ZAGREB, October 31, 2019 - Croatian Parliament Speaker and HDZ party secretary-general Gordan Jandroković said on Wednesday that the ruling coalition had agreed on five important issues, and that agreement had been reached with representatives of the HNS party on the budget as proposed by the government as well as that a government regulation on job complexity indices would be finalised by June 30.

The five issues are a budget revision for this year, a budget for 2020, a set of tax laws, the minimum wage and a law on holidays, said Jandroković.

"We have agreed on what the prime minister announced, 2+2+2 (percent increase) for next year, as well as that the issue of job complexity indices be resolved," said Jandroković.

"Unless the regulation on job complexity indices is adopted by June 30, we will opt for a 2% increase for those sectors that are estimated to be underpaid," Jandroković said, adding that this referred to police and the education sector.

He stressed that talks with unions were yet to be held.

"I believe that this is a good offer, that the unions will get the six percent they wanted," Jandroković said, adding that work was underway on the regulation on job complexity indices.

As an additional safeguard, we are offering the 2% after June 30, he said.

He said that the government proposed that foreign experts be involved in the analysis of job complexity indices so that a fair regulation on indices was defined and so that indices were regulated in the best possible way.

Jandroković said that domestic experts and all those who were interested should be involved in efforts regarding the analysis of job complexity indices as well.

The regulation on job complexity indices should be finalised by June 30, 2020, according to Jandroković.

"We have to approach the job seriously because the wage system for the government and public service sectors was not defined properly in the past 30 years," said Jandroković.

He stressed that the government had at no time contested the unions' right to strike.

He noted that the HDZ and HNS parties today reached an agreement on the adoption of both the budget revision for this year and the budget for 2020.

Ivan Vrdoljak, leader of the Croatian People's Party (HNS), said on Wednesday that aside from a 6% increase in the base pay in 2020 (based on a 2+2+2 model), job complexity indices in the education sector would go up by two percent as of June 30 if until that time a comprehensive solution to job complexity indices was not found and an analysis of wages was not completed.

"We did not insist on a regulation to that effect to be adopted tomorrow before a discussion on the budget, but that is our political agreement that will be made public and presented to unions because the dialogue will be restored," Vrdoljak said after meeting with the prime minister and leader of the HDZ party, Andrej Plenković.

"Aside from the base pay rise, we now have an increase in the indices of two percent," Vrdoljak said, adding that he would propose to members of the HNS leadership to accept the prime minister's proposal and attend the government session on Thursday.

Vrdoljak said that he believed the proposal would also refer to police officers.

He recalled that the HNS had been in charge of the education reform for the past two and a half years and that after the latest talks the prime minister offered a solution which he believed was a basis for continuing the dialogue with trade unions, carrying on with the education reform and putting an end to the ongoing teachers' strike.

"This is a message of trust to both teachers and parents. I still believe in the education reform and look forward to what lies ahead - what we promised to carry out two and a half years ago," Vrdoljak said ahead of a meeting of his party leadership.

Asked if unions would be satisfied, he said that he was the leader of the HNS party and a coalition partner and not a unionist.

"As far as I understand, the unions wanted a wage rise through indices of 6.11%," he said, adding that the final result in 2020 would be an increase in wages of 8.12%, which is how much wages would grow in absolute terms. He also said that work was underway on correcting the index and that a regulation to that effect would take into account the need to rectify injustices.

Asked if this was a victory for the HNS, he said that this was an agreement on the budget.

"This was an agreement on the budget, I would not call it that (victory). No one should feel blackmailed or underestimated," Vrdoljak said.

More politics news can be found in the dedicated section.

October 31, 2019 - Dinamo and Rijeka routinely advanced to the quarterfinal of the Croatian Football Cup, while Gorica eliminated Hajduk in the most interesting match of the round of 16. 

Gorica and Hajduk met in the biggest game of the round of 16 on Wednesday in Velika Gorica, which saw the home team top Hajduk 2:1 to reach the Cup quarterfinal for the first time in their history, while Hajduk has been eliminated from the round of 16 for the third time.

However, the last time Hajduk fell in the round of 16 was as the title defenders nine years ago to Istra, led by Zoran Vulic. They were also eliminated in the round of 16 in 1995 when they were shocked by Marsonia.

Gorica took the lead in the 64th minute from a 25-meter free-kick by Kristijan Lovric, and came one step closer to the victory in the 85th minute when Joey Suk scored from the counter to make it 2:1. A glimmer of hope for Hajduk was brought by Stanko Juric in the 88th minute for 2:1, though Hajduk was unable to score again. 

There were no surprises in the match between Dinamo and Opatija, so much so that Dinamo secured the victory in the first half when all three goals of the match were scored. 

The Croatian champion led with a goal by Damian Kadzior in the eighth minute. Mario Gavranovic's penalty in the 29th minute increased Dinamo’s lead to 2:0, while another goal by Gavranovic the 36th minute made it 3:0. 

In the final round of 16 match, the title defenders Rijeka defeated Varazdin 2:1

Rijeka led 2:0 with goals from Petar Mamic in the 47th minute and Alexander Gorgon in the 54th minute, while Leonard Vuk scored in the 83rd minute to make it 2:1. 

Lokomotiva had no problem against the third-seeded Vinogradar and won 3:0 for a spot in the quarters.

Slaven Belupo topped BSK Bijelo Brdo 2:0 to secure their spot in the next round, and Sibenik beat Belisce 2:1.

Osijek already advanced to the quarter last week after celebrating against Zadar 3:0. 

Round of 16 results on Wednesday, October 30

Opatija - Dinamo 0:3

Gorica - Hajduk 2:1

BSK Bijelo Brdo - Slaven Belupo 0:2

Sibenik - Belisce 2:1

Vinogradar - Lokomotiva 0:3

Istra 1961 - Inter Zapresic 1:2

Varaždin - Rijeka 2:1

On Wednesday, October 23

Zadar - Osijek 0:3

Source: HRT

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

October 28, 2019 - The 13th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 25 to 27, 2019. This round featured the derby between Dinamo and Osijek and another Rijeka loss to Gorica. However, perhaps most exciting was watching Hajduk score a bizarre goal against Slaven Belupo, which even caught the attention of international media. 

Varazdin v. Inter Zapresic (0:1)

Varazdin and Inter opened the 13th round on Friday, October 25, 2019, at NK Varteks Stadium in front of 1,473 fans. 

A penalty awarded to Inter in the 31st minute, which decided the fate of the game after Serderov scored for 0:1. A double yellow for Varazdin’s Lisakovich in the 46th minute didn’t help the home team’s chances of equalizing, and the game ended 0:1. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 10 points, while Inter is in 7th with 11. 

Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo (2:0)

Hajduk and Belupo met at Poljud on Saturday, October 26, 2019, in front of 9,045 spectators. 

Hajduk’s first goal came in the 14th minute thanks to Jairo for 1:0 at the half. However, the second goal royally embarrassed Belupo. After Belupo celebrated a goal that never was (because the ball hit the post), Hajduk capitalized on the counter-attack, and Juranovic found himself one-on-one with an empty net… because the Belupo keeper was still on the sideline celebrating. You can watch the fiasco in the video below. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 27 points, while Belupo is in the last with 10. 

Rijeka v. Gorica (1:2)

Rijeka and Gorica met at Rujevica Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2019, in front of 4,117 spectators. 

While the first half went without goals, it was Gorica’s Zwolinski to score for 0:1, though Tomecak equalized for 1:1 in the 82nd minute. Gorica took advantage of a Rijeka red card in the 90th minute, and Dvornekovic increased Gorica’s lead to 1:2, which was the final score of the game. 

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 22 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 18. 

Istra 1961 v. Lokomotiva (0:2)

Istra and Lokomotiva met in Pula on Sunday, October 27, 2019. 

While the first half went without goals, Tolic scored for the Lokomotiva lead in the 85th minute, and Tuci increased their lead in the second minute of injury time for 0:2. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 10 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th place with 19.

Dinamo v. Osijek (1:0)

Dinamo and Osijek closed out the 13th round on Sunday, October 28, 2019, at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. 

The only goal of the game came in the 42nd minute when Kadzior scored for 1:0. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 28 points, while Osijek is in 4th with 20. 

You can see the HNL table here. 

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

October 21, 2019 - The 12th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 18 to 20, 2019. In this round, Dinamo retook first place after Hajduk and Lokomotiva drew. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (2:4)

Gorica and Dinamo opened the 12th round in Velika Gorica on Friday, October 18,2019. 

Orsic and Kadzior scored for Dinamo in the 25th and 27th minutes to make it 0:2 at the half - and thanks to another goal by Orsic, it was 0:3 by the 49th minute.  Lovric came back with a goal for Gorica in the 55th, though an Orsic hat trick made it 1:4 in the 61st. Gorica’s Suk scored in the 77th for the final score of 2:4. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 15 points, while Dinamo is back in first with 25. 

Varazdin v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Varazdin and Istria met on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the NK Varteks stadium. 

The first half went without goals, and the game didn’t see its only goal until the 87th minute when Benko scored for Varazdin for 1:0. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 10 points, while Istra is in 7th with 10. 

Slaven Belupo v. Rijeka (1:2)

Belupo and Rijeka met in Koprivnica on Saturday, October 19, 2019. 

Belupo’s Radivojevic put the home team in the lead in the 14th minute for 1:0 at the half. It wasn't until the end of the match that Rijeka came back - Gorgon scored in the 74th minute to equalize, and Acosty scored in the 90th for the 1:2 win. 

Belupo is currently in 9th place with 10 points, while Rijeka is in third with 22. 

Inter Zapresic v. Osijek (3:3)

Inter and Osijek met on Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Stadion ŠRC Zaprešić in front of 662 fans. 

Maric put Osijek in the lead for 0:1, though two goals by Serderov in the 32nd and 43rd minute had Inter up 2:1 at the half. Serderov scored his hat trick in the 63rd minute for 3:1, though Lepa and Spoljaric came back to equalize for Osijek in the 72nd and 92nd minute for the 3:3 draw. 

Inter is currently in the last place with 8 points, while Osijek is in 4th with 20. 

Lokomotiva v. Hajduk (0:0)

Lokomotiva and Hajduk closed out the 12th round on Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Kranjceviceva Street Stadium. 

While there were chances on both ends, neither team was able to score. The draw was met with criticism by part of Hajduk fan group Torcida, who called for coach Damir Buric's departure. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 16 points, while Hajduk has dropped to 2nd with 24.

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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

October 16, 2019 - A press release by HNS on Wednesday regarding the location of Croatia's final Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia next month. 

"The Croatian Football Federation has put an end to the speculation on possibly changing Croatia’s home match against Slovakia and confirms that the decisive match for EURO 2020 will be played on November 16 at the HNK Rijeka stadium, as originally decided.

As the HNS Executive Board decided at a session held on July 11 this year, the Croatia-Slovakia match in the European Qualifications for EURO 2020 will be played in Rijeka. Recall that the Croatian national team needs one point in that match in order to secure a spot in the European Championships next year. 

Considering the extreme importance of the match, the HNS management considered the possibility of playing in a larger stadium that could meet the expected great interest of Croatian fans. However, the previously held view is that the qualifications will be played in the four largest Croatian cities and after Zagreb, Osijek and Split, the World Cup finalists will be welcomed in this cycle by Rijeka.

The unique view of HNS is that in Rijeka, the team will have ideal conditions for their preparations for the match and great support at the HNK Rijeka stadium. Information about ticket sales will be published at a later date on the HNS website."

Recall, Croatia last played at Rujevica behind closed doors in a UEFA Nations League match against England on October 12, 2018. They played a friendly in front of fans against Jordan there three days later. 

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

October 15, 2019 - After Croatia drew in Cardiff on Sunday, their fate in the European Championships next year won’t be decided until the final qualifier against Slovakia.

The 2018 World Cup finalists knew that they could secure the Euros on Sunday with a win against Wales - but nothing is ever as easy as it seems with this national team. 

Namely, Gol.hr writes that after drawing in Wales, Croatia still sits at the top of Group E with 14 points, while Hungary follows in second with 12 points. The other three national teams in the group have one match less: Slovakia has 10 points, Wales has 8, and in the last place is Azerbaijan, who is already eliminated. The top two teams from each group automatically have a spot in the Euros.

It is easier to calculate Group E if the countries with one game less, i.e., Slovakia and Wales, are hypothetically given three points for wins against Azerbaijan in the qualifiers to be played next month. Thus, the group would stand as follows: Croatia 14, Slovakia 13, Hungary 12, Wales 11.

The group can certainly be shaken up in November when Croatia and Slovakia meet on November 16, which is followed by Wales and Hungary on November 19. However, Croatia maintains the best position as they have a one-point advantage and are playing at home.

Thus, even with a draw against Slovakia, Croatia not only advances to the Euro, but they will certainly sit at the top of the group. Wales would then be four points behind, and Hungary three, though they have a worse ratio.

But, as we said, that is the best-case scenario. 

A defeat in the last round against Slovakia would mean: falling to second place, and the possibility of Hungary throwing Croatia into third place if they defeat Wales away. However, even the worst outcome (falling to third place) could still guarantee a spot at the Euros. Recall, there will be additional qualifications based on Nations League, where Croatia would have to knock out two opponents. We have yet to know who they could be, but chances are the national teams of Switzerland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, and so on.

The simplest solution, of course, would be to win against Slovakia in the final round at home. However, we must keep in mind that no easy task awaits our 'Vatreni', thanks to the absence of Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida, who will have to sit this one out due to yellow cards. We can expect Slovakia to attack, because a victory is their only safe road to the Euros. 

HNS is also looking to change the stadium from Rujevica in Rijeka to Maksimir in Zagreb for the final qualifier to ensure our national team can play in front of as many home fans as possible. We await an answer later today. 

Remember, a win, which guarantees a safe spot at the top of the group, also promises a more favorable Euro 2020 draw.

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

October 14, 2019 - TCN contributor Valentino Komusar takes a more in-depth look into the football career of Dinamo star and Croatia national team member Bruno Petkovic.

“It’s a dream of every football player to play for his national team. It’s stuck in your head from an early age. I have to continue to play as I do now and hope that the call will come. Everything else depends on the manager,” Bruno Petkovic said for Croatian media a year ago, a few months after he completed his move from Bologna to Dinamo. 

Today, he has earned six caps for the national team and scored four goals. Last Thursday, Bruno was the hero of the game against Hungary after scoring a brace. He debuted for Croatia in March of this year against Azerbaijan and is already one of the key members of the team, while on the club level, he also continues to impress for Dinamo Zagreb. His popularity is also growing worldwide as, in the last few days, his profile on Transfermarkt had the most views, even more than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi! But the path to success wasn’t easy.

Bruno Petkovic was born in 1994, in Metkovic, a town located in the southeast of the country where he also began his football career following in the footsteps of his father Jakov, who played professionally. When he was 13, Bruno left for Zagreb, where he first joined Dinamo then played for a few different clubs in the capital of Croatia before leaving for Italy in 2013. Bruno signed for Catania, but was loaned out on four occasions before he joined Serie B outfit Trapani in 2016.

There, he started to shine after scoring ten goals in 38 appearances for the club, so much so that he caught the eye of a Serie A team, Bologna. With not much playing time and providing only three assists while playing for the team and out on loan for Hellas Verona, it was time to come back home. Petkovic joined Dinamo once again in August of 2018. 

“My wish was to come back as I made my first serious football steps at Dinamo 10 years ago. After so many years abroad, where it was hard, I decided to come back. I think this is a step in the right direction to show why everyone thinks highly of me. Everybody talks about that talent of mine, which I haven’t fully justified if you look at the statistics. It’s up to me to prove my worth and I believe that I will get the chance,” Petkovic said when he came back to Croatia's capital.  

Pretty much immediately, Bruno became a crucial part of the team and so far, he scored 20 times in 57 appearances while providing 14 assists at the same time. His impressive performances on the pitch earned him a new contract with Dinamo a month ago, where he reportedly doubled his salary, while the manager of the Croatia national football team, Zlatko Dalic, made him number one striker. Today, many feel that Bruno filled the void that was made when Mario Mandžukić retired last summer and that he is ready to become a new number one striker for the national team and follow in the footsteps of Davor Šuker, Eduardo da Silva and already mentioned Mandžukić. 

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

October 13, 2019 - After winning 3:0 against Hungary in Split on Thursday, Croatia met Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday for the 8th round of the Group E Euro 2020 qualifiers. 

The Croatia national team and Wales met in front of 31,000 fans in Cardiff for the 8th Euro qualifying round in Group E. After topping Hungary 3:0 at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday, Croatia was hungry to win in Wales - and ultimately secure enough points to lock in their spot at the Euros next year. 

Dalic came out with a slightly different lineup than what we saw in Split. As Croatian media reported, Dalic called up Hajduk midfielder Filip Bradaric in place of Marcelo Brozovic, who was ruled out of Sunday’s game because of cards. Dalic also opted to start Croatia’s young forces Nikola Vlasic and Josip Brekalo and give Ante Rebic and Ivan Rakitic rest. Thus, Croatia’s starting 11 included Livaković, Barisic, Vida, Lovren, Jedvaj, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Vlasic, Brekalo, and Petkovic.

Not unlike the game against Hungary, Croatia got their first goal early. A stellar run by Brekalo from the midfield line carried the ball into the box and to the boot of Petkovic. A quick lay off to Nikola Vlasic found the corner of the net for 1:0 in the 9th minute.

In the 13th minute, Vida was given a yellow card, which forces him to miss Croatia’s next Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia. Lovren received a yellow not long after, meaning he'll miss the next game, too.

By the 20th minute, Croatia held over 80% of the ball possession and continued to dominate on the pitch. A free-kick for Wales taken by Gareth Bale shortly after was unsuccessful. 

As the first half progressed, neither team was performing to their potential. Plays were sloppy, there were unnecessary fouls, and few attacks came to fruition. However, Wales picked up the pace and was far more aggressive than Croatia in the end. A sloppy defensive play (and questionable missed foul by the ref) failed to stop Bale in the third minute of injury time, who equalized for 1:1 at the half.

Kovacic was unable to continue the game after an injury in the first half, and Ivan Rakitic took his place. 

Wales almost scored their second goal in the 55th minute, though Livakovic defended with difficulty. Perisic crossed into the box to Jedvaj moments later, but a handball was called on Croatia. 

Bale nutmegged Rakitic in the 60th minute and was almost dangerous in the penalty area, though his trip denied him from getting off a shot - or the penalty he was looking for. 

Two minutes later, Dalic subbed in Ante Rebic for Petkovic. Croatia's next dangerous play came in the 70th minute. Brekalo's cross found the head of Perisic, who connected with Vlasic at the top of the box. Vlasic laid the ball off to Jedvaj, who shot with the outside of his foot and just missed the far corner of the goal. 

Unfortunately,  a collision in the 88th minute saw Modric off the pitch (and almost with the help of a stretcher). Badelj came in the take his place. The referee added 8 minutes of injury time. 

In the final minutes of the match, Croatia pressed but was unable to capitalize on their chances. The game ended 1:1. 

Croatia's next Euro 2020 qualifier is against Slovakia on November 16 at Rujevica stadium in Rijeka. 

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

October 13, 2019 - An online charity auction is underway in which you can win a Croatia national team shirt worn in the Euro qualifier against Hungary at Poljud.

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 auctioned the match shirts they wore online. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Vatreno Srce Foundation, which was founded by the Croatia national team and coach. 

The starting price of each shirt was 89 euro, with shipping included anywhere in the world, but bids have so far multiplied. As expected, HRT reports that the value of Luka Modric's jersey, which now goes to the bidder from Hungary for 4100 euro, has increased the most. The shirt of Ivan Rakitic reached 2500 euro, while Dejan Lovren takes third place with a shirt worth 1500 euro!

All shirts worn during the Hungary match are 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 (Monday).

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

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

You can get in on the action here, support the work of the Vatreno Srce Foundation, and treat yourself or your loved ones to the gift of a lifetime.

Croatia and Hungary met at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for their crucial 2020 Euro qualifier, which they won 3:0 in front of 32,000 fas.  It was 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 12, 2019 - Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalic addressed the press after defeating Hungary in Split. On Saturday, Croatia set off to Wales, and Dalic will not settle for less than 3 points. 

“It would be nice to win and that's our goal. We have no right to enter any match calculated. In terms of quality, I cannot tell this team that we are going to play for a point, but rather try to secure a spot in the European Championships and have a peaceful November. In Wales, more challenging conditions await us, as there has been a lot of rain, and we are playing on a Sunday. No wonder players are often injured. I hope we didn't spend too much against Hungary, especially because not everyone played until the end. Still, I expect the players to say if they are not in top condition, Dalic said for HRT and commented on the convincing victory at Poljud.

“We acted well as a team; in arranging the lineup, the experience was taken into account, and everyone gave their best. I do not need to point out anyone. We managed to save ourselves a little bit and I'm thrilled we are continuing this series of good games. I received many congratulations, and in the end, we all have to be happy and proud, it was a great night for Croatian football.”

For Sunday's match in Cardiff, Dalic called on Hajduk midfielder Filip Bradaric instead of Marcelo Brozovic. We still do not know who will replace Brozovic. 

“We will miss Brozovic because of cards. We will miss his stamina and aggressiveness, but we will analyze Wales and find a solution, a replacement,” Dalic added.

Wales coach and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs commented on the match against Croatia after drawing to Slovakia 1:1 two days ago.

"Croatia is one of the best national teams, has fantastic players, and is a favorite in tomorrow's game," Giggs began on Index.hr.

"However, we are playing in front of our fans, and our chance of a positive result is even greater. We need to be as focused as possible throughout the game, be aggressive on the ball, and defend against their counterattacks. We have a plan for how to counter them and play against them. We will see if this brings us the victory we want,” Giggs emphasized.

Ethan Ampadu and Jonathan Williams are scheduled to start the match, as will striker Kieffer Moore who scored two days ago in Slovakia. Giggs hopes Aaron Ramsey will recover from his injury.

"We did not write him off. Aaron did not play in these qualifications, but every good player is necessary if we want to get to the Euro. We still have time and we will know more on matchday if he can help against Croatia. But we have players who can do a good job,” Giggs said.

Wales and Croatia have played five matches so far, with four Croatia wins and one draw. During the World Cup qualifications on March 26, 2013, Wales led in Cardiff thanks to a Bale goal, then lost 1:2 thanks to a Lovren goal in the 77th and Eduardo da Silva in the 87th minute. In this series of qualifications, Croatia celebrated 2:1 in Osijek with an own goal by Lawrence in the 17th minute and a Perisic goal in the 48th. Brooks scored for Wales in the 77th minute.

Wales have not lost their last nine home games in the Euro qualifications, with seven wins and two draws. They lost to England (0:2) in March 2011 in the fight for the Euros. On the other hand, Croatia has only won twice in the last seven European qualifying appearances played away, with three draws and two losses.

Croatia and Wales will meet in Cardiff on Sunday at 8:45 pm for the 8th round of Group E in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Croatia is first in Group E with 13 points, which is three more than Slovakia, four more than Hungary, and six more than Wales, who has one game less. Azerbaijan is in the last place with one point.

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