July 16, 2020 - The President of the Croatian Football Federation, Davor Suker, hosted Eduardo Alves da Silva, the former prominent member of the Croatia national team, who will be the HNS ambassador at the European Championship next year.

Eduardo gladly accepted the proposal to be the ambassador of the Croatian Football Federation and the Croatia national team at Euro 2020, which has been postponed to the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The favorite 'Dudu' will once again be with the national team, for which he played 64 times and scored 29 goals, which makes him the third-best scorer of in Vatreni history, behind Suker (45) and Mario Mandzukic (33).

Eduardo interviewed for the official HNS website.

How did this cooperation with HNS come about?

Last Christmas I was in Zagreb, I visited President Suker and through a conversation, he suggested the idea to me. I gladly agreed. I will be honored to be the ambassador of HNS and the Croatia national team at the upcoming Euro.

EURO 2020 will be Croatia's eleventh major competition in history. Is this confirmation of good work in Croatian football?

The results of the HNS speak for themselves. Croatia is continuously a participant in major competitions, and when you have two medals from world championships in 20 years, there is nothing more to add. I see that this high level is maintained even today, that great talents are being developed that will keep Croatia at a high level in the future as well. Quality work with young people is undoubtedly what sets Croatia apart from others, and I am thrilled that President Suker and the current leadership recognize this and invest in it.

Croatia is coming to the EURO as the World Cup finalist. How did you experience the World Cup in Russia?

Then I played in Poland, where I watched all the matches of our national team. I played for Croatia for ten years and I am aware of the quality that this national team has. Several times we really missed the chance for great success, especially in 2008 against Turkey and 2016 against Portugal. In 2012, we had an objectively difficult group with two finalists, but even then, we played very good football. So I'm not surprised that Croatia reached the final because I know these guys and I know how good they are. I played with 80 percent of these guys and I’m so glad they achieved such a fantastic success.

The captain of Vatreni, Luka Modric, also achieved incredible success, with whom you shared the locker room at Dinamo and the national team. Could you have predicted that Luka's career would develop like this?

As a young footballer, each of us dreams of being the best in the world, like our role models like Zidane and Romario. I played a lot with Luka, even against him a few times when he was at Tottenham and at Real, and he really deserved everything that happened to him. He built his career carefully, step by step, and reached the highest possible level that he earned with his quality and his work.

Regardless of the departures of several essential players after the World Cup, Croatia triumphantly went through the qualifications. What can the Vatreni do at Euro 2020?

It was expected that there would be a small drop after the World Cup because every new team needs time to play. See how much time Klopp needed and now this Liverpool team is the champion of Europe and England. It is now clear that Croatia is again ready to be competitive at the Euro and come far again.

Everyone's plans were thwarted by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Of course, we are all sorry that a virus has appeared that, among other things, has affected the football calendar in the same way. However, for Croatia as well as for others - I don't think it will be too much of a problem. It remains to be seen what the situation will be with the fans because Croatia is used to playing with great support from the stands.

How do you view the opponents who await Croatia at the Euros?

Whoever qualifies for the big competition is a serious team. England and Croatia are the favorites on paper. England is the host and is of very high quality, and Croatia is a World Cup finalist. But the Czech Republic is a team that plays well in the final tournaments, and whoever comes as the fourth team in the group will also be a tough opponent. Still, of course, I see Croatia as one of the passengers in the next round.

As an extremely successful striker, how do you rate Croatia's center forwards today?

The strikers are certainly among the most important figures on the pitch for any team. Football has changed a lot; there are not so many traditional "nines" but the striker is expected to work a lot for the team, cooperate and open the space with wings that score a lot of goals. Still, it’s important to have a striker who can score from nothing. I think that Croatia has excellent solutions in the attack in Petkovic and Kramaric, and we shouldn't be worried about that position.

You can read the full interview on the HNS website. 

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

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 10, 2020 - The president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), Davor Suker, said in an interview with the Spanish sports newspaper AS that he would look for players of Croatian origin around the world that could play for the Croatia national team.

"We have a lot of big projects along the way, including organizing competitions for Croatian footballers in the USA, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Australia and other countries with a strong Croatian diaspora. Compared to Germany, Spain, France, Italy or England, we have a small population, so we need to identify all talented Croatian players, in all corners of the world," said Suker on HRT, noting that he is focused on current work in HNS and that he "enjoys his position", and is also focused on working in the Executive Board of the European Football Association (UEFA), so he is not thinking about changing jobs.

The former striker of Sevilla and Real Madrid thinks that it would be good for the captain of the national team, Luka Modric, to play fewer games at his club next season so that he could come to the European Championship in June 2021 fresh and ready.

"For us in Croatia, it would be good for Luka to come to the Euros with 35 to 40 games played instead of 55 to 60. The next season, with a full calendar, will be challenging for everyone. At this point in his career, I think he would be better off not playing all the games," Suker said.

Modric has made 36 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season. By the end of the championship, there are four games left and the return match of the last-16 of the Champions League against Manchester City. The Madrid club lost at home in the first round 1-2. Modric will turn 35 in two months and is the oldest player at Real Madrid. His contract with the leading team of the Spanish championship expires in a year. Asked whether Real Madrid would extend his contract after June 30, 2021, Suker replied:

"That is not my decision, and I respect Luka and Real very much to suggest something to them. Luka is a phenomenon, he will turn 35 in September, he has won everything in his career, and he still has the same ambition, passion and hunger for football like a young player. Luka takes good care of his body and continues to show first-class football on the pitch. I believe Real Madrid respects that and appreciates everything he has done there over the years. Therefore, I believe that he will have a place for him as long as he plays at this level," said Suker.

The vice-captain of the Croatian national team, Ivan Rakitic, will have his contract with Barcelona expire in a year. Suker was asked if the Catalan club was unfair to the 32-year-old midfielder because he was deprived of his place in the starting lineup this season, while speculations about his possible sale are ongoing.

"I do not participate in the daily activities of Barcelona, ​​so I cannot judge whether Ivan was treated unfairly, only he knows that. I know he is proud to wear the Barca jersey and always gives his best. He has more than 300 appearances for Barca, has won many trophies, and has been a key player in many important matches. In addition, he is a great worker on the pitch, is focused on the team, has leadership skills and never creates problems in the dressing room. I believe that all coaches and clubs are more than happy to have such a player," Suker replied.

Last month, Rakitic said that he wanted to play more at Barcelona, ​​where he has been since the summer of 2014, and to stay there as long as possible.

"At this stage of his career, after everything he has won, it is normal that he wants to play and not sit on the bench. If he can play in Barcelona, ​​I believe that will remain his first option. But if Ivan and Barcelona feel that the time has come to take a new step, which is normal in football, I do not doubt that he will be a great reinforcement for any big club because he still has a lot of good football left in him," Suker believes.

Rakitic has played in 39 games for the current champion Barcelona, ​​which currently holds second place in the championship.

"If he leaves Barcelona, ​​he will be proud of the time he spent there because it was six great years. When you spend your best years playing for a big club and winning big trophies, it means that you have managed your career well," said the president of HNS.

Suker played for Sevilla as a striker from 1991 to 1996 and then moved to Real Madrid, where he remained until 1999.

To conclude, it was announced on Thursday by HRT that Zlatko Dalic will lead the national team until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The president of the Croatian Football Federation and Dalic have officially agreed on a new contract for two years and five months.

This has yet to be confirmed by the HNS Executive Board, which will meet later this month, but it should only be a formality.

Dalic was supposed to lead Croatia at the Euros in 2020, and as it was postponed for a year, he decided to stay at least until then. His existing contract ended in the summer, and he had rich offers from China and Arab countries.

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. 

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

ZAGREB, June 26, 2020 - The Croatian People's Party (HNS) presented its election slogan on Friday - "Croatia is loved through work," saying that its platform includes measures for the economy and free kindergartens, adding that HNS is prepared to go into a coalition with anyone that accepts its election platform.

HNS has real solutions for real problems and after the election, we will go into a coalition with those parties that accept our election platform, HNS leader Predrag Stromar said.

"We would go into a coalition with the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) or the SDP (Social Democratic Party), but not with just anyone. We cannot accept extremists or loudmouths, those who come into the parliament to earn money or act out some stupidity, those sort of people are unacceptable to us," he added.

HNS said that its election platform was prepared in cooperation with citizens and based on their questions and suggestions, the main issues including higher wages, free kindergartens and resolving housing issues.

Vrdoljak: HBOR needs to change its name and business method

"The Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development needs to change its name and method of business and be transformed into the Croatian Development Fund that will provide financing for businesses," said Ivan Vrdoljak.

Minister of Science and Education Blazenka Divjak advocates the adoption of a law to check diplomas in all public companies, agencies, and state administration bodies.

ZAGREB, June 22, 2020 - The Croatian People's Party (HNS) has decided to cancel all election rallies and events from its campaign tour in the run-up to the 5 July election, urging other political parties to follow its example due to a rising number of new COVID-19 cases in the country.

Following the developments in Zadar where a few tennis players and participants in Novak Djokovic exhibition tournament were diagnosed with the coronavirus, the RESTART coalition led by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) stated on Monday that it had cancelled all its campaigning events scheduled for Monday evening in that Adriatic city.

The RESTART coalition says in a press release that it has decided to postpone the rally in Zadar for general health reasons.

The HNS leader Predrag Stromar said in a press release on Monday that the HNS would continue presenting its platform online and by media outlets, underscoring that the "health of our citizens is of utmost importance."

Stromar recalls that the first wave of COVID-19 epidemic has caused negative economic consequences, and one should not allow a new lockdown.

This should be considered primarily by those candidates who are running for the premiership in the coming elections. Political activities must not be given priority over the safety and health of people or over economic activity, he added.

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 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.