May 3, 2021 - The 32nd round of the Croatian First League was held from April 30 to May 2, 2021. In this round, Hajduk defeats Rijeka 3:2, keeping their hope alive for a Europa League spot next season, while Osijek fails to catch Dinamo after drawing to Varazdin. 

Lokomotiva v. Sibenik (1:0)

Lokomotiva and Sibenik opened the 32nd round in Zagreb on Friday, April 30, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, Juric's goal for Sibenik was called offside in the 49th minute to keep the game 0:0, though not for long, as Leskovic scored the winning goal for Lokomotiva in the 85th minute. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 9th place with 26 points, while Sibenik is in 6th with 32. 

Slaven Belupo v Dinamo (0:2)

Belupo and Dinamo met in Koprivnica on Saturday, May 1, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, Tolic scored in the 64th for 0:1 Dinamo, and Orsic sealed Dinamo's victory with a goal in the 86th for 0:2. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 31 points, while Dinamo is in first with 74. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (3:2)

Hajduk and Rijeka met on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Poljud stadium in the crucial fight for a Europa League spot. 

The young Biuk scored an early goal for Hajduk in the 14th minute for 1:0, though Drmic equalized in the 31st for 1:1 at the half. 

Stanko Juric (Stefulj own goal) put Hajduk back in the lead for 2:1 in the 45th, and Kacaniklic made it 3:1 two minutes later. Adrijasevic scored for 3:2 in the 65th. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 47 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 52. 

Istra 1961 v. Gorica (0:2)

Istra and Gorica met in Pula on Sunday, May 2, 2021. 

Spikic scored for Gorica in the 42nd minute to make it 0:1 at the half. Hujber was booked for his second yellow in the 79th minute, forcing Istra to play with a man down for the final 10 minutes. Mitrovic increased Gorica's lead in the 4th minute of added time (94'). 

Istra is currently in the last place with 25 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 56. 

Osijek v. Varadin (1:1)

Osijek and Varazdin closed out the 32nd round on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at City Garden Stadium. 

While the first half went without goals, Obregon put Varazdin in the lead in the 69th minute for 0:1. Mierez equalized for Osijek five minutes later for 1:1, which was the final score.

Slobodan Kadic

Mierez missed a penalty in the 9th minute of added time. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 68 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 27. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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April 29, 2021 - A Croatia friendly against Armenia has been scheduled in Velika Gorica on June 1 as part of the national team's preparations before heading to the Euros this summer.

The Croatia national football team will play a friendly match against Armenia in Velika Gorica on June 1 at 6 pm before leaving for the European Championships. The decision was made by the Executive Board of the Croatian Football Federation, and the match was confirmed by Uefa.

Velika Gorica is the tenth city to host the strongest Croatia football team, after Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, Osijek, Varaždin, Pula, Vinkovci, Šibenik and Koprivnica. Before the Vatreni visit, Velika Gorica will host the Cup final between Dinamo and Istria in 1961 on May 19.

The Croatia national football team will gather on May 25 at the beginning of preparations for the Euro, which will traditionally be held in Rovinj. After the friendly against Armenia, the national teal will have a final check on June 6 against Belgium in Brussels, from where they will travel to the base camp in St. Andrews on June 8. 

The UEFA EURO 2020 will take place between June 11 and July 11, 2021. Croatia plays in Group D (London/Glasgow) with England (hosts), Scotland (hosts), and the Czech Republic.

Croatia opens its EURO campaign on Sunday, June 13, against England (15:00, London). On Friday, June. 18, Croatia plays. The Czech Republic in Glasgow, Scotland (18:00). Croatia's final group stage match is against Scotland on June 22 in Glasgow (21:00). 

The top two in each group plus the four best third-placed teams go through to the knockout phase. The round of 16 is scheduled from June 26 to 29. The quarterfinals are held on July 2 and 3, the semifinals on July 6 and 7. The final will be played on July 11 at Wembley Stadium in London. 

Source: HNS

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April 9, 2021 - Dinamo Zagreb advanced to the Croatian Cup final with a victory against Gorica after extra time in the semifinal match 4-1 (0-1, 1-1).

Gorica opened the match very well, took the lead with a goal by Špikić (3), but at the beginning of the second half, Mišić (46) equalized for 1-1. Dinamo's victory was secured in extra time thanks to Jakić (100), Majer (110), and Ademi (118).

Recap

Gorica took the lead thanks to an early goal the young Gorica striker Špikić, who will play for Dinamo from the summer. 

Gorica was a better opponent throughout the first half. Dinamo, despite falling behind, did not create a single dangerous situation in front of the opponent's goal. At the same time, Gorica threatened from quick counterattacks but lacked precision in the end to increase the lead.

The match completely turned around at the beginning of the second half when Dinamo coach Damir Krznar introduced Ademi and Majer into the game instead of Ivanušec and Franjić.

After only 46 seconds of play in the second half, Mišić equalized with an excellent shot from 20 meters. Kastrati entered the penalty area from the right side, pulled the defense on himself, and then served Mišić with a ball to score. 

In the 49th minute, Gorica was left with a player less after referee Zebec booked Keita with a second yellow. Dinamo then absolutely dominated.

Dinamo could have won before the end of the 90th minute. Oršić blew a chance in the 69th minute and decided to pass to Majer instead, while Kastrati missed with his head from four meters out in the 72nd minute.

Gorica could not hold on during the extra time. Dinamo took the lead in almost the same way that they equalized. Kastrati got the ball on the right-wing and sent the ball to Jakić, who shot from about 20 meters. Banić was helpless.

By the end of the match, Majer and Ademi set the final score in the 110th and 118th minutes, respectively, with precise low shots from the top of the penalty area.

In the final on May 19 in Velika Gorica, Dinamo will play against Istra 1961, which defeated the defending champions Rijeka 3-2 in the first semifinal two weeks ago.

Dinamo has won the Cup 15 times so far, while Istra 1961 does not have a single title.

Source: HRT

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April 27, 2021 - The 31st round of the Croatian First League was held from April 24 to 26, 2021. This round featured the 'Eternal Derby,' in which Dinamo defeats Hajduk 2:0, while Rijeka and Osijek draw in the other highly anticipated mid-week match. 

Sibenik v. Slaven Belupo (2:0)

Sibenik and Belupo opened the 31st round on Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Sibenik.

Juric opened the scoring for Sibenik, making it 1:0 in the 8th minute. Curic increased Sibenik's lead to 2:0 six minutes later. The second half saw no goals from either side. 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 32 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 31. 

Gorica v. Lokomotiva (4:2)

Gorica and Lokomotiva met on Sataurday, April 24, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

Hamad gave Gorica the early lead with a goal in the 5th minute. Pivaric equalized from a penalty in the 19th minute, and Mudrinski made it 2:1 in the 28th. 

Spikic gave Gorica the 3:1 lead in the 53rd, and just three minutes later, Steenvoorden was booked for a double yellow. Pivaric scored his second penalty for 3:2 one minute later. 

Playing with a man down didn't hurt Gorica too much, as Spikic came back to score for 4:2 in the 74th minute. Lokomotiva's Bonansea was shown a red card in the 90th minute. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 53 points, while Lokomotiva is in the last place with 23. 

Rijeka v. Osijek (0:0)

Rijeka and Osijek met on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium. 

The match ended without goals. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 52 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 67.

Dinamo v. Hajduk (2:0)

Dinamo and Hajduk met on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Maksimir Stadium for the highly anticipated 'Eternal Derby.' 

Dinamo's first goal of the match came from a Petkovic penalty in the 21st minute. Kastrati increased Dinamo's lead to 2:0 in the 35th. 

While Hajduk continuously pressed in the second half, the match ended at 2:0 for Dinamo, and the two sides will have a rematch on May 5 in Split. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 71 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 44. 

Varazdin v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Varazdin and Istria closed out the 31st round on Monday, April 26, 2021. 

Hara scored for Istra in the 18th minute for 0:1, though Posavec scored the equalizer in the 34th minute for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. Guera Djou was booked for his second yellow card in the 81st minute. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 26 points, while Istra is in 9th with 25. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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April 22, 2021 - The 30th round of the Croatian First League was held mid-week on April 20 and 21, 2021. Osijek and Dinamo draw at City Garden Stadium in this round, while Sibenik and Gorica played 1:1, as did Belupo and Hajduk.

Sibenik v. Gorica (1:1)

Sibenik and Gorica opened the 30th round on Tuesday, April 30, 2021. 

Sahiti scored to put Sibenik in the lead in the 40th minute for 1:0 at the half. Lucumi was booked for his second yellow in the 87th minute, and a late goal by Delfi brought Gorica the equalizer one minute later for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 29 points, while Gorica is in 4th with 50. 

Slaven Belupo v. Hajduk (1:1) 

Belupo and Hajduk met on Tuesday, April 30, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Hajduk took the lead in the 10th minute when Dimitrov scored for 0:1. A red card for Todorovic forced Hajduk to play with a player less from the 60th minute, and Krstanovic scored for Belupo six minutes later. The match ended 1:1. 

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 31 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 44. 

Lokomotiva v. Varazdin (4:0)

Lokomotiva and Varazdin met on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Zagreb. 

Males scored Lokomotiva's first goal in the 3rd minute for the early lead. Papadopoulos increased Lokomotiva's lead to 2:0 in the 32nd minute. Two goals by Simic in the 84' and 86' minutes made it 4:0, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 10th place with 23 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 25. 

Istra 1961 v. Rijeka (1:2) 

Istra and Rijeka met in Pula on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

A goal by Muric made it 0:1 Rijeka in the 20th minute. Kulenovic made it 0:2 in the 36th. Istra's Galilea came back with one goal for Istra in the 44th minute but failed to equalize in the second half. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 24 points, while Rijeka has jumped to 3rd with 51. 

Osijek v. Dinamo (1:1)

Osijek and Dinamo met in the highly anticipated match for first place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at City Garden Stadium. 

Majer scored in the 5th minute to give Dinamo the early lead. Erceg equalized for Osijek in the 64th for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 66 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 68. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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April 20, 2021 - HNS stands with UEFA against the proposed Super League, including clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid

HNS reports that representatives of 55 national federations and members of Uefa voted at today's 45th Congress of the umbrella European football organization, a declaration in which they condemned the proclamation of the so-called "Super League."

The participants of the UEFA Congress are united in the claim that the closed "Super League" opposes the very concept of what Europe must be: united, open, supportive, and principled in sports values.

"Uefa and its members believe in a true European model based on open competitions, solidarity, and redistribution to ensure the sustainability and development of football for the benefit of all, as well as the promotion of European values ​​and social outcomes.

The conspirator clubs have obviously turned a blind eye to the fact that the status they enjoy today is not the result of an isolated case but part of a dynamic European system in which one’s successes and failures are equally influenced by large, medium, and small clubs. Their assumption that they have the right to "separate" and claim the right to build a legacy built together is an insult to European values ​​and sporting merit.

Uefa, its members, and all those who love football will strongly oppose it and fight against the moves of the owners of these clubs and all those who support them. In a moral sense, we know very well what is behind everything, and in that sense, we will protect football from a selfish clan that does not care about the game. We are European football. They are not," the declaration reads.

The Croatian Football Federation was represented at the 45th Uefa Congress by the president, Davor Šuker, also a member of the Uefa Executive Board, i.e., the executive director of the HNS, Marijan Kustić, and the head of the international department and licensing, Ivančica Sudac.

"Once again, we have sent a clear message to European football, showing solidarity united against the selfish interests of the richest clubs and their owners. The great thing is that we are unique in our attitudes and efforts to keep football as it should be, accessible to everyone, not just elites. The congress was very successful; Uefa kept the same course, everything it did before. I am delighted that my former teammate Zvonimir Boban has become Uefa's head of football, increasing the number of Croatian officials involved in various bodies of Fifa and Uefa. I believe that by acting together, we will contribute to even better treatment of Croatian football on the international stage," concluded Davor Šuker.

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April 19, 2021 - The 29th round of the Croatian First League was held from April 16 to 18, 2021. In this round, Belupo shocks Gorica at home, and Osijek tops Hajduk at Poljud. 

Varazdin v. Sibenik (1:1)

Varazdin and Sibenik opened the 29th round on Friday, April 16, 2021. 

Djurasek scored a goal in the 11th minute for an early Varazdin lead, which they maintained until the 75th minute when Sibenik's Juric scored a penalty to equalize 1:1. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 25 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 28. 

Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (0:1)

Gorica and Slaven Belupo met on Friday, April 16, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

The only goal of the match came in the 38th minute when Knoll scored for Belupo, which was the final score of the match. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 49 points, while Belupo is in 6th with 30. 

Hajduk v. Osijek (0:1)

Hajduk and Osijek met on Friday, April 16, 2021, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

While the first half went without goals, Mierez scored in the 48th minute to give Osijek the early lead in the second half. A second yellow for Fossati in the 85th hurt Hajduk's chances of getting the equalizing goal. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 43 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 65. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (3:0)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium. 

All of Rijeka's goals were scored in the first half - Muric in the 10 minute, Kulenovic two minutes later (12'), and Kulenovic again in the 31st. Lokomotiva was not able to come back from the first-half beating. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 48 points, while Lokomotiva is in the last place with 10. 

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Dinamo and Istra closed out the 29th round on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Maksimir Stadium. 

Petkovic scored a penalty in the 38th minute for the 1:0 Dinamo lead before the half, which they maintained throughout the match, even after Burton was booked with a red card in the 84th minute. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 67 points, while Istra is in 9th with 24. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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April 15, 2021 - Istra 1961 shocks Rijeka for a spot in the Croatian Cup final! The Pula club will meet the winner of the second semifinal match between Dinamo and Gorica, which has yet to be scheduled. 

Istra 1961 will play in the final of the Croatian Football Cup! At Aldo Drosina Stadium in Pula on Thursday, Istra defeated Rijeka 3:2 in the semifinal match and qualified for the final, which will be held on May 19 in Velika Gorica. Their opponent will be the winner of the second semifinal between Dinamo and Gorica. The date for that match has not been set yet due to Dinamo's European obligations. 

Istria played a phenomenal first half, one of the best in the club's history, and was ahead 3:0! At the beginning of the second half, Drmic scored Rijeka's first goal, and in the 72nd minute, Muric made it 3:2 thanks to a penalty, after which they continued to press, but Istra successfully defended their net to keep the win!

Istra opened the game well and took the lead in the seventh minute with a goal by Josip Šutal, who scored with a header from a corner.

In the 23rd minute, Japanese striker Taichi Hara escaped the attention of the Rijeka defense, came out in front of Ivan Nevistić and scored with ease.

Before going to halftime, Rijeka was shocked again. Antonio Ivančić beautifully found Gideon Guzina, who scored for 3:0.

At halftime, Rijeka coach Goran Tomić made three changes, and Rijeka relatively quickly reduced the result. In the 53rd minute, Josip Drmić scored from about 15 meters.

In the 71st minute, Robert Murić scored their second goal from a penalty.

There was enough time until the end, but Rijeka didn't have it in them to score the third goal and take the game into extra time.

This Istra 1961 generation will thus try to win the first Cup trophy in the club's history, in a final match scheduled for May 19, against Dinamo or Gorica. So far, Istria has only been in the Cup final once, in 2003 when the club was called Uljanik. In that final, which was played in two games, they were defeated by Hajduk (5:0).

The date of the semifinal clash between Dinamo and Gorica at Maksimir will be known after the Europa League quarterfinal return match, which Dinamo will play against Villarreal on Thursday in Spain.

Source: Gol.hr

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April 12, 2021 - The 28th round of the Croatian First League was held from April 10-11, 2021. In this round, Hajduk defeats Istra 1961, Osijek and Slaven Belupo draw, and Rijeka narrowly tops Sibenik. 

Gorica v. Varazdin (0:0)

Gorica and Varazdin opened the 28th round on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

The first half went without goals, and the VAR called a goal offside for Gorica in the 52nd minute. The match ended at 0:0.

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 39 points, while Varazdin is in 9th with 24. 

Sibenik v. Rijeka (0:1)

Sibenik and Rijeka met on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Sibenik. 

The only goal of the match came in the 72nd minute when Drmic scored for 0:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 27 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 45. 

Slaven Belupo v. Osijek (2:2)

Belupo and Osijek met on Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Bogojevic scored the first goal of the match for 1:0. Belupo in the 36th minute. Zaper equalized for Osijek just before the half for 1:1. 

Knoll put Belupo back in the lead for 2:1 in the 52nd minute, and Kleinheisler scored the equalizer in the 71st for the final score of 2:2.

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 27 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 62. 

Istra 1961 v. Hajduk (0:1)

Istra and Hajduk met in Pula on Sunday, April 11, 2021. 

Simic scored in the 68th minute for the Hajduk lead. VAR called Nayir's goal offside in the final minute of the match. Istra's Blagojevic was booked for his second yellow in the 88th minute. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 24 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 43. 

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo (0:2)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo closed out the 28th round on Sunday, April 12, 2021. 

Gvardiol scored for 0:1 Dinamo in the 30th minute. Atiemwen increased Dinamo's lead to 0:2 in the 70th, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in the last place with 20 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 64. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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April 5, 2021 - The 27th round of the Croatian First League was held on April 2 and 3, 2021. In this Easter-weekend round, Rijeka tops Gorica 4:3, while Dinamo and Šibenik draw 1:1.

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (1:1)

Varazdin and Belupo opened the 27th round in Varazdin on Friday, April 2, 2021.

Djurasek scored the first goal of the match for 1:0 Varazdin at the half. Delic returned to score a late-game equalizer for 1:1 in the first minute of added time (91+1').  

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 23 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 25. 

Lokomotiva v. Hajduk (0:2)

Lokomotiva and Hajduk met on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Zagreb. 

Hajduk's Livaja scored the first goal of the match already in the 15th minute for 0:1 at the half. Livaja assisted Nayir Umit in the 48th minute for 0:2, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 10th place with 20 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 39. 

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (0:2)

Istra and Osijek met on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Pula. 

Mierez scored the opening goal for Osijek in the 30th minute for 0:1 at the half. Erceg increased Osijek's lead to 0:2 in the 88th for the final score of the match.

Istra is currently in 8th place with 24 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 61. 

Sibenik v. Dinamo (1:1)

Sibenik and Dinamo met on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Sibenik. 

While the first half went without goals, Mayer put Dinamo in the lead in the 70th minute for 0:1. Just 7 minutes later, Mesa equalized for Sibenik for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 27 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 61. 

Gorica v. Rijeka (3:4)

Gorica and Rijeka closed out the 27th round on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Velika Gorica.  

Thanks to goals by Andrijasevic and Drmic, Rijeka was up 0:2 at halftime. A goal by Muric in the 50th minute and Cerin in the 64th saw Rijeka up by four goals with 25 to go.

Not even 10 minutes later, Mitrovic scored for Gorica for 1:4, Mudrinski 10 minutes after that for 2:4, and a Galovic own goal made it 3:4 with 5 minutes left. Gorica's Nimely was booked for his second yellow in the 90+1'. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 48 points, while Rijeka is in 4th place with 42. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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