October 10, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary met at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for the first time since 2015. The stadium was nearly a sellout, and the national team was reunited with 32,110 of their Dalmatian fans.

The 2018 World Cup finalists and Hungary met in the 7th round of Group E in the 2020 Euro qualifications on Thursday in Split. Coach Zlatko Dalić was lucky to have his full squad, except for Andrej Kramarić, who is recovering from an injury. 

Thus, Croatia’s starting eleven included Dominik Livaković in goal, Tin Jedvaj, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, and Borna Barišić in the defense, Marcelo Brozović, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Ante Rebić, and Ivan Perišić across the midfield, and Bruno Petković up top. 

Slobodan Kadic

Recall, Croatia lost to Hungary 2:1 in their second Euro 2020 qualifier earlier this year. 

The game kicked off at 8:45 pm, and Croatia had their first chance two minutes in when Modrić’s volley went over the goal. Perišić shot at the keeper moments later, though it didn’t take long for them to score, after all. Captain Luka Modrić found himself one-on-one with the keeper to put Croatia in the lead five minutes into the game! 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia continued to press in the minutes that followed and maintained possession. Ivan Perišić had another chance in the 16th minute, though a deflection forced a corner for Croatia. A foul on Modrić resulted in a free-kick for Croatia just outside the penalty area, though Jedvaj couldn’t quite get to the ball. 

Hungary had its first corner in the 20th minute, which was followed by another in the 21st. Croatia’s defense cleared it out for yet another corner, though Hungary was unable to capitalize on their chances.

Croatia increased their lead in the 24th minute. Ante Rebić found himself on a counter-attack with Bruno Petković unmarked on the penalty spot. A Bruno back heel around the keeper made it 2:0 for Croatia. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia had another dangerous attack in the 39th minute. Rebić once again carried the ball up the left-wing, with no Hungarian defender in sight. Rebić crossed into the box, though Petković was unable to get another goal. Though his second goal came just moments later - and Croatia was leading 3:0 at the half. 

Hungary came out hungry at the start of the second half and tried to push an attacking game, though the defense remained solid. Croatia was given a penalty in the 53rd minute, though Ivan Perišic shot at the keeper, which gave Croatia a corner in the end. Amidst the chaos, Hungary's Kleinheisler was given his second yellow card, and Croatia was up a player for the rest of the game. 

In the 59th minute, Dalić used his first substitution - young Brekalo went in for Perišić in the 60th minute. Luka Modrić was subbed out in the 66th minute for Mateo Kovačić. In the 67th minute, Hungary had a shot on goal, though it was an easy save for Dominik Livaković. 

Slobodan Kadic

In the 73rd minute, Nikola Vlašić came on for Ivan Rakitić. 

With 10 minutes to go, Croatia continued their attacking game, and a goal by Vlašić was correctly called offside. Ante Rebić hit a rocket from the right in the 85th minute, which just missed the far post. Croatia was getting chances, though they couldn't get their fourth goal. 

After three minutes of injury time, the game ended 3:0 for Croatia, and the atmosphere at Poljud could not be matched.  

With this win, Croatia remains at the top of Group E. Their next match is against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday, October 13. 

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

October 10, 2019 - Ever dreamed of owning a shirt worn by a Croatia national team member?

Not only can this be a reality, but you could soon be in possession of a Croatia shirt worn by Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, and other stars of the Croatia national team while supporting ahumanitarian cause! 

Namely, HNS announced on Wednesday that the Croatia national football team would be the first in the world to donate all worn jerseys from one competitive match to an online charity auction.

Thus,after the match against Hungary on Thursday, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Lovren, Vida, and other members of the 2018 World Cup finalist squad will auction the match shirts they wore online. All proceeds will go to the Vatreno Srce Foundation, which was founded by the Croatia national team and coach. 

For many years, the Vatreno Srce Foundation has helped Croatia’s children and youth. You might recall that last year, they donated significant funds to the Children's Clinic as part of the Korak u život campaign.

All shirts worn during the Hungary match will be available for bidding online at www.matchwornshirt.com. Bids can be submitted from the start of the match, and the auction will end after four days. All shirts will start at 89 euro, with shipping included anywhere in the world.

And even better? Each shirt will be marked 'Croatia-Hungary' and will be signed by the national team member who wore it!

Get in on the action at www.matchwornshirt.com, support the work of the Vatreno Srce Foundation, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a lifetime of memories. 

Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday at 8:45 om local time for a crucial 2020 Euro qualifier.  It is the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015. 

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

October 9, 2019 - As most everyone in Croatia is already well aware, Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier. This is the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015, and sold-out stadium awaits. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric spoke to the media on Wednesday at Poljud ahead of the game. 

The Croatia national team moved to Split this week to prepare for their Euro 2020 qualifier against Hungary. The team is staying at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel and trained in Omis before moving to Poljud for a night training on Wednesday evening. Before the team trained on Wednesday, coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric met the press. 

The press conference started congratulating Luka for his goal against Granada. 

“Thank you. But the biggest thing is for us to win tomorrow in front of our fans.”

How does Luka feel about being back in Split?

“Everything is good so far haha. We are happy to be back at Poljud after such a long time. I expect a lot of support tomorrow and that the fans will carry us to a win. We can’t wait to be back here.”

What is the biggest factor in Croatia achieving a positive result on Thursday? 

“It’s most important how we enter the game. We must all play together on the same level. Hungary showed their quality already and that they’re dangerous. It’s a big game, and we must win to get through these qualifications and qualify for Euro peacefully.” 

How much psychological pressure is Luka feeling as captain, being back at Poljud, and playing in front of Dalmatia again?

“There is no pressure; we are only thinking positively. It’s been a long time since we have been here, and the atmosphere will be excellent.” 

It was Dalic’s turn to take the mic.

“We respect Hungary. It doesn’t matter that they’re missing a few players. We need to give everything we have tomorrow. We can't enter the game nervously. We must play with our heads and our hearts."

Kickoff is on Thursday at 8:45 pm. 

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

October 8, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud on Thursday at 8:45 pm in a crucial qualifier for the European Championship next summer. Ivan Rakitic spoke to the media on Tuesday from the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Split. 

Headlines in Croatian media this week will focus heavily on a critical meeting of our 2018 World Cup finalists - Croatia will meet Hungary on Thursday in Split. And while Croatia's fate in the 2020 Euro competition lay heavily on the result itself, the match also carries more significance - it is the first time the Croatia national team has played in Split since 2015. 

Ivan Rakitic re-joined the team after he was absent from the lineup for Croatia's qualifiers in September, naming his alarming situation at Barcelona at the time as the reason. On Tuesday, he faced the Croatian media at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Split, the home of the Croatia national team for the week. 

"I am very happy to play in Split. My best friends are here. I am happy to be with the team and staff again. The stadium sold out in a day; we await a full stadium of our fans."

Why did Rakitic opt out of the national team in September?

For me, the national team is always first, but the situation in my club wasn't right. I needed to come to the national team with a clear head to give my all, and at that time, I wasn't at my best. I thank everyone for understanding. Luka gave me his support. It was a tough decision for me." 

How was it to watch Croatia play so well against Slovakia?

"I was so happy to see how well we played. We were fantastic. The coach said it was the best game under his leadership. I think we can be even better.” 

Rakitic touched on the two big games ahead against Hungary and Wales. 

"We know the games ahead will be difficult. We lost to Hungary away. But I can't wait for the atmosphere, the fans, the full stadium. If we get 6 points, that is the best-case scenario. But we have to go step by step. First is Hungary."

What does Rakitic think about bringing the national team back to Split? 

"We will give our all. We know that Dalmatia wants the national team here. And we as a national team want to play everywhere.

We know that the people wanted the national team in Split. We could see that with how quickly the stadium sold out. Something extraordinary awaits us on Thursday. We are the World Cup finalists. We are going together for the win." 

What does Rakitic have to say about the media speculation that he didn't want to play for the national team?

"Everyone has their opinion and their right, but no one has a bigger love of playing for Croatia than me. Switzerland gave me everything, but my heart beats for Croatia. I’ve been with the team 12, 13 years. I felt that way yesterday, today, and will feel that way forever. Croatia is number one.”

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

October 8, 2019 - Unprecedented security measures are in place for the European qualifier between Croatia and Hungary at Poljud on Thursday. 

Slobodna Dalmacija announced that seats in the VIP lodge are reserved for President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and all ministers - and it looks like Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, will also be coming to Split. But that's not the only reason security is on high alert. 

HNS took over Poljud Stadium on Monday, and until Friday, Poljud is exclusively in the service of the national team, which requires a special regime and security.

Hajduk moved to Brac for the week. This includes not only the first team, but also the offices and services, the entire working community, while the younger teams have been moved to other locations around Dalmatia. 

Hajduk has refused to participate in the organization of the national team match, and according to Croatian media, neither the Hajduk president Marin Brbić nor the vice-president Luksa Jakobusic will attend on Thursday.

Except for one case where the police found 45 tickets purchased by a single person, other such incidents have not been recorded. The Split-Dalmatia County Police Department exclaimed: ”If you do not have a ticket in your name, don't even come to the stadium."

Two to three rings of security have been announced at the stadium, and it is well known that the information on the ticket and ID must match. HNS allowed ticketholders to change the name on their ticket up to 48 hours before the match, but only within their family. Those who are not allowed to enter the stadium have the right to go to the box office and transfer the ticket to their spouse, brother, sister, child, parents, etc. 

Just how meticulous the security will be, remains to be seen.

It has been announced that Victor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, will attend the match with his private arrangement. The police are still awaiting official confirmation as Orban must receive proper treatment - and as much as the PM loves football, the protocol must be respected, and he cannot enter the stadium as a mere spectator. 

The seats in the VIP lodge are reserved for President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Prime Minister Andrei Plenkovic, and all ministers.

Some claim that Split will witness the strongest security of a public event ever in the city. MUP will bring 500 police officers, and as of Wednesday, they will also monitor the city as two thousand Hungarian fans are expected. Police will also patrol all locations around the stadium. The caution has thus been raised to the highest level for this match, which is paid for by HNS. The final bill could reach up to three million kuna.

Police are already overseeing the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Podstrana, where the national team is staying, and will also be monitoring the guests. Nothing will be left to chance.

The field will be monitored from the air, by drones and helicopters, from the sea by warships and from the checkpoints around it. There will also be 500 security guards in the stands and near the pitch. Sokol Maric will lead the security, but other companies have been hired as well. The stands and pitch are monitored with 'sleep’ cameras, which are put into action only when there is activity. 

Split-Dalmatia County police say that everything is going well and that this security is necessary, considering 33,000 spectators and thousands of Hungarian fans are expected. Recall, at the end of May, there were 200 police officers when Croatia visited NK Omis - 150 of them monitoring the city, the hills, and the sea, and only 50 in the stadium.

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

October 7, 2019 - Coach Zlatko Dalic announced the match between Croatia and Hungary at a press conference in Split on Monday. 

On Thursday at 8:45 pm, Croatia will welcome Hungary in their next Euro 2020 qualifying match at Poljud Stadium in Split.

The national team will prepare for the match in Omis, where they played a friendly against NK Omis earlier this year. Coach Zlatko Dalic will hold several press conferences this week at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel, the first of which was held on Monday.

“Not all players have arrived yet; some are late because they had games last night. I expect all the players to be available, and no one has problems so far. The most important thing is that we depend on ourselves; we need 5-6 points to be sure. The first step is Hungary, but no less important is the game against Wales. We had a defeat there, and I expect we will fix it. I think 15 points will be enough to move on, but let's go one step at a time. These three points would be critical to us, and most importantly, we depend on ourselves.” 

Everyone is interested in Dalic's biggest dilemma, whether he will play Rakitic, who just returned to the national team, or the young Vlasic, who is in great form?

“We'll see these next two days, I have a vision in my head, two games in three days await us, and we must divide our forces and use things differently. We will certainly use 15-16 players in these two games; we will see during these next two days and training.”

Will Rebic play?

“He's not been playing lately in Milan, and that's a problem, but when he comes, we'll see. When he's with the national team, he does his best.”

Does Dalic admit he made a mistake in the last game when he didn't change the lineup?

“I said and will repeat - it was my fault. The game against Slovakia took me back, it was probably the best match since I was a coach, but I didn't react in time.”

A big spectacle awaits us in Split on Thursday.

"I look forward to the match and what awaits us. If Poljud had a capacity of 100,000, it would be full. I expect a great match and a win. Tickets were sold in one day and that shows how much Dalmatia and Croatia love the national team. The things that are being emphasized, the problems between HNS and Hajduk, should be solved through meetings and the system, not through the national team. What do Vlasic, Modric, and Rebic have to do with it, what do we have to do with it? It is not good that Croatia does not often play in Split. Now that we are playing there, the question is, why are we playing in Split? So we're never clear, but I'm glad most are on our side. The Croatia national team is playing in Split. "

Are the players in good form?

“I said these were tricky situations, we get together on Monday and play on Thursday, but it's not an excuse. Some players are not at the top of their club, but when we get to the national team, we have to create a group that believes in itself. I think the national team is something special. When you come, you forget about your club, and you do your best.”

Source: Gol.hr

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

October 7, 2019 - The 11th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 4 to 6, 2019. Hajduk remains in first after the 11th round, with Dinamo just one point behind in second and Osijek and Rijeka 4 points behind in third and fourth place. 

Istria 1961 v. Inter Zapresic (2:2)

Istria and Inter opened the 11th round on Friday, October 4, 2019, in Pula in front of 1,555 spectators. 

Inter’s Grgic was the first to score for 0:1 at the half, though most of the excitement was saved for the second half. 

Ivancic scored two goals for Istria, in the 47th and 56th minutes for 2:1, though Frelih equalized for Inter in the 4th minute of added time for 2:2. 

Istria is currently in 7th place with 10 points, while Inter is in 9th with 7. 

Hajduk v. Varazdin (2:0)

Hajduk and Varazdin met on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Poljud stadium in Split in front of 7,945 spectators. 

Hajduk’s Jairo scored in the 21st minute for 1:0 at the half, though Nejasmic increased their lead to 2:0 in the 65th minute, which was the final score of the game. Varazdin’s Senic received his second yellow in the 90th minute, forcing Varazdin to play with a man down for the final minutes of the game. 

Hajduk is currently in first place with 23 points, while Varazdin is in the last place with 7. 

Dinamo v. Slaven Belupo (1:0)

Dinamo and Belupo met on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Maksimir stadium in front of 1,511 sectors. 

The only goal of the match came in the 5th minute when Petkovic scored a penalty for 1:0. Neither team was able to score for the remainder of the match. 

Dinamo is currently in second place with 22 points, while Belupo is in 8th with 10. 

Osijek v. Gorica (2:1)

Osijek and Gorica met on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,212 sectors. 

While the first half went without goals, Lovric put Gorica in the lead with a goal in the 54th minute. Osijek’s Maric scored a penalty in the 66th minute for 1:1, and Mance increased Osijek’s lead to 2:1 in the 75th minute. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 19 points, while Gorica is in 5th place with 15. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (1:1)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva closed out the 11th round at Rujevica Stadium on October 6, 2019, in front of 4,835 spectators. 

Andrijasevic put Rijeka in the lead with a goal just before the ref blew the whistle for the half, though Uzuni equalized for Lokomotiva minutes later in the 49th minute for 1:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 19 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th place with 15. 

You can see the HNL table here. 

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

October 1, 2019 - Croatia captain and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric announced on Monday that he would be releasing a book, and namely an autobiography titled My Game.

“It is my great pleasure to announce the upcoming publication of my book. I’m happy to share my life story with all of you and I hope you’ll like My Game,” the 34-year-old footballer announced via Twitter and Instagram. 

It is my great pleasure to announce the upcoming publication of my book. I’m happy to share my life story with all of you and I hope you’ll like My Game. pic.twitter.com/8U5arJbcjj

— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) September 30, 2019

Recall, Luka Modric won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, where he also became a finalist with Croatia. Luka went on to win the Ballon d’Or and was named the men’s best player by FIFA and UEFA for the 2017/18 season. He also won the Golden Ball at the FIFA World Club Cup with Real Madrid, and helped the club win their third consecutive Champions League title - and that’s just part of it. 

Modric trained with his teammates in Madrid on Monday and is included in the 19-player lineup for the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Club Brugge, which will be played on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.

On Saturday, Modric played the last 25 minutes against Atlético Madrid, which was his first appearance after 19 days and a muscle injury. 

After the match, HRT reported that Modric told the Spanish radio station Onda Cero that he had recovered from his injury and that he would join the Croatia national team for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Hungary on October 10 and against Wales three days later in Cardiff. 

Modric could also have a place in the starting line-up against Club Brugge on Tuesday. 

Last week, for the fifth consecutive year, the Croatian representative was ranked among the top 11 football players in the world by the FIFA FIFPro. 

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

September 30, 2019 - HNS announces the security measures for fans ahead of Croatia's Euro 2020 qualifier at Poljud.

Before and during the 2020 European qualifier between the national teams of Croatia and Hungary, which will be played on 10 October at 8:45 pm at Poljud stadium in Split, a special security procedure and traffic regulations will be in place at the entrances to the stadium.

Stadium Opening 

Poljud stadium will be open to fans from 6:45 pm. Due to the extensive security measures that will be taken to prevent bringing in prohibited articles into the stadium area, fans are invited to come to the stadium as early as possible. 

Tickets

On the day of the match, there will be no sale or exchanging of tickets for the match between Croatia and Hungary. HNS reminds that the tickets are personalized and as a prerequisite for entering the stadium, a valid identity document (ID or passport) must be presented with the ticket.

Pursuant to the Conditions of Ticket Purchases, persons who do not match the personal data on the ticket during surveillance will be prohibited from entering the stadium and their ticket will be void without the right to a refund. As they are in violation of the law, please note that they can be detained and handed over to the police for competent misdemeanor proceedings.

Each person must have a ticket and use the seat marked on the ticket when entering the stadium until the end of the match. All persons without a valid ticket, as well as persons found in the sector/part of the stadium for which they do not have a valid ticket, will be removed and handed over to the police for competent misdemeanor proceedings.

Traffic info on match day

On match day, in the narrow area of Poljud Stadium at Ulica Mediteranskih igara 8, a temporary traffic regulation will be put in place, which will prohibit the movement of motor vehicles, except licensed vehicles, tenants and users of business premises.

Fans are invited to come to the immediate area of the stadium on foot or by public transport. Parking will be prohibited in the narrow area of Poljud stadium due to the limited number of parking spaces except for accredited vehicles.

Fair and correct behavior of fans

“We ask supporters to comply with the provisions of the Law on the Prevention of Disorder in Sports Competitions and the Law on Public Order and Peace, in particular regarding inappropriate chanting, alcohol consumption and the use of pyrotechnics.

Umbrellas, larger bags or backpacks, bottles, lighters, coins and other items suitable for injury or that can cause a fire will no be allowed into the stadium. Fags or banners larger than 2.00 m x 1.00 m or with inappropriate content will also be disallowed. Flags or banners will not be allowed on the fences or other areas of Poljud stadium to obscure the view from or to the stands.

We invite all fans, visitors, and citizens to be fair, correct, and show good sportsmanship without racist and discriminatory chanting before, during, and after the match.

At the same time, we take the opportunity to inform you that, following the Police Affairs and Powers Act, police will operate video and photo recordings of the narrower area and the stadium itself.

The use of pyrotechnics is not allowed and those who use them will be prosecuted per the Law on the Prevention of Disorder in Sporting Competitions, all aiming to ensure this event is a suitable sporting event,” concludes HNS. 

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

September 27, 2019 - The 9th round of the Croatian First League was held from September 27 to 29, 2019. This round saw big wins for Dinamo, Osijek, and Rijeka. Dinamo is now only one point behind Hajduk, who sits at the top of the table.

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo (0:4)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo opened the 9th round at Kranjčevićeva Street Stadium in Zagreb on Friday, September 27, 2019, in front of 2,983 fans. 

Kadzior opened the scoring spree for Dinamo with a goal in the 10th minute for 0:1, which was the score at the half. 

Olmo and Orsic scored in the 58th and 59th minute for 0:3, while Gavranovic secured Dinamo’s victory with a goal in the 74th for 0:4. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 14 points, while Dinamo is in 2nd with 19. 

Varazdin v. Rijeka (0:2)

Varazdin and Rijeka met on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at NK Varteks stadium in front of 1,946 fans. 

Rijeka scored both goals in the first half - Pereira in the 12th minute and Halilovic in the 36th minute. Varazdin’s Djurasek was shown his second yellow in the 69th minute, forcing Varazdin to play with ten men for the rest of the match. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 7 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 18. 

Slaven Belupo v. Osijek (0:4)

Belupo and Osijek met on Saturday, September 28, 2019, in Koprivnica in front of 703 fans. 

Mance (’25), Maric (’35), and Lepa (’41) scored for Osijek in the first half for 0:3. Skoric secured Osijek’s shutout with a goal in the 71st for 0:4. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 10 points, while Osijek is in 4th with 16. 

Inter Zapresic v. Gorica (0:2)

Inter and Gorica met on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at ŠRC Zaprešić Stadium in front of 553 fans. 

Cabraja scored in the 31st minute for 0:1 at the half.  Zwolinski increased Gorica’s lead in the 57th minute for 0:2, which was the final score of the game. Gorica also played a man down from the 53rd minute after Marina was shown his second yellow. 

Inter is currently in the last place with 6 points, while Gorica is in 5th place with 15. 

Istria v. Hajduk (1:1)

Istria and Hajduk closed out the 9th round on Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Pula in front of 4,569 fans.

Hajduk’s Caktas scored in the 35th minute for 0:1 at the half. Loncar equalized for Istria in the 80th minute for 1:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Istria is currently in 8th place with 9 points, while Hajduk remains in first place with 20. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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