October 3, 2022 - The 11th round of the SuperSport HNL was played from September 30 to October 2, 2022. This round saw Dinamo take another 3 points, while Hajduk secured a crucial win against Rijeka to remain in 2nd place. Osijek, however, is just two points behind Hajduk in 3rd. Here is our SuperSport HNL round 11 recap. 

Varazdin v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Varazdin and Istra opened the 11th round on Friday, September 30, 2022, in Varazdin in front of 1,593 fans. 

Teklic put Varazdin ahead in the 37th minute for 1:0 before Caseres equalized for the final 1:1 in the 69th minute. 

Varazdin is in 5th place with 16 points, while Istra is in 6th with 13. 

(No video available)

Osijek v. Lokomotiva (4:1)

Osijek and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at City Garden Stadium in Osijek. 

The Slavonian club nearly confirmed the winner in the first half with goals by Barisic and Beljo in the 2nd and 3rd minutes for 2:0. Caktas increased their lead to 3:0 in the 45th minute. And Osijek wasn't done scoring yet, as Kleinheisler made it 4:0 with 10 minutes to go. Finally, Vasilj got one goal for Lokomotiva in the 86th minute for the final 4:1. 

Osijek has now moved into 3rd place with 18 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th place with 9 points. 

Dinamo v. Slaven Belupo (4:1)

Dinamo and Belupo met at Maksimir on Saturday, October 1, 2022. 

Dinamo took the lead in the 9th minute thanks to an own goal by Markovic for 1:0. Hoxha equalized for 1:1 in the 60th minute, but that only woke Diamo up. Petkovic scored a penalty for 2:1 in the 72nd minute, Bockaj made it 3:1 in the 81st, and Ivansuec secured the 4:1 victory in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. 

Dinamo is currently having the best start to the season in the club's history, sitting in first place with 31 points. Belupo is in 4th place with 17. 

Rijeka v. Hajduk (0:1)

Rijeka and Hajduk met on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Rujevica Stadium. 

The first half went without a goal, and Rijeka looked much more aggressive than they did just a few weeks ago against Hajduk at Poljud. Awaziem scored for Hajduk at the beginning of the second half, making it 0:1 in the 51st minute, which was the final score. 

Rijeka remains in the last place with 6 points, while Hajduk sits in 2nd with 20 points and a game in hand. 

Sibenik v. Gorica (1:1)

Sibenik and Gorica closed out the 11th round in Sibenik on Sunday, October 2, 2022. 

Fruk scored for 0:1 Gorica in the 38th minute. Prsir received his second yellow in the 55th minute, forcing Gorica to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. But it didn't take long for Sibenik to suffer the same fate, and Arai was booked for his second yellow in the 73rd. Delic scored a penalty to equalize at 1:1 in the 82nd minute. Gorica ended the match with nine men on the pitch as Julardzija was sent off or his second yellow in the 1st minute of stoppage time. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 11 points, while Gorica is in 9th with 6 and a game in hand. 

(No video available)

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

September 27, 2022 - The young Croatia national team is going to the Euros! Croatia beat Denmark on penalties on Tuesday, securing their spot at the 2023 U21 Euros. 

The U21 Croatia national team faced Denmark on Tuesday for a spot at the 2023 European Championship. Four days ago, Igor Bišćan's side won 2:1 against Denmark in Pula, and today in Vejle, they played the return match of the additional qualifications.

The young Croatia team was after their third consecutive European tournament. In 2019, Croatia did not make it out of their group, and Spain was better in the quarter-final last year. 

The match on Tuesday ended with Denmark winning 2:1, and as Croatia celebrated an identical result in the first match last week, the game went into extra time. As the match remained 2:1 at the end of extra time, the winner was decided by a penalty shootout. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski was the hero, saving shots from Thomas Kristensen in the fourth round and Mathias Ross in the sixth round. 

Denmark took a 2:0 lead with goals from Matthew O'Riley (10) and Morten Frendrup (19), but Croatia brought the match to extra time with a goal from Igor Matanović in the 84th minute.

Croatia has thus qualified for its fifth European Under-21 Championship and the third in a row. In their four attempts so far, Croatia had gotten out of the group stage only once, in 2021, when they were eliminated in the quarter-final. 

The Euros are scheduled from June 21 to July 8, 2023, and will be played in eight stadiums in five cities. Matches will be played in the Romanian cities of Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca and the Georgian cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Romania will host the opening match, and the final will be played in Georgia.

The group draw is scheduled for October 18 in Bucharest, and the national teams will be divided into four groups of four teams each.

The three best national teams from the Euros will qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. As the host of the Olympics, France has already secured their place. 

Lineups

Denmark: Hermansen - Carstensen, Kristensen, Ross, Kristiansen - O'Riley, Frendrup, Kjaergaard - Isaksen, Tengstedt, Daramy

Croatia: Kotarski - Hodža, Vušković, Soldo, Čolina - Pršir, Franjić, Sučić - Vidović, Beljo, Šego

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

September 25, 2022 - Croatia beats Austria 3:1 in Vienna for a spot in the UEFA Nations League finals! Croatia thus finished at the top of Group 1 and is among the final four teams in the Nations League A. 

Croatia and Austria met on Sunday night at the Ernst Happel stadium for the last match in the UEFA Nations League group stage. 

The Austrian Football Association announced that more than 40,000 tickets had been sold, but the bigger news was that around 20,000 fans would be cheering for Croatia, even though Austria predicted 2,700 tickets for the visiting team. 

After beating Denmark in Zagreb on Thursday, the road to the Nations League Finals was clear. Croatia would secure first place in Group 1 and the final tournament with the victory against Austria. With a loss or a draw, Croatia would also advance, however, only if Denmark did not beat France in Copenhagen at the same time.

Recall, Croatia defeated Denmark twice and France once, after opening the competition with an unpleasant defeat in Osijek against Austria. It was Austria's only victory in the group, while they took a point against France and lost their other three matches. 

Lineups

Austria: Lindner, Trimmel, Posch, Danso, Alaba, Baumgartner, Seiwald, X.Schlager, Sabitzer, Arnautović, Gregoritsch

Croatia: Livaković, Stanišić, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barišić, Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić, Vlašić, Budimir, Perišić 

Match Report

Croatia's first attack came in the 3rd minute, which resulted in a corner kick. Modric found Brozovic, who missed the ball and gave Austria a quick counterattack. 

Croatia regained possession, and Perisic moved quickly up the left wing before cutting into the box but failed to get a shot off.  

Croatia's brilliant start of the game was rewarded with a goal in the 6th minute. Vlasic masterfully won the ball in the midfield to find captain Luka Modric to score for 0:1 Croatia! 

But a wake-up call for Croatia came two minutes later. A hospital ball from Stanisic to an Austria player found Baumgartner for 1:1. 

More bad news came for Croatia in the 16th minute. Brozovic overextended his left leg and immediately dropped to the ground. The player called to be subbed off for what looked like a hamstring injury. Lovro Majer was subbed on in the 18th minute. 

Arnautovic weakly shot at Livakovic from 20 meters out in the 22nd minute. 

Austria's best chance came a minute later. Baumgartner shot between Croatia's stoppers and missed just wide of the goal. A lucky miss for Croatia. 

Austria possessed well and had another close chance in the 35th minute. A misunderstanding between Livaković and Gvardiol saw them awkwardly collide. The ball came to Baumgartner, who turned to shoot but luckily went over the goal.

Austria looked better as the half progressed, and Livakovic brilliantly saved Croatia from a goal after Arnautovic was one-on-one with the Croatia keeper. 

Vlasic brought some life back for Croatia with a shot in the 45th minute. Four minutes of stoppage time were added to the half.  The match went into halftime at 1:1.

The second half started without any changes for either team. Perisic was shown a yellow card in the 47th minute. 

Budimir fell in the penalty area in the 53rd minute, but there wasn't enough contact to be called for a penalty. 

Croatia attacked well in the 55th minute. Modric played through to Vlasic, who crossed in the box to Budimir, but the Austria defense prevented a shot. 

Austria was awarded a free kick in the 58th minute but shot into Croatia's wall. The ref called for another free kick for Austria, this time in closer range to the goal. Lovren was shown a yellow card for intentionally playing with his hand. A double block by the Croatia defense stopped the play. 

Dalic subbed on Marko Livaja for Ante Budimmir and Borna Sosa for Borna Barisic in the 62nd minute. Wober, Lainer, and Cham entered for Arnautović, Posch, and Trimmel. 

A great attack for Croatia saw Kovacic get a shot off which was deflected for a corner. 

Another incredible save by Livakovic from a Gregoritsch header. 

Perisic was one-on-one with the Austria defense in the 66th minute and forced a corner. 

But then it finally happened. Croatia's midfield found Perisic on the left, who crossed far post to Livaja. Livaja moved behind the Austria defender and headed near post into the goal for 1:2 Croatia in the 69th minute! 

And then another Croatia corner in the 71st minute. Modric played short to Majer, who found Lovren alone far post. A diving header into the opposite side of the goal, and it was 1:3 for Croatia! 

Croatia played smart in the last 10 minutes, keeping possession of the ball without any unnecessary risks.

Kramarić and Pašalić were subbed on for Kovačić and Vlašić in the 84th minute. 

Three minutes of stoppage time were added to the end of the match and the match ended 1:3 for Croatia! 

With this result, Croatia finishes at the top of Group 1 and advances to the UEFA Nations League Finals! The final tournament will be held from 14 to 18 June 2023 and will feature the four group winners of Nations League A. 

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

September 22, 2022 - Croatia beats Denmark 2:1 in Zagreb and moves to the top of their Nations League group! 

Croatia and Denmark met at a sold-out Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on Thursday night in the 5th round of the Nations League.  

Before tonight's match, Demark led the group with nine points, while Croatia was two points behind with 7. A win would bring them to the top of the group. 

Croatia also played for the first time in their new kits, which they will wear at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

The winner of the group travels to the Nations League final tournament, which is scheduled for June next year, while the bottom team moves to League B.

Before the national anthems, recently retired national team member Šime Vrsaljko was honored by the Croatian Football Federation. 22,715 fans were in attendance. 

Lineups

Croatia (4-3-3): Livaković - Juranović, Josip Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa - Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić - Pašalić, Kramarić, Perišić

Denmark (4-3-3): Schmeichel - Andersen, A. Christensen, Kjaer, Maehle - Wass, Höjbjerg, Delaney - Skov Olsen, Eriksen, Braithwaite

Match Report

Luka had the first attack of the match in the 2nd minute and played up the pitch with Kramaric. Luka took the ball to the goal line and got Croatia's first corner. Luka sent the ball in, but Sosa played back into the box to find Gvardiol's head. Brozovic shot over the goal in the 5th minute. 

Perisic and Kramaric played up the left wing in Croatia's next attack, but Perisic played to the keeper. In the 7th minute, Mario Pasalic sent the ball in front of the opponent's goal, but it was cleared by the defense. 

Denmark finally began possessing from the 10th minute. Sosa cleared a dangerous shot by Eriksen and Croatian regained possession. Luka was brilliant again in the 15th minute, dribbling into the Denmark box and crossing into the penalty area. No Croatia player could get to the ball quick enough. Denmark then forced a quick counter which resulted in their first corner. 

Croatia's best chance came in the 16th minute when Perisic crossed into the box from the goal line. The ball was then played out to Kovacic, who shanked over the goal. 

Perisic's shot in the 21st minute also went over the goal. Daniel Wass had a great chance for Denmark in the next play but just missed the goal.

Another great attack for Croatia in the 25th minute went out for a corner. The ball ultimately found Gvardiol's head but went out of play. 

Livakovic saved a dangerous chance from Denmark in the 34th minute. Joakim Maehle fought for space but show low in the middle of the goal and straight into Livakovic's hands.

Ivan Perišić received a yellow card in the 36th minute. 

Eriksen shot from outside the box in the 38th minute, forcing Livakovic to punch the ball out for a corner. 

Croatia kept possession with short passes and waited for a hole in the defense. The match ended 0:0 at halftime. 

The second half started without any changes. 

Croatia's first corner of the second half came in the 47th minute. The ball came out to Borna Sosa at the top of the box, who shot low in the bottom left corner of the goal for 1:0 Croatia!

Kramaric shot from a distance in the next attack but went over the goal.  

Modric was fouled on the edge of the box in the 56th minute. Perisic shot low near post but hit the outside net. 

Denmark made their first subs in the 60th minute. Mikkel Damsgaard came on for Martin Braithwaite, Rasmus Hojlund for Thomas Delaney, and  Rasmus Kristensen for Daniel Wass.

Luka and Perisic had a great play in the 65th minute, and Luka's shot was blocked by the Denmark keeper. Kramaric tried to score on his own in the next attack but played to the Denmark defense. 

Kovacic missed a great opportunity in the 69th minute.

Dalic subbed off Pasalic, Perisic, and Kramaric for Vlasic, Orsic, and Petkovic in the71st minute. Mathias Jensen was subbed for Simon Kjaer.

A lapse in the Croatia defense gave Eriksen space to shoot in the 77th minute. The Denmark star nailed the upper corner of the goal to tie the game. 

Mateo Kovačić was replaced by Lovro Majer in the 79th minute, which resulted in a goal seconds after he entered the pitch. Majer shot with his left foot into the right corner of the goal for 2:1 Croatia! 

Croatia's defense cleared a dangerous Denmark chance in the 84th minute. The play continued and Livakovic kept the game a 2:1. 

Denmark was hungry to equalize, but Croatia remained solid. Vlasic had a chance in the 90th minute, and the ref added 4 mins of stoppage time. Denmark had a scary chance in the final minutes.  

Luka Modric was subbed off in the 2nd minute of stoppage time for Domagoj Vida. 

The match ended 2:1 for Croatia! Croatia plays Austria next on Sunday in Vienna. 

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

September 19, 2022 - The 10th round of the SuperSport HNL was played from September 16 to 18, 2022. This round saw Dinamo take another 3 points, while Hajduk sits behind in 2nd with 11 points less and a game in hand. Here is our SuperSport HNL round 10 recap. 

Slaven Belupo v. Varazdin (1:0)

Belupo and Varazdin opened the 10th round on Friday, September 16, 2022, in Koprivnica in front of 913 fans. 

Crnac scored the only goal of the match in the 37th minute for 1:0. The match otherwise saw 4 yellow cards to the Varazdin team. 

Belupo is currently in 3rd place with 17 points, while Varazdin is in 5th with 15. 

Gorica v. Osijek (0:1)

Gorica and Osijek met on Saturday, September 17, 2022, in Velika Gorica in front of 492 fans. 

Grzan scored for the Osijek lead and win in the 19th minute for 0:1. The second half saw Raspopovic receive a straight red card in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. 

Gorica is currently in 10th place with 5 points and a match in hand, while Osijek is in 4th with 15 points. 

Hajduk v. Istra 1961 (2:2)

Hajduk and Istra met on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Poljud Stadium. 

After a scoreless first half, Livaja put Hajduk ahead for 1:0 in the 47th minute. Just five minutes later, Erceg equalized for 1:1. Boultam put Istra ahead in the 64th minute, before Livaja scored his second goal of the match for 2:2 in the 88th minute. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 17 points and a game in hand, while Istra is in 6th with 12 points. 

*Hajduk and Rijeka also played their 2nd round makeup match on Wednesday last week, which Hajduk won 2:0. 

Rijeka v. Sibenik (0:0)

Rijeka and SIbenik met at Rujevica on Sunday, September 18, 2022. 

Rijeka's goal in the 43rd minute was disallowed after consulting VAR, keeping the game 0:0 at the half. Neither team was able to score in the second half. 

Rijeka is currently in 9th place with 6 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 10 points, 

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo (1:2)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo closed out the 10th round on Sunday, September 19, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Ademi scored early for Dinamo to make it 0:1 in the 6th minute. Kulenovic equalized 7 minutes later for 1:1 in the 13th minute. Petkovic opened the second half with a goal for 1:2 in the 47th minute,e which was the final score. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 8th place with 9 points, while Dinamo is in first with 28. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

September 15, 2022 - The 2022 Croatia national team kits have been presented ahead of Croatia's upcoming Nations League matches later this month. 

The Croatian Football Federation and technical partner Nike presented the new Croatia national team kits with the legendary checkers, which the 2018 World Cup finalists will wear for the first time in the upcoming Nations League matches in September, announced HNS. 

The redesigned red and white home jersey and the away jersey inspired by nature will be worn by captain Luka Modrić and his teammates at the World Cup in Qatar, where the team will try to repeat the magic from 2018.

The first kit is inspired by the 'vatreno srco' theme (burning heart), perfectly fitting the passionate, hardworking, and fiery character of the Croatian people and the national team. It is a redesigned and modernized version of the checkers that has become a globally recognized symbol of Croatian pride. Unevenly arranged, the well-known design is revamped, with the HNS coat of arms proudly shining in the center of the jersey, next to the blue Nike logo.

The away jersey further refines the iconic checkers through Croatia's natural beauty and national pride; in this case, they are blurred and wavy lines combining dark blue and turquoise colors designed to resemble the tides of the Adriatic Sea, whose waves wash over the Croatian coast. The stylistic patterns of surnames and numbers on the jerseys are also in the spirit of Croatian history and tradition, given that they are inspired by the historical Croatian Glagolitic script.

"I am extremely proud that I had the privilege of wearing the beautiful Croatian jersey the most times, and I am looking forward to the new kit that follows the recognizable tradition. Those magical red and white checkers make the Croatian jersey the most recognizable in the world, and the new design reminds me a little of 1998 and the legendary team who inspired my generation. I really like the attractive design and colors on the away jersey, and I'm sure it will be very popular among our fans," said Croatia captain Luka Modrić.

Nike's innovative Dri-FIT ADV technology was used to make the new jerseys. They are made of one hundred percent recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles, and their breathable material prevents excessive sweating and body heating.

Registered Nike customers can now buy the new collection on Nike.com, and it is also available for pre-order through the HNS webshop. In addition, the new Vatreni kit will be available in other authorized Nike stores from September 21.

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

September 12, 2022 - The 9th round of the SuperSport HNL was played from September 9 to 11, 2022. The biggest match of the 9th round was played between Rijeka and Osijek, resulting in a 0:3 loss for Rijeka at home. Here is our SuperSport HNL round 9 recap. 

Sibenik v. Hajduk (1:1)

Sibenik and Hajduk opened the 9th round on Friday, September 9, 2022, in Sibenik. 

Mlakar was the first to score for Hajduk in the 20th minute though it was called offside after consulting VAR. Mlakar got his chance again in the 49th minute off a Livaja assist for 0:1 Hajduk. It looked like Hajduk was going to win it until Dolcek had other plans, scoring in the 7th minute of stoppage time for 1:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 9 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 13 points and two games in hand. 

Rijeka v. Osijek (0:3)

Rijeka and Osijek met on Saturday, September 10, at Rujevica Stadium. 

Osijek scored first in the 25th minute, but it was disallowed for a handball after VAR. Mierez scored for 0:1 Osijek just 10 minutes later, and Caktas made it 0:2 another 10 minutes after that. Caktas completed the result in the 63rd minute for the final 0:3. 

Rijeka is in 10th place with 5 points and a game in hand, while Osijek is in 5th with 12 points. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (0:1)

Gorica and Dinamo met on Saturday, September 10, 2022, in Velika Gorica. 

After a scoreless first half and most of the second, it looked as if the two teams would draw. Dinamo, however, found a way to score, with Orsic finding the back of the net in the 2nd minute of stoppage time for 0:1. 

Gorica is currently in 9th place with 8 points and a match in hand, while Dinamo is in first with 25 points. 

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (0:3)

Belupo and Istra met on Sunday, September 11, in Koprivnica. 

Belupo suffered their second consecutive defeat after an impressive run in the first 7 rounds. Petkovic scored for 0:1 Istra in the 10th minute and Erceg for 0:2 in the 29th. Boultam made it 0:3 in the 67th minute, which was the final score.  

Belupo is currently in 3rd place with 14 points, while Istra is in 6th with 11. 

Lokomotiva v. Varazdin (1:2)

Lokomotiva and Varazdin closed out the 9th round on Sunday, September 11, in Zagreb. 

Teklic missed a penalty or Varazdin in the 29th minute keeping the match at 0:0 at the half. Teklic did score for 0:1 in the 51st minute before Maric made it 1:1 in the first minute of stoppage time. Teklic scored in the 5th minute of stoppage time to give Varazdin the win. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 8th place with 9 points, while Varazdin is in 2nd with 15 points. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

September 5, 2022 - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić has announced the list of players for the September Denmark and Austria Nations League matches.

After four rounds, Croatia holds second place in the group with seven points, and with two wins, they would secure first place and thus a place in the Nations League final tournament. Croatia can reach the "Final Four" in other ways, and it needs a point to avoid the last place that leads to League B, reports HNS. 

Croatia will host Denmark at Maksimir on September 22 at 8:45 pm and play against Austria three days later at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna (8:45 pm). Tickets for both matches can be found HERE.

The 2018 World Cup finalists will gather on September 19 in Zagreb, and coach Dalić has invited 25 players with seven potential call-ups. 

"We still have two weeks until we reunite, and during that period, we will intensively monitor the reserve players and see who else we could call up. Also, in agreement with the U-21 national team coach, Igor Bišćan, we will consider whether any of the players invited here join the young national team for the crucial match against Denmark," said coach Dalić.

"As is usual at the start of the season, we have certain challenges - some have injury problems, some players have changed clubs, and some have changed status within the team. Clearly, this list largely reflects our thoughts ahead of the World Cup, but we have more than two months until then and, of course, the fight for certain positions is still open," said the coach.

"We did a great job with victories in Denmark and France; these were performances that boost confidence and confirm the high potential and quality of our national team. With these results, we put ourselves in a position to secure the final tournament, which would be an outstanding result in such a competition, but we know that it will not be easy. We saw at home against Austria what it means if we are not at one hundred percent from the first minute - the only way is maximum togetherness and compactness. We're going step by step, we value both opponents, but we believe in ourselves, and of course, we're going for two victories," coach Dalić is optimistic.

"First of all, given the calendar this year, we must see these matches as preparation for the World Cup. Therefore, we want to see a compact, competitive, and ready Croatia, and at the same time gain knowledge about what we still need to improve before Qatar," concluded Dalić.

Croatia squad

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Lovre Kalinić, Ivica Ivušić

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barišić, Josip Juranović, Joško Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanišić, Martin Erlić, Josip Šutalo

Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Lovro Majer, Luka Sučić

Strikers: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Bruno Petković, Mislav Oršić, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja

Reserves: Josip Brekalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Luka Ivanušec, Marin Pongračić, Kristijan Jakić, Antonio Mirko Čolak, Nediljko Labrović

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

September 5, 2022 - The 8th round of the SuperSport HNL was played from September 2 to 4, 2022. The biggest match of this round was the derby between Dinamo and Rijeka, where we witnessed Rijeka's struggle this season continue as they sit at the bottom of the table. Here is our SuperSport HNL round 8 recap. 

Dinamo v. Rijeka (3:1)

Dinamo and Rijeka opened the 8th round on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 5,894 fans. 

Lauritsen scored for 1:0 Dinamo in the 28th minute, just two minutes before Spikic scored for 2:0. It was 3:0 for Dinamo in the 60th minute when Orsic scored his second goal. While all hope was lost for Rijeka by now, Vlasenko found the back of the net in the 84th minute for the final 3:1. 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 22 points, while Rijeka is in last place with 5 points and one game in hand. 

Varazdin v. Gorica (2:1)

Varazdin and Gorica met on Saturday, September 3, 2022, in front of 2,263 fans in Velika Gorica. 

Teklic assisted Elezi for 1:0 Varazdin in the 10th minute, while the same player scored in the 43rd minute for 2:0 at the half. Juric came back with a Gorica goal for 2:1 in the 61st minute. Sego was shown a straight red card in the 74th minute, while Juric was shown his second yellow in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. 

Varazdin is currently in 4th place with 12 points, while Gorica is in 9th with 5 points and a game in hand.

Osijek v. Sibenik (1:1)

Osijek and Sibenik met on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,944 fans. 

Kleinheisler put Osijek ahead for 1:0 in the 38th minute. Burgui equalized in the 78th minute for the final 1:1. 

Osijek is currently in 6th place with 9 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 8. 

Istra 1961 v. Lokomotiva (1:2)

Istra and Lokomotiva met on Sunday, September 4, 2022, at Aldo Drosina Stadium in Pula. 

Pivaric put Lokomotiva ahead for 0:1 in the 24th minute. Istra's goal in the 36th minute was called offside after consulting VAR. Gorican scored for 0:2 in the 66th minute. Erceg got one goal back for Istra for the final 1:2 in the 81st minute. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 8 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 9. 

Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo (5:1)

Hajduk and Slaven Belupo closed the 8th round on Sunday, September 5, 2022, at Poljud Stadium. 

Hoxha put Belupo in the lead just two minutes before halftime for 0:1. Mlakar scored the equalizer for Hajduk in the 51st minute, before Hoxha was shown his second yellow in the 56th minute and thus forced Belupo to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Colina scored for 2:1 Hajduk in the 60th minute and Atanasov for 3:1 in the 77th. Nikola Kalinic scored Hajduk's final two goals - in the 81st and 3rd minute of stoppage time for the final 5:1. 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 12 points and two games in hand, while Belupo is in 2nd with 14 points. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

August 26, 2022 - The long-time Croatia national team player and 2018 FIFA World Cup silver medalist has decided to end his national team career. Šime Vrsaljko says goodbye to Croatia. 

Šime Vrsaljko's goodbye letter is transmitted in full below:

It's an indescribable feeling to wear that red and white jersey, go out in front of the Croatia fans, put your hand on your heart and sing the national anthem. Yes, you feel a huge burden at that moment because you know that for the next 90 minutes, an entire nation wishes the same as you - victory, triumph, celebration. But above all, you feel immeasurable pride that you - with your teammates - have the privilege of representing your country.

Because of this emotion, it is not easy to make the decision that it is over. Accept that it is time for younger players and that you can no longer give what you could before. That you will no longer put on the sacred jersey, that you will no longer celebrate important goals and victories with Croatia, or hug everyone before the big game and shout from the bottom of your lungs to the captain's "Above all":

"CROATIA!"

It is not easy to say goodbye because playing for Croatia is a dream come true.

However, I know it's time. And I know that it is fair to the national team, teammates, and coach.

That makes it easier for me.

It's also easier for me because I know I did my best. At every training session, at every game, at every competition. I don't regret anything and appreciate every moment spent with the Croatia national team. It is easy to think about Russia in 2018, but I experienced many other ups and downs, successes and failures, tears of joy, but also tears of great sadness. Every experience has enriched me as a player and as a person, and I wouldn't change a thing along the way.

It's easier for me because I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. It's easier for me because the Croatia national team is my second family, and those relationships will not end with the end of my national team career.

It's easier for me, of course, because of Russia. The place where we made our dreams come true through an unforgettable month in which we not only reached the World Cup final, but day after day, we cheered, made our nation smile, and united our nation. Those matches, those celebrations, and those receptions in Zagreb and Zadar are something I will never, ever forget. It's no secret that I sacrificed my knee for that success, and I would do it all again because that's what we all lived for. We in the dressing room, and you in the stands.

Dear fans - your support, emotion, and love for the national team have always been an additional incentive for me, an atom of strength in those crucial moments when everything breaks. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.

It was a pleasure to share the dressing room with great players and people for these 11 years. Thanks to all my teammates - I would go into every battle with you. As much as we left blood, sweat, and tears on the field, we socialized, had fun, and laughed as much off the field. I will cherish those memories forever.

Local patriots, I am proud to have shared the dressing room with my fellow Zadar family, Suba, Livi, and Luka. Do I need to say anything more about Luka? Playing with one of the world's best midfielders of all time is a special privilege for all of us, but Luka is, above all, a friend to me. Equally, it was an honor for me to learn from the great Darijo Srna and then succeed him on the national team.

Dejan is a story in itself. Happiness in life, let alone in business, is to find a person with whom you are on the same wavelength, with whom you share the good times as easily as you share the difficult moments. Who would have thought that I would enjoy sharing a bed with him for 11 years? Loki, you made this national team story even more special to me, and I look forward to continuing our friendship.

Thanks to Slaven, who gave me a chance and introduced me to the national team. Thank you, Zlatko Dalić, for the cooperation and unforgettable Russia. Thank you to all the coaches for the support, advice, and effort they put into making us the best possible team, on and off the field.

Thank you to all staff members - doctors led by Dr. Nemec, Dr. Bahtijarević, Dr. Janković, and Dr. Vlahović, excellent physiotherapists and diligent economists, Iva, Nikša, Tomi, Draga, and all the employees of the Federation who are with us and who complete our national team family. I also thank all the leaders of the Federation for their support, former president Šuker, as well as the tireless Mr. Srebrić. Thanks to the current president, Marijan Kustić, for his excellent communication and understanding.

Thank you to all the media that followed my national team journey. You have an important role in preserving the cult of the national team, and I hope that you will continue to contribute constructively and affirmatively to the successes of the Croatia national team.

Special thanks go to my parents and brother, who supported me at all times. I can only try to be an equal inspiration and support to my children. My heart is full because I know that my Dida Šime from another world is proud of me because I fulfilled everything he dreamed of.

I am happy that even today, I see the talent, quality, ambition, and passion in the national team that I saw at the beginning of my national team career. We have set a high bar in Russia, but there is no need to worry about it - always give your best, and the fans will appreciate it, and the results will reward you. I will always be with you!

It's not easy, but...

It's time.

Yours Always,

Šime Vrsaljko

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