Dinamo in the first SuperSport Croatian Cup semi-final last week. 

Lineups

Slaven Belupo: Čović, Bosec, Božić, Tepšić, Soldo, Jambor, Marina, Mioč, Tepšić, Mudražija, Crnac, Hoxha

Hajduk: Lučić - Mikanović, Ferro, Vušković, Melnjak - Grgić, Krovinović - Pukštas, Benrahou, Mlakar - Livaja

Luka Vušković returned to Hajduk's starting 11 after missing the last round of the HNL.

Match report

The first half was wholly uneventful. Slaven Belupo had a chance to go ahead in the 6th minute had they capitalized on goalkeeper Lucic's cardinal mistake. In the next 20 or so minutes, there were no real chances for either side, and the sprinklers interrupting the match in the 30th minute was the most exciting action thus far. 

Livaja had a chance in the 32nd minute, and a nasty collision between Melnjak and Tepsic resulted in bloody heads and a stretcher to the nearest hospital for the Belupo defender. Hlevnjak entered instead of the injured Tepsic, and six minutes of stoppage time were added. 

The second half had more energy from both sides. In the 53rd minute, Pukstas crossed from the right, and Livaja shot from close range with his head. But the ball went wide of the goal. After consulting VAR, Hajduk was granted a penalty three minutes later after a handball was played in the box. Livaja scored for the Hajduk lead (0-1). 

Hajduk had a chance to increase their lead in the 76th minute, but nothing came of that action. Belupo was definitely pressuring to equalize, while Hajduk was waiting for the counterattack to bring their second goal. After five minutes of stoppage time, Hajduk held their lead and secured their spot in the final. 

Hajduk will meet Sibenik in the SuperSport Croatian Cup final on May 24 in Rijeka.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 10, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 28th round was held on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, due to the Easter holiday. This round saw Igor Bišćan debut on Dinamo's bench with a victory, while the last-placed Gorica shocked Osijek, and Hajduk only took one point against Istra at Poljud. 

Slaven Belupo - Varazdin (1-1)

Belupo and Varazdin opened the 28th round on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Koprivnica in front of 1,513 fans. 

Crnac gave Belupo the lead in the 12th minute, a result that was held for over 90 minutes when Domjanic equalized in the 6th minute of stopped time for the final 1-1. Varazdin had 69% of possession during the match with 17 total attempts on goal, four of which were on target - the same as Belupo. 

Belupo is in 6th place with 37 points, while Varazdin is in 5th with 38. Belupo plays Dinamo next, and Varazdin meets Istra. 

Hajduk - Istra 1961 (2-2)

Hajduk and Istra met for the second match on Friday at Poljud in front of 14,966 fans. 

Mlakar put Hajduk ahead in the 2nd minute for 1-0, but two quick goals from Istra followed. Hujber scored in the 19th minute and Bakrar in the 21st for the Istra lead. Mlakar scored his second goal just before halftime to level the result (2-2). The second half saw two players sent off - Borevkovic was shown a straight red card just one minute into the second half, while Maresic was shown his second yellow with 10 minutes to go. Hajduk scored in the 56th minute, but it was called offside after consulting VAR. 

Hajduk is in 2nd place with 54 points, while Istra is in 7th with 36. Hajduk plays Rijeka next without Livaja and Krovinovic (cards), and Istra meets Varazdin. 

Gorica - Osijek (2-0)

Gorica and Osijek met on Saturday, April 8, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,349 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Fucak put Gorica ahead in the 73rd minute before scoring 10 minutes later for the final 2-0. Osijek had 51% of possession during the game with 11 total attempts, while Gorica had three attempts on target, two of which ended in goals. 

Gorica is in last place with 20 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 38. Gorica plays Sibenik next, and Osijek meets Lokomotiva. 

Lokomotiva - Dinamo (1-2)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo met in the second match on Saturday in front of 3,961 fans in Zagreb. 

Lokomotiva took the lead thanks to Ibrahim in the 35th minute. Ivanusec equalized in the 50th minute, and Menalo made it 1-2 in the 79th. This was the first game under new Dinamo coach Igor Bišćan. Dinamo had 51% possession and 17 total attempts on goal, of which five were on target. 

Lokomotiva is in 8th place with 33 points, while Dinamo is in first with 63. Lokomotiva plays Osjek next and Dinamo meets Belupo. 

Rijeka - Sibenik (1-0)

Rijeka and Sibenik closed out the 28th round at Rujevica in front of 4,437 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Frigan gave Rijeka the win in the 48th minute. Rijeka dominated the match with 67% of possession and 15 total attempts on goal. 

Rijeka is in 4th place with 38 points, while Sibenik is in 9th with 24. Rijeka plays Hajdyk next and Sibenik meets Gorica. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 6, 2023 - Former Croatia U21s coach Igor Bišćan has been appointed the new Dinamo coach. Ante Čačić was sacked earlier this week after losing to Šibenik in the Croatian Cup semi-final. 

Bišćan thus returns to the club where he took his first football steps and ended his playing career as team captain, reports HNS. The 44-year-old is coming to Dinamo for the first time as a coach after wearing the jersey of this club from 1995 to 2000 and then from 2008 to 2012. 

Behind Bišćan is a very successful period with the Croatian U21 national team, which he led to two European championships. In the last Euros, he achieved the greatest success in the history of the young national team by reaching the quarter-finals.

"We thank Igor and his staff for their great contribution to the recent successes of the young national team. Today we talked openly and very fairly and parted amicably - we understand his ambition and desire to accept the challenge of leading Dinamo, and we wish him luck in continuing his coaching career," said HNS president Marijan Kustić.

"I spent a wonderful three and a half years with HNS leading the young national team, and I am proud of the results we achieved during that period. I thank all colleagues in the staff and the Federation for their excellent cooperation, and President Kustić for his understanding regarding this decision and general support during my mandate. I wish the future coach and the boys a lot of luck at the European Championship; I am convinced they can achieve an excellent result," said Bišćan.

Bišćan will immediately take over the Dinamo bench and lead them this Saturday in the league match against Lokomotiva.

The Croatian Football Federation will subsequently inform the public about the appointment of a U21s new coach. However, it is speculated that former Croatia national team player Ivica Olić should take over the young national team, reports Index. hr.

Olić started his coaching career in 2017 when he was invited to become the assistant coach of the Croatia national team. Zlatko Dalić has kept him on his coaching staff ever since. As Dalić's assistant, he won the World Cup silver in Russia and World Cup bronze in Qatar. Olić also led CSKA Moscow in nine games in the spring of 2021.

Olić should lead the Croatia U21s at the European Championship, which will be held in Romania and Georgia from June 21 to July 8. Croatia is in a group with Spain, Romania, and Ukraine.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 5, 2023 - Šibenik has knocked out Dinamo in the SuperSport Croatian Cup semi-final, beating them 2:1 at Šubićevac Stadium! 

It is the second final in history for Šibenik. Šibenik lost to Hajduk in its first final in 2010. With this loss, Dinamo continues its downward spiral, achieving only one victory in its last six appearances.

Dinamo visited Šubićevac weakened by the absence of Bruno Petković and Luka Ivanušec. Behind the Croatian champion were a series of bad results and only one victory in the last five meetings. Even so, Dinamo entered the match brilliantly and took the lead with a goal by Josip Drmić in the 40th second. 

Dinamo could have increased their lead in the 13th minute. Dominik Livaković sent a long ball to Menalo, who came out alone in front of Đaković, but the home goalkeeper saved his shot, deflecting the ball into the corner.

Šibenik had their first and only chance in the first half in the 20th minute. Dario Čanađija found Ivan Dolček in the penalty area, but he couldn't get a decent shot off. 

In the 37th minute, Dinamo shook the home team's net for the second time, and Drmić was the scorer again. However, this time VAR was not on his side. The striker was offside at the beginning of the play, and the goal was disallowed.

Dinamo had a new chance in the 57th minute. Mišić sent a great ball to Baturina, who rushed down the right wing and put it in front of the goal, but Kvržić prevented the shot.

Šibenik came back with a free kick a few minutes later, but there was no real danger in front of Livković's goal. In the 66th minute, Šibenik threw all their cards into the attack. Iker Pozzo, Dejan Radonjić, Duje Čop, and Amer Hiroš entered the game. Just six minutes later, Šibenik equalized with a goal by Spanish midfielder Pozzo.

It was a quick counter from the hosts, the Spaniard first pushed the ball to Radonjić. With a bit of luck, the ball returned to Pozzo, who scored from close range into an empty goal.

After conceding the goal, Dinamo increased their rhythm. In the 80th minute, Marko Bulat had a great shot from a free kick. Four minutes later, Dinamo hit the net again, but VAR once again ruled it offside, and Menalo's joy was short-lived.

When it seemed that the match would go into extra time, Šibenik shocked the Croatian champion. Kvržić made a perfect cross from the right, and Čop made an even better header for the incredible Šibenik victory! 

Slaven Belupo and Hajduk meet in the second semi-final on April 12 in Koprivnica, and the final is on May 24 at Rujevica in Rijeka.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 3, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 27th round was played from March 31 to April 2, 2023. The round of 1-1 draws also featured a crucial win for Hajduk, now just 7 points behind Dinamo in the first place. 

Slaven Belupo - Istra 1961 (2-0)

Belupo and Istra opened the 27th round on Friday, March 31, in Koprivnica in front of 593 fans. 

Mudrazija put Belupo ahead in the 39th minute for 1-0. Krstanovic made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute, which is how the game ended. Surprisingly, Belupo only had 35% possession during the match, but a total of 13 attempts on goal, five of which were on target. 

Belupo is currently in 5th place with 36 points, while Istra is in 7th with 35. Belupo meets Varazdin next weekend, and Istra meets Hajduk. 

Gorica - Dinamo (1-1)

Gorica and Dinamo met on Saturday, April 1, in Velika Gorica in front of 4,084 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Ljubicic put Dinamo ahead in the 60th minute for 0-1. Mitrovic equalized in the 85th minute for the final 1-1. Dinamo had 60% possession during the match and 14 total attempts, with four on target, while Gorica had 15 total attempts and seven on target. 

Gorica is in last place with 17 points, while Dinamo is in first with 60. Gorica plays Osijek next, and Dinamo meets Lokomotiva. 

Sibenik - Hajduk (2-3)

Sibenik and Hajduk met on Saturday, April 1, in Sibenik in front of 2,718 fans. 

A goal from Livaja in the 45th minute made it 0-1 for Hajduk at halftime. Mlakar and Pukstas made it 0-3 for Hajduk by the 60th minute. Dolcek returned with a goal for 1-3 in the 63rd minute and Kvrzic for the final 2-3 in the 90th. Sibenik had 54% of possession and 13 total attempts compared to Hajduk's 14 total attempts and eight on target. 

Sibenik is in 9th place with 24 points, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 53. Sibenik plays Rijeka next and Hajduk meets Istra. 

Rijeka - Osijek (1-1)

Rijeka and Osijek met on Sunday, April 2, at Rujevica in front of 5,864 fans. 

Frigan put Rijeka ahead in the 31st minute for 1-0. Zaper didn't equalize for Osijek until the match's final minute for 1-1. Rijeka had 47% possession compared to Osijek's 53%, while both sides had 14 total attempts on goal. 

Rijeka is in 6th place with 35 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 38. Rijeka plays Sibenik next and Osijek meets Gorica. 

Lokomotiva - Varazdin (1-1)

Lokomotiva and Varazdin closed out the 27th round on Sunday, April 2, in Zagreb in front of 759 fans. 

Gorican made it 1-0 in the 5th minute, and Puclin equalized in the 51st for the final 1-1. Lokomotiva had 58% of possession during the match with 20 total attempts, 11 of which were on target. 

Lokomotiva is in 8th place with 33 points, while Varazdin is in 4th with 37. Lokomotiva plays Dinamo next and Varazdin meets Belupo.

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 28, 2023 - After drawing against Wales at Poljud on Saturday, Croatia beat Turkey in the second round of the EURO 2024 qualifiers.

Croatia and Turkey met in Bursa on Tuesday for the second round of EURO 2024 qualifiers. This was Croatia's last match before the Nations League finals, which is held this June in Rotterdam. 

Coach Zlatko Dalić lead Croatia tonight for the 72nd time, which ties him with the undisputed record holder Miroslav Blažević.

Croatia and Turkey had played ten times so far before this match. Croatia's first victory in a major competition was against Turkey (Euro 1996), but perhaps also the biggest shock - losing on penalties in the EURO quarter-finals in Austria and Switzerland in 2008.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić made three changes in the starting lineup. Josip Stanišić, Borna Barišić, and Mario Pašalić entered the starting 11 instead of Josip Juranović, Borna Sosa, and the injured Marko Livaja.

Lineups

TURKEY: Günok, Celik, Söyuncu, Demiral, Kadioglu, Kökcu, Calhanoglu, Özcan, Ünder, Ünal, Aktüroglu

CROATIA: Livaković, Stanišić, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Barišić, Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić, Pašalić, Perišić, Kramarić

The match started at 20:45 in front of nearly 40,000 fans. Around 1500 Croatia fans were in attendance. 

Brozovic lost the ball in the penalty area in the 5th minute, forcing Livakovic to make a quick save to keep Turkey from taking an early lead. Livakovic had to save the day not even five minutes later after a Sutalo slip allowed Turkey to get a shot off. And in the 11th minute, a Turkey goal was called offside. 

Croatia started waking up shortly after and pushed into Turkey's half. Stanisic got a shot off wide of the goal in the 16th minute.

But even with their lack of concentration, Croatia found the back of the net. Stanisic was played wide on the right wing and sent the ball to Pasalic who played a one-two with Perisic and laid it off to Kovacic in the box for 0-1 Croatia! 

Croatia's lack of concentration continued after they took the lead, and another close encounter with Livakovic nearly leveled the result. Stanisic dribbled into the box and failed to get a good shot off in the 32nd minute. 

Croatia really struggled to find their footing in the first half, but the injury to Turkey's captain did not do them a favor, either.

Even with their poor play, Croatia found a way to the back of the net again. Brozovic and Modric stole the ball in Turkey's half, found Pasalic on the left whose shot went off the keeper's fingertips, and to Kovacic who scored his second goal for 0-2! 

The first half ended 0-2 for Croatia. 

Croatia attacked well in the 53rd minute, but both Kovacic and Pasalic failed to get a shot off in time.

And Croatia's best chance of the second half came five minutes later. Modric played a low ball into the box from the right side, and Pasalic side-footed to the goal with an incredible reaction from the Turkey keeper. 

Dalic made his first sub - Juranovic came on for Pasalic in the 65th minute. 

Turkey picked up the pace from the 70th minute and even had a good chance on goal which went wide of the far post. 

A brilliant attack by Kovacic, Perisic, and Kramaric almost resulted in another goal, but Kramaric's shot just missed the goal. 

Two corners for Turkey in the 80th minute had Croatia on their toes, but with 10 minutes to go, the game was still 0-2.

Modric and Kramaric came out for Majer and Musa in the 84th minute. 

Five minutes of stoppage time were added. Ivanusec came on for Perisic.

Turkey had a dangerous chance in the 2nd minute of stoppage time which Livakovic brilliantly saved, but the game ended in Croatia's favor. 

Croatia meets next in June for the Nations League Finals in Rotterdam. Croatia plays the semi-final against the Netherlands on June 14.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.