October 26, 2020 - The 9th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 23 to 25, 2020. In this round, only two out of the five games were played, with wins for Dinamo and Slaven Belupo. 

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (1:2)

Varazdin and Belupo opened the 9th round in Varazdin on Friday, October 23, 2020.

Krstanovic scored in the 18th minute for Belupo to make the game 0:1 at the half. Bacelic-Grgic increased Belupo's lead in the 50th minute for 0:2. 

Petkovic was able to get one for Varazdin, making the final result of the match 1:2 

Varazdin is currently in 7th place with 7 points, while Belupo is in 5th with 10 points. 

Sibenik v. Dinamo (0:2)

Dinamo and Sibenik closed out the 9th round on Sunday, October 25, 2020. 

While the first half ended 0:0, Petkovic scored a penalty for Dinamo in the 54th minute for 0:1. Orsic increased Dinamo's lead in the 72nd minute for the final score of 0:2.

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 7 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 22 points. 

Recall, three 9th round Croatian First League matches meant to be played this weekend were postponed.

HNK Gorica announced on Friday that after testing the entire team and the professional staff of HNK Gorica, 13 players and three staff members are coronavirus-positive. Due to several infected players, the 9th round match against Rijeka was postponed. 

In addition to Gorica, Lokomotiva Zagreb announced they could not compete. After postponing the match against Osijek in the 8th round, the 9th round match against Hajduk, which was supposed to be played on October 24, at Kranjčevićeva, was also postponed. 

The same happened with the match between Istria and Osijek, as seven players of the Osijek Football Club tested positive. 

All matches will take place on the first possible date, which will be decided later.

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

October 25, 2020 - The coronavirus permeated throughout the Croatian First League and disrupted the HNL schedule. This weekend, only two of the five games of the 9th round are being played, though the HNS commissioner claims that everything is under control.

"Obviously, we live in such a time that it had to happen," said Josip Brezni, adding: "So far, there is no reason to panic."

Gol.hr reports that five matches were postponed in the first two months of the new season because of COVID-19, and three more due to the European obligations of individual clubs.

"Thus, after the 9th round, only Varazdin and Sibenik will have the maximum number of games played. Dinamo, Slaven Belupo, Gorica and Istra will have one game behind, Osijek and Hajduk are two matches behind, and Rijeka and Lokomotiva are three," he said. 

As the Europa League continues in autumn, Rijeka could see even more delays.

"Even before the start of the Championship, we knew that if any of our clubs qualified for the group stage of Europe and postponed any match, as Rijeka postponed two due to the UEFA competition and now one due to the coronavirus, they could only make up games in the spring," says Brezni.

The regularity of the championship is not in question, for now.

"If we are possibly held back from the Headquarters or anything, and the situation worsens, resulting in further interruptions, of course, we will then adjust and possibly think about some next steps," Brezni points out.

Therefore, the HNL is deciding on possibly shortening the championship; however, the deadline for such a decision is strict.

"The last option for possibly changing the way this year's championship is played would be to play two more rounds in the spring part of the Championship."

Even if the situation worsens, Brezni does not see a realistic option for the HNL to be played in the same city, without spectators, and for the teams to be in a "bubble" modeled on the NBA or the Champions League final.

On Saturday, the Istrian headquarters received a recommendation to postpone all inter-county competitions, which would mean that Istra 1961 cannot play its HNL matches. 

The HNL commissioner commented:

"I personally think that there is really no reason for professional clubs to be restricted from playing matches. Eventually, it is realistic to think that the stadiums will be closed again and that we will play without spectators for most of the championship," he concluded. 

The worst situation is in Gorica, which has 13 infected players, followed by Osijek with seven coronavirus-positive players. Some postponed matches will start to be played next week.

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

October 24, 2020 - 13 players and 3 staff members are coronavirus-positive at HNK Gorica, the club announced on Friday evening.

HNK Gorica announced on Friday that after testing the entire team and the professional staff of HNK Gorica, 13 players and three staff members are coronavirus-positive.

Everyone infected is immediately referred to self-isolation; everyone feels good and has no pronounced symptoms, the club added.

Due to a large number of infected players, the 9th round match against Rijeka was postponed this weekend. Furthermore, the 10th round match of the Croatian First League between HNK Gorica and NK Varazdin, which was supposed to be played on October 30, has also been postponed.

Following the regulations of the HNS and the decision of the HNS Competition Commission, individual matches can be postponed in the event there are six or more players of the same club in self-isolation. According to the provisions of the Ordinance on football competitions and the Proposal of the competition, postponed matches must be played in the first possible free period.

As things stand now, HNK Gorica will play their 11th round of the Croatian First League against Slaven Belupo, on Sunday, November 8, at 19:00. It was originally supposed to be played two days earlier, but the date was changed due to new circumstances.

Recall, three 9th round Croatian First League matches meant to be played this weekend have been postponed.

In addition to Gorica, Lokomotiva Zagreb announced they still cannot compete as the coronavirus has penetrated its dressing room. After postponing the match against Osijek last weekend, the 9th round match against Hajduk, which was supposed to be played on October 24, at Kranjčevićeva, is also postponed. The match will take place on the first possible date, which will be decided later.

The same happened with the match between Istria and Osijek, as seven players of the Osijek Football Club have tested positive. 

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

October 22, 2020 - As COVID-19 rips through Croatia, three 9th round Croatian First League matches meant to be played this weekend have been postponed.

It all began yesterday when Lokomotiva Zagreb announced they still cannot compete as the coronavirus has penetrated its dressing room. After postponing the match against Osijek last weekend, the 9th round match against Hajduk, which was supposed to be played on October 24, at Kranjčevićeva, is also postponed. The match will take place on the first possible date, which will be decided later.

The Croatian Football Federation stated the following explanation:

"On October 21, 2020, NK Lokomotiva submitted a notification that four players tested positive for coronavirus after testing the entire team, and two more have an epidemiological measure of self-isolation. Therefore, NK Lokomotiva cannot continue the regular competition and requests the postponement of the 9th round match in the HT First League between Lokomotiva - Hajduk.

Following the regulations of the HNS and the decision of the Competition Commission of the HNS from the session held on August 6, 2020, which authorizes the commissioners of the competition to postpone a particular match in case there are six or more players of the same club in self-isolation; based on the request of NK Lokomotiva, a decision was made to postpone the match. According to the provisions of the Rules on Football Competitions and the Propositions of Competitions, postponed matches must be played in the first possible free period, on which a decision will be made later."

Furthermore, Gorica announced today that five players have tested positive for coronavirus, so the match supposed to be played against Rijeka on Sunday has also been postponed.

"The 9th round of the HT First League, which was supposed to be played at the City Stadium in Velika Gorica, was postponed because the results of individual testing confirmed coronavirus infection in five HNK Gorica players, and three more have a prescribed measure of self-isolation.

Based on the request of HNK Gorica, following the regulations of HNS and the decision of the Competition Commission of HNS, a decision was made to postpone the match."

But that's not all. 

After the Gorica-Rijeka match was postponed, the same happened with the match between Istria and Osijek.

"The match between Istra 1961 and Osijek is postponed.

The test results confirmed the coronavirus in seven players of the Osijek Football Club. To avoid spreading the infection further, it is necessary to postpone the match until the competent epidemiologists decide on further action."

You can see the Croatian First League table HERE.

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

October 19, 2020 - The 8th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 16 to 18, 2020. This round featured a shocking Hajduk loss to Sibenik, while Osijek and Lokomotiva has been postponed due to coronavirus cases in the Zagreb club. 

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (5:1)

Belupo and Istra opened the 8th round on Friday, October 16, 2020, in Koprivnica in front of 308 spectators. 

Belupo's scoring spree started in the first half with two goals by Bozic in the 31st and 45+2 minutes for 2:0 at the half. 

Krstanovic (penalty) and Glavic increased Belupo's lead in the 50th and 61st minutes for 4:0. Boakye made it 5:0 in the 79th minute, though Istra's Vuk was able to come back to score one goal in the 85th minute for the final score of 5:1. 

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 7 points, while Istra is in the last place with 5. 

Dinamo v. Gorica (3:2)

Dinamo and Gorica met on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 815 spectators. 

Gavranovic scored two goals for Dinamo in the 32nd and 36th minutes for 2:0 at the half. Gorica opened the second half with two goals to equalize - Mudrinski scored in the 46th and Hamad in the 50th for 2:2. 

Gavranovic secured a hattrick with a goal in the 66th minute for 3:2, which was the final score of the game. 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 19 points, while Gorica is in 2nd with 16. 

Rijeka v. Varazdin (2:1)

Rijeka and Varazdin met on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 2,072 spectators. 

While Varazdin's Obregon was the first to score in the 17th minute for 0:1, an own goal by Stolnik made it 1:1 three minutes later. Kulenovic then increased Rijeka's lead to 2:1 at the half. 

With no goals in the second half, the game ended at 2:1 for Rijeka. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 12 points, while Varazdin is in 8th place with 7. 

Hajduk v. Sibenik (0:1)

Hajduk and Sibenik met at Poljud Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2020, in front of 4,517 spectators. 

Sahiti scored the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, which gave Sibenik the victory. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 10 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 7. 

Osijek v. Lokomotiva (POSTPONED)

Two players of NK Lokomotiva are positive for coronavirus, the Zagreb club announced on Sunday.

"Two NK Lokomotiva players were tested for COVID-19 on Sunday, October 18, and are positive. According to the Personal Data Protection Act (GDPR), we are not able to disclose the identity of the infected persons," the statement said on the club's website. The club also announced that "the competent epidemiological service was immediately notified, which imposed a measure of strict self-isolation on the two players, all following the recommendations of the Croatian Civil Protection Headquarters and the HNS working group."

Lokomotiva was supposed to play against Osijek Sunday at 5:05 pm, but the match was postponed.

"To avoid further possible spread of the infection to all other participants in the Osijek - Lokomotiva match, it is necessary to postpone it until the competent epidemiologist decides on further action and until additional testing of the entire team and determine the actual situation. According to the provisions of the Ordinance on football competitions and the Proposition of the competition, postponed matches must be played in the first possible free term, which will be decided later," said the commissioner of HT Prva Liga, Josip Brezni.

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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

October 15, 2020 - Croatia Coach Zlatko Dalic spoke to the press after the loss against France in the 4th-round Nations League match in Zagreb on Wednesday. 

Coach Zlatko Dalic was satisfied with most of what was shown against France, but he pointed out that Croatia again made mistakes that France always knows how to punish.

"Hats off to the team, especially for the second half, but we lost again, and we didn't deserve it; that's why we are upset," said the coach at the beginning of the press conference.

"We played well, but a mistake happened. We didn’t play against anyone but against world champions. They punish every mistake, and we must avoid mistakes. Against a team like this, which is worth a billion, you can't avoid it. But the second half was excellent. We started very badly, in the first 15 minutes we could have conceded another goal. We settled down afterward, and it tuned in," he added.

He denied that Pasalic played on the left-wing: "Pasalic was not a winger, but a midfielder. It may have seemed to you because he was a bit on the wing in defense, but he is a midfielder and should be in that position."

Dalic was also asked if he had made a mistake in choosing Vida instead of Caleta-Car.

"I wasn't wrong with Vida. He is our standard stopper. You have to look at the second goal again because Vida was not to blame for it. See who Mbappe was with and how he reacted. We have three more games where we can try some things. After that, I have to have a clear picture before the qualifications for the World Cup. We have to be objective. Croatia is putting together a new national team; there are no more Juventus and Bayern players here. I am satisfied with this, and my task is to put together a competitive team for March. Everything is important, and I am sorry that we did not win. Everyone should be given a chance. I am worried that we are receiving goals, and we need to work on that," believes Dalic.

He has a generally good opinion of this three-game mini-cycle.

"I can be satisfied with this mini-cycle. We got Switzerland who played 3:3 against Germany. With that match, we secured a top seed status in the World Cup qualifiers, and Sweden is our competitor to stay in the Nations League. We played a good second half against France, and I am glad that the fans applauded the players. I am very pleased, and I told that to the players in the dressing room. I am a great optimist because I see that we have players coming," the coach concluded.

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

October 14, 2020 - France was better than Croatia in Zagreb in the 4th round match of the UEFA Nations League. 

The Croatia national team met France in the 4th round of the Nations League on Wednesday at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. Seven thousand fans (30% of the stadium) were there to cheer on Croatia.

Croatia beat Sweden 2:1 at the same stadium on Sunday and took third place in the group. With a victory against France, they would join the fight to win the group. 

Coach Zlatko Dalic changed the starting formation a bit from Sunday's match against Sweden. While Livakovic stayed in goal, the backline included Borna Barisic, Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, and Filip Uremovic. The midfield featured Luka Modric and Milan Badelj, with Nikola Vlasic as the attacking midfielder. Ivan Perisic and Mario Pasalic were on the wings, with Bruno Petkovic up top. Marcelo Brozovic had to sit this game out due to cards. 

France coach Didier Deschamps, on the other hand, sent his strongest players in the attack, and decided to rotate the midfield - Lloris; Mendy, Varane, Lenglet, Digne; Tolisso, N'Zonzi, Rabiot; Mbappé, Griezmann, Martial.

The first five minutes of the match was even, and Croatia even had a chance to attack thanks to a quick run by Bruno Petkovic. However, it was France to find the back of the net first after Griezmann nailed the upper corner of the goal in the 8th minute for 0:1. 

Slobodan Kadic

France danced around Croatia's defense and had what seemed like another sure chance in the 15th minute though Mbappe luckily hit wide. 

Five minutes later, Lovren had a chance with a header off a Croatia corner kick which went over the goal. 

A foul on Petkovic awarded Croatia a free-kick just outside the box in the 24th minute. Perisic hit just over the crossbar.

Vlasic took the France midfield in a quick counter-attack that found Barisic in the box, though Croatia was unable to capitalize. They certainly picked their momentum. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia spent the better part of the next ten minutes in France's half. Perisic and Petkovic called for a handball in the box in the 35th minute after a brilliant play by Vlasic and Pasalic, but the ref let them play on.

Petkovic capitalized on a Mendy mistake in the 42nd minute and proceeded to get fouled again outside of the box, though there was no whistle to be heard. 

A header from a France free-kick in the 44th minute made it close to being 0:2 but the match ended 0:1 at the half.  

The second half began with some changes by Dalic. Kovacic and Brekalo were subbed on for Badelj and Pasalic.

Within the first two minutes, Perisic had a great attack on goal, though no one was in the box in time to receive his cross. Nikola Vlasic hit a rocket in the 52nd minute which just missed the goal. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia was aggressive at the start of the second half and gave France little chance of moving their attacking game. Modric and Petkovic worked their way into the box often but the France defense held their backline. 

Petkovic came out for Ante Budimir in the 60th minute.

After continued pressing from Croatia, it finally happened. Split wunderkind Nikola Vlasic did it again and scored the equalizer for 1:1 in the 64th minute! 

The Croatia crowd found new energy to cheer and chant in the minutes that followed, which gave Croatia the strength to carry on. 

France was awarded a corner that shouldn't have been which resulted in a crowd in front of Croatia's goal and quick reaction from the defense to clear the ball. Croatia was lucky France didn't retake the lead. 

Bradaric came on for Perisic in the 78th minute.

Unfortunately, a long ball from Pogba found Mbappe who caught the Croatian defense off guard to score for 1:2 in the 79th minute. Dalic subbed Kramaric on for Vlasic one minute later. 

Brekalo hit a rocket from just outside the box in the 85th minute which gave Lloris a tough time to save. Croatia was not giving up hope. 

Modric found Kramaric for a chance in the 89th minute which Lloris saved again. More chances for Croatia in the final minutes of added time also proved unsuccessful. The match ended 1:2 for France.

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia's Nations League campaign continues next month against Sweden away and Portugal at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

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

October 13, 2020 - The Croatia U-21 team topped Greece in Athens on Tuesday, keeping their hope alive for a spot in the tournament next summer. 

After a convincing 10-0 in Zagreb against San Marino, Igor Bišćan's team played their second October qualifying match in Athens, away against Greece, who they defeated 5-0 in Varaždin in September.

This time around, Majer scored the only goal of the match in the 27th minute, with a deft reaction after a cross by the persistent Šutalo from the right side of the pitch.

Croatia kept its lead until the end of the game, with several chances for the second goal. Greece fired just four shots at Šemper's goal - and just two into the box - while Croatia had 14 attempts and eight corners.

At a later date in Group 4, Lithuania and the Czech Republic and San Marino and Scotland will meet. Croatia will continue its qualifying campaign on November 12 on a visit to Scotland, while the qualifications will end on November 17, when it welcomes Lithuania.

EC U-21 Qualifiers, Group 4:
1. Croatia 16 (8)
2. Czech Republic 15 (8)
3. Scotland 14 (7)
4. Greece 13 (8)
5. Lithuania 7 (7)
6. San Marino 0 (8)

Source: HNS

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October 11, 2020 - Croatia tops Sweden 2:1 in their 3rd-round Nations League match on Sunday at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.

Croatia continued their Nations League campaign on Sunday against Sweden, a team they didn't meet back in September. Croatia and Sweden met in rainy Zagreb at Maksimir Stadium at 6 pm. 

Coach Zlatko Dalic unveiled a slightly different lineup for this match, featuring Livakovic in goal, Melnjak, Caleta-Car, Lovren, and Uremovic in the back, Brozovic, Vlasic, Modric and Kovacic across the midfield, and Perisic and Brekalo up top.

Before this match, Croatia had played Sweden four times - in a friendly in 2003, in World Cup qualifiers in 2004 and 2005, and in another friendly in 2012, which is the only time they lost. 

The match began with heavy rain and a quick yellow card for Mateo Kovacic, who was cautioned in the first minute of play. While Sweden pressured Croatia's goal within the first five minutes, Croatia picked up the pace and Brekalo even scored an offside goal in the 10th minute. The wet pitch certainly made things more difficult.

Modric had a chance in the 18th minute, which was saved by Sweden goalkeeper Olsen, though it didn't stop him from shooting again moments later, albeit over the goal. 

Slobodan Kadic

Sweden had their first real opportunity when Kulusevci shot in the 24th minute, though it was no problem for Livakovic to save. Vlasic took a chance at Sweden's goal two minutes later.

However, Croatia and Nikola finally got their chance. A brilliant play by Modric at the midfield line saw Croatia attack up the pitch. Brekalo found the boot of Vlasic who scored for 1:0 in the 32nd minute!

Slobodan Kadic

Vlasic shot again off a Modric corner found him just outside the top of the box, though he hit over the goal in the 38th minute. The game ended 1:0 at the half.

Unfortunately, the weather only worsened at the start of the second half, and we could only hope that the already weak Maksimir pitch wouldn't flood. 

Croatia came out aggressively in the first few minutes, though it was Sweden to threaten Croatia's goal in the 50th minute. What was nearly an own goal by Lovren was saved by Livakovic on the goal line to keep Croatia in the lead. Sweden, however, called for a penalty as it looked as though there was a Croatia handball in the box.

Brekalo had a great chance in the 52nd minute, which went wide of the goal for a corner.  

Sweden had another excellent chance in the 56th minute from a free-kick which Livakovic tipped over the goal then caught it to ensure Croatia's lead. 

Pasalic was subbed on for Kovacic in the 60th minute.

A rocket from Perisic's right boot saw the Sweden keeper make a difficult save for a Croatia corner in the 61st minute. 

Slobodan Kadic

A quick Sweden counter-attack in the 65th minute saw Berg even the score for 1:1. The goal certainly gave Sweden momentum, as they picked up their game considerably in the minutes that followed. 

Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Bradaric were subbed on for Brekalo and Melnjak in the 74th minute. 

Thankfully, Kramaric brought Croatia the luck they needed. In the 83rd minute, Perisic found Kramaric unmarked in the box, who scored for the Croatia lead! The game was now 2:1.

Slobodan Kadic

A dangerous play by Sweden in the 89th minute could have leveled the result again, but Livakovic was solid in goal. The referee added 4 minutes, in which Sweden was unable to score. The match ended 2:1 for Croatia!

In their 4th-round match, Croatia will meet France on Wednesday in Zagreb at 8:45 pm. 

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October 7, 2020 - In a friendly match played in St. Gallen on Wednesday evening, Croatia topped Switzerland 2:1.

The Croatia national football team played a friendly match against Switzerland in St. Gallen on Wednesday, ahead of two consecutive matches in the Nations League against Sweden and France (October 11 and 14).

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic announced an opportunity for players who have not had much time in the national team so far, and from the first minute was debutant Domagoj Bradaric. Croatia's starting 11 in the first half included Livakovic - Uremovic, Vida (C), Caleta Car, Melnjak - Badelj, Kovacic - D. Bradaric, Pasalic, Brekalo - Petkovic.

The match began promptly at 8:45, with a stadium filled at 30% capacity thanks to a new UEFA rule. Almost half of the fans in the stands wore the famous Croatian checkers.

The first threat to Croatia's goal came after a corner over Rodriguez in the eighth minute, who shot diagonally, but Livakovic defended. Two minutes later, Josip Brekalo shot from the other side from 18 meters, which went over the goal.

The 23rd minute saw the best opportunity of the match until that point. Gavranovic came out alone in front of Livakovic, who defended the shot of his Dinamo teammate.

Unfortunately, Switzerland finally took advantage of their next opportunity. In the 31st minute, Xhaka crossed to Gavranovic, whose header sent the ball into the corner of the goal for 1:0.

Croatia immediately picked up their pace. Five minutes later, Bruno Petkovic had an excellent chance, which he shot five meters from the goal.

In the 42nd minute, however, Croatia got their equalizer. Debutant Bradaric crossed perfectly into the box to find Brekalo, who volleyed into the goal for 1:1.

????

✅ Josip Brekalo with his second international goal
✅ Domagoj Bradarić with his first international assist

?#SUICRO #Vatreni? pic.twitter.com/QE8aMkQEET

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 7, 2020

At half time, Switzerland made three subs - Xhaka, Rodriguez and Mehmedi came out for Freuler, Zuber and Vargas. Dalic subbed Brozovic for Badelj.

The second half began with pressure from Switzerland. In the 56th minute, Marko Rog came on for Kovacic and Budimir for Petkovic.

Croatia was certainly holding their own without captain Luka Modric on the pitch, so much so that they scored their second goal to take the lead. A beautiful one-two between Budimir and Pasalic resulted in a Pasalic goal for 1:2 in the 67th minute.

????

⚽️ #Croatia comes back from behind to take the lead! Ante Budimir finds Mario Pašalić, who scores his first international goal! #BeProud #SUICRO #Vatreni? pic.twitter.com/Y9KTH5ogXR

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 7, 2020

Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic were subbed on for Pasalic and Brekalo in the 74th minute. 

Switzerland had one great opportunity in the 81st minute to equalize, though Itten hit over the crossbar. Croatia continued to press in the final 10 minutes of the match, but was unlucky to increase their lead. The match ended 1:2 for Croatia!

Source: HRT

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