HNS Executive Director in Split, Talks About Bringing Croatia to Sold Out Poljud
September 28, 2019- Marijan Kustic was spotted in Split again. The HNS executive director leads the team in charge of organizing the highly anticipated Croatia-Hungary match at Poljud, and preparations are in full swing.
Slobodna Dalmacija caught Kustic ten days before the spectacle to see if everything was going according to plan.
“Arrangements have entered the technical phase, related to security and ensuring all the preconditions for the great spectacle that awaits us. Nothing is out of the ordinary.”
Will security be especially emphasized?
“Everything is going at the usual pace, as is usually the case with big games like this. We conducted a series of interviews and agreements with representatives of the Police Department and the Police Directorate, as well as security companies. HNS always insists on the highest level of preparation regarding all aspects of the organization, including security.”
Rumor has it that Hungarian President Viktor Orban will also be in attendance?
“At this moment, we are not able to provide such information, but when these games are at stake, it is common and expected that political leaders come. Sandor Csanyi, president of OTP Bank, which has its bank in Split, and sponsors of Hajduk, should also attend.
Accordingly, we can also expect President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.
I would not announce anything, and I would like to focus on the massive interest of our fans, who generally rule this game.”
Is Kustic surprised by the incredible interest of Split?
“Everyone at HNS and the people involved in the organization are genuinely delighted that Split and Dalmatia have embraced the arrival of our team at Poljud. Honestly, we all hoped for it together, but that the stadium would be sold out in a day or two, it still exceeded my optimistic expectations. And because of that, we look forward to this great game with even more impatience.”
How many tickets were actually sold?
“The capacity is about 33,000 tickets, but the interest was so high that we would sell twice as many tickets if we had the capacity. If tickets were only for sale online, they would be gone in three hours! It’s good that there were old-fashioned sales, too, so the people of Split had the opportunity to get these valuable tickets live. Poljud is sold out.”
How many tickets were set aside that didn’t go on sale to the public?
“It is logical that for the needs of the staff and football players, a small portion of the tickets was set aside. But it is a negligible figure. I tell you, we were pleasantly surprised by the interest, Dalmatia and Split want the Croatia national team. They can hardly wait! This gives everyone in and around HNS the right to be optimistic in the future. I must point out here that this is proof that the HNS Executive Board made the right decision when it decided that Croatia would come to Split. Dalmatia wants the Croatia national team at Poljud!”
Will there be a lot of security around and at the stadium?
“Tickets are personalized and we can announce today that it would be good to get to the stadium on time. Ticket holders will also need to show their ID and ensure that their last name matches the one on the ticket. I invite everyone to follow the instructions of the organizers and the police, so that everyone can enjoy the football and sports spectacle that awaits us together.”
What does Split Mayor Opara have to say?
“We are negotiating everything with the City and everything is flowing normally, without interruptions. On behalf of HNS, the national team and all of us, I would like to thank the Mayor and his associates who are available to us.”
No financial terms have been published?
“It is important to emphasize that HNS bears all costs of the organization. And we are happy that as a Federation we have the conditions to bear such costs. Finances are always important, but this is a match that is more than that and every kuna that is invested makes sense and will be well invested and will be returned not only financially but also intangibly.”
Supposedly, Split is receiving about half a million kuna from the Federation?
“The city will receive its financial part, but the city will receive much more. It will be the center of Croatia that day, gathering tens of thousands of people. The accommodation, the venues, the restaurants, they will all be full of work. One has to look at events like this much wider than the match itself.”
There was a lot of talk (or quarrel) about the arrival of the national team in Split, at Poljud, mostly because of the situation with Hajduk.
“The decision, you see, turned out to be good, a big hit. People want Croatia in Split. The choice of the HNS Executive Board, with which I share the view, is that the national team travels to Croatia and thus to Split. These are all our cities, they have played and will play in Osijek, Varazdin, Rijeka, Pula. Only one game in the qualifying cycle was played in Zagreb against Azerbaijan, and the rest throughout Croatia. So we came to Split. And we will again! This is just the first in a new series.
Have HNS and Hajduk turned a new page?
“All of us at HNS are genuinely trying to bring in a lot of energy to make things right and to start normalizing all relationships. Is it any more normal than having the national team play at least one official qualifying match in Split? I would also like to thank the HNS Executive Board for making this decision and supporting everything. The tickets are sold out and I am convinced of the spectacle!”
Is Hajduk still not involved in the organization of the match?
“They are not and we regret it. I'm sorry that Hajduk stayed out. The national team is sacred and I would not interfere with the Federation when it comes to the national team. But I'm optimistic by nature, so I'm always looking forward. We raised certain issues in our discussions with Hajduk. I believe that the normalization will continue when the match against Hungary is over. And some good things will remain for Hajduk after this game, even though they are not participating in the organization.”
Does Hajduk still have a chance to be involved in organizing the game against Hungary?
“They are always welcome, certainly. But I don't think that's realistic to expect now. It is their decision and I am sorry that they feel that way, which I have already mentioned. I emphasize that our doors will always be open for cooperation between Hajduk and all other clubs. At this point, the audience's interest in the match is what thrills me. The interest is such that we would sell out three Poljud stadiums!”
And what happens when the game against Hungary ends?
“Talks with Hajduk on all outstanding issues are continuing, the story remains, and the team will come to Split again. We want this to become the rule so I can say that we will see you in Split in the next qualification cycle. We will not stop now. We will continue to play all over Croatia, and we will be at Poljud again.”
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Poljud Sells Out in Day and a Half for Croatia's Euro Qualifier Against Hungary
September 25, 2019 - The Croatia national team will return to Split next month for the first time since 2015 - and based on the number of tickets sold in just over 24 hours, it's not hard to see just how eager Croatian football fans are to see the 2018 World Cup finalists in action at Poljud stadium.
Croatia and Hungary will play one of the decisive matches for the 2020 European Championships on 10 October at Poljud stadium in Split, which will be played in front fo 34,000 fans.
Namely, more than 30,000 tickets were sold on Tuesday after they went on sale at noon, while the remaining 3,977 tickets were snagged by Wednesday afternoon. Index.hr reports that the famous Split stadium is now officially sold out.
The first sections to sell out at Poljud were the East and West, and on the second day of ticket sales, the only section with tickets available was the North.
The last time Croatia played a match at a Poljud stadium in front of fans was in a friendly against Switzerland in 2012.
After four and a half years and the infamous swastika incident against Italy, the Croatia national team finally returns to Poljud. Split will host Croatia and Hungary in one of the key European Championship qualifying matches of Group E.
Tickets were initially available for a lower presale price until October 6, costing 250 kuna for the West, 200 for the East, and 125 for the North.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Ticket Sales Begin for Croatia's Euro Qualifier Against Hungary at Poljud
September 24, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet for their next Euro 2020 qualifier at Poljud stadium in Split.
24 Sata reports that ticket sales for Croatia's long-awaited match against Hungary at Poljud begin on Tuesday at the Spaladium Arena and online, and interest is high. Recall, the Croatia national team hasn’t played in Split since 2015.
A few hours before tickets went on sale for the crucial Euro 2020 qualifier between the national teams of Croatia and Hungary on October 10,a line in front of the box office at Spaladium Arena was formed, which was monitored by police.
After four and a half years, the Croatia national team returns to Split after lengthy negotiations between the City of Split, Hajduk and the Croatian Football Federation (HNS). Hajduk tacitly approved the arrival of the national team, but withdrew from partaking in the organization of the match.
Ticket presales begin on Tuesday at 12 pm at the Spaladium Arena box office (weekdays 12 pm to 6 pm) and online. The presale runs until October 6.
Tickets for the north stands cost 100 kuna, while it is 150 kuna to sit in the east and 200 kuna for the west. After the presale ends, prices go up to 125, 200 and 250 kuna. Tickets for the game against Wales in Cardiff are also on sale for 260 kuna each.
The national team schedule for their week in Split is also known. Namely, the national team will gather on Monday, October 7, at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel. The team will hold their training before the match in Omis. The only activity at Poljud will be a training and press conference the day before the match.
The day after the game, the national team will hold their usual stretch at the hotel gym, and takeoff for Cardiff on a charter flight on Saturday, the day before the match against Wales.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Zlatko Dalic Announces Lineup for October Qualifiers, Rakitic Returns
September 23, 2019 - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has announced the list of players for the October qualifying matches against Hungary and Wales.
HNS reports that the 2018 World Cup finalists will gather on Monday, October 7 in Split to begin preparations for the games against Hungary and Wales as part of their qualifiers for the 2020 European Championship.
The meeting against Hungary is scheduled for Thursday, October 10 at Poljud stadium, after which the team will travel to Cardiff on Saturday for the game against Wales on Sunday, October 13.
Recall, Hungary defeated Croatia 2:1 in Budapest, while Croatia beat Wales in Osijek with the same result. Dalic’s squad welcomes the October qualifiers as the first-placed team in Group E, with one point ahead of Slovakia and Hungary and four ahead of Wales.
Zlatko Dalic opted for the following players in this national team action:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo), Lovre Kalinić (Aston Villa), Simon Sluga (Luton Town)
Defenders: Domagoj Vida (Bešiktaš), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Tin Jedvaj (Augsburg), Borna Barišić (Rangers), Matej Mitrović (Club Brugge), Dario Melnjak (Rizespor), Mile Škorić (Osijek), Karlo Bartolec (Kobenhavn)
Midfielders: Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona), Mateo Kovačić (Chelsea), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marcelo Brozović (Inter), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (CSKA Moskva)
Attackers: Ivan Perišić (Bayern), Ante Rebić (Milan), Bruno Petković (Dinamo), Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg), Mislav Oršić (Dinamo)
Call-ups: Marko Rog (Cagliari), Dino Perić (Dinamo), Filip Bradarić (Hajduk), Mijo Caktaš (Hajduk)
????
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) September 23, 2019
?????????
? #Croatia squad for the upcoming #EURO2020 qualifiers against @MLSZhivatalos and @Cymru ?#BeProud #Family #Vatreni pic.twitter.com/AEgU81FYav
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Dino Skender No Longer Coach of NK Osijek
The defeat to Lokomotiva has ruled the fate of the now-former coach of Osijek, Dino Skender.
Gol.hr reports that Dino Skender is no longer the coach of NK Osijek! The news was announced by Osijek club president Ivan Meštrović via the club's YouTube channel on Saturday.
"I, as president, have to make moves that are sometimes popular, sometimes less popular. In my discussion with him, he actually initiated the fact that he would no longer be the coach of the Osijek first team,” said the president of the club.
"Weird energy started to swirl in and around the club. This year we played 11 games, we outplayed our opponent both statistically and impressively, but unfortunately, the result in the championship does not indicate that,” said Mestrovic.
Osijek has played nine games in the Croatia First League and two in Europe, and has only recorded four wins in those matches. In the second round of the Europa League qualifiers, in the return match, CSKA Sofia went further after a better penalty shootout.
What particularly disturbed Mestrovic is the club's unfortunate scoring effect in the Croatian championship. Namely, Osijek has 13 points after nine rounds (with five games played at home and four away), with only three victories, the last of which was achieved almost a month ago.
Next week, the name of Skender's successor will be known, and in the next seven days, Osijek will have two exams - Tuesday, as part of the first round of the Croatian Cup when they will visit Vuteks Sloga in Vukovar, and next Saturday in the Croatian Championship against Slaven Belupo in Koprivnica.
This news comes after another shock in the Croatian First League on Saturday after Dinamo Zagreb lost to Varazdin - a team that has spent most of their time in the last place and was promoted from the Second League this season.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
VAR Technology to Premiere in Croatia During Junior Croatian First League Match
After months of training, the VAR football technology will be used for the first time in Croatia on September 22, 2019.
Namely, the Croatian Football Federation announced at the end of 2018 that it would begin the training of assistant video referees and prepare for the introduction of VAR technology into Croatian football. After the extensive training of referees, VAR technology is finally ready to premiere at an official match, announced HNS on Friday.
Ante Kulušić, HNS Vice-President, President of the Football Refereeing Commission, and project leader for the introduction of VAR technology in Croatia, announced that the VAR technology would premiere at the Junior Croatian First League game between Rudeš and Hajduk. The match will be played on September 22 at Kranjčevićeva Street Stadium, starting at 11 am.
With this match, Croatia will open the final phase of training referees for the introduction of VAR technology, according to the schedule prescribed by FIFA and IFAB. Referees began training for VAR technology in January 2019, with plans that by the end of the autumn part of the current season, all referees who have reached the final stage of the education will meet the required conditions, so that they can begin using the VAR technology in the spring part of the season in matches of the Croatian First League.
The match between the juniors of Rudeš and Hajduk will be refereed by Ivan Bebek, with assistant referees Ivica Modrić and Igor Križarić and fourth official Fran Jović. The role of the Assistant Video Referee (VAR) will be performed by Goran Gabrilo, and his Assistant (AVAR) will be Miro Grgić.
The VAR technology project was funded by the FIFA program Forward.
The VAR is system/concept reviews decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and a headset for communication. The 2018 World Cup was the first tournament to use VAR at all matches and in all venues.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow. TCN’s dedicated page.
City of Split and HNS Meet: Details Revealed
September 19, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud Stadium next month for a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier. The City of Split and HNS sat down at Poljud on Wednesday to discuss the details.
Slobodna Dalmacija and Gol.hr report that a five-hour marathon meeting was held on Wednesday at Poljud on the topic of the upcoming Croatia-Hungary match, which will be played on Thursday 10 October. The media learned at 3 pm on Wednesday that everything is going according to plan, and that they are moving to the City Administration where they will finalize the contract they had not yet signed.
Just after 10 am, executive chairman Marijan Kustic arrived at the head of a large HNS delegation, including Vlado Iveta, Niksa Martinac, Zoran Cvrk, and female representatives and match managers Helena Pushkar and Antonia Burazer, who runs the VIP.
“What are the points in the contract? The organization of the match, the items that HNS is taking over, that is what we spoke about. There is no controversy, but there are a lot of details, a lot of points, so everything took five hours,” Kustic said pleased after the meeting.
Is Hajduk still not participating in the organization of the match?
“I’d be the happiest if they chose to participate. But, we are negotiating with the City and signing a contract with them,” Kustic added.
Split Mayor of Andro Krustolovic Opara was only at the beginning of the meeting to welcome the HNS delegation to Poljud, before hurrying back to the City Administration. Thus, the details were agreed by Mate Omazic and Domagoj Maroevic, and Kustic was to join Opara at the City Administration later.
"It is important that the people and services work and cooperate and look for the best model for this to be a win-win situation," said Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara. Recall, Dalmatinski Portal reported that the message ‘Opara liar - choose a side' welcomed the Split Mayor in front of Poljud Stadium on Wednesday.
While some might think the most important win would entail qualifying points, the victories the mayor speaks of is normalizing relationships in Croatian football - and with Hajduk specifically.
"I want both Hajduk and HNS to come to the situation they announced two months ago, and I believe we are on the right track," Opara added.
"The items that HNS itself is taking over are in regards to the organization, and they are taking over some of the things that we have discussed. But in the end, we agreed on everything," he said.
Thus, the return of the Croatia national team and 2018 World Cup finalists to Poljud in Split goes its course. Tickets will be on sale from Monday and run between 100 to 250 kuna. In responding to media reports, Kustic does not believe that ticket prices are unusually high (up to 250 kuna on the day of the match).
Recall, the match at Poljud on October 10 is the return of the national team to Split for the first time since 2015. The World Cup finalists last played at Poljud in 2015 against Italy behind closed doors. Before that, they met Georgia in 2011. Both matches were played as qualifiers for the European Championships, in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
Croatia is on the verge of qualifying for the Euro once again, and every four years the national team seems to arrive back in Split.
This will be the 13th ever match played in Split, at Poljud Stadium, since Croatia gained independence.
The meeting on Wednesday was the second of such a gathering at Poljud.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
City of Split and HNS Meet at Poljud to Discuss Upcoming Euro 2020 Qualifier
September 18, 2019 - The City of Split and the Croatian Football Federation met at Poljud Stadium on Wednesday to discuss the technical details of organizing the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifier between Croatia and Hungary.
Slobodna Dalmacija writes that the Croatian Football Federation and the City of Split should take a new step towards hosting the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifier between the national teams of Croatia and Hungary, which will be played on October 10 at Poljud. The meeting likely focused on the organization of the match.
It is necessary to emphasize that Hajduk is not involved in the organization of this match, that is, until HNS has shown serious signs towards normalizing their relationship. Recall, Hajduk previously presented their seven requirements to the umbrella football organization, which they expected to be fulfilled as a prerequisite for eventually becoming involved in the organization of this European qualifier.
Certain processes have been initiated, like the meeting in Dugopolje recently been held with HNS and the County Federation, but the results are nowhere near tangible. Thus, Hajduk will continue to hold off from jumping in on the organization of the national team match, which is here in just three weeks.
At 10:15 am Wednesday morning, an HNS delegation led by executive president Marijan Kustic and Zoran Cvrk arrived at Poljud. The representatives of the City of Split, led by Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara, followed.
What we know thus far is that the main topic of the meeting would be to harmonize the technical details. However, some Croatian media unofficially reported that no contract had yet been signed to play the match between Croatia and Hungary at Poljud. This formality was expected on Wednesday or in the coming days.
While we await the details from the meeting, Dalmatinski Portal reported that the message ‘Opara liar - choose a side' welcomed the Split Mayor in front of Poljud Stadium on Wednesday.
Dalmatinski Portal / N.M.
Recall that Croatia and Hungary will plat at Poljud on October 10, which is the return of the national team to Split for the first time since 2015. The World Cup finalists last played at Poljud in 2015 against Italy behind closed doors. Before that, they met Georgia in 2011. Both matches were played as qualifiers for the European Championships, in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
Croatia is on the verge of qualifying for the Euro once again, and every four years the national team seems to arrive back in Split.
This will be the 13th ever match played in Split, at Poljud Stadium, since Croatia gained independence.
The meeting on Wednesday is the second of such a gathering at Poljud.
More details soon.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
HNL Round 8 Recap: Rijeka and Hajduk Draw at Rujevica, Dinamo in 2nd
September 16, 2019 - After an international break, the 8th round of the Croatian First League was held from September 13 to 15, 2019. The highlight of this round was the Adriatic Derby between Rijeka and Hajduk.
Dinamo v. Istria 1961 (1:0)
Dinamo and Istria met on Friday, September 13, 2019, to open the 8th round at Maksimir stadium in front of 2,700 spectators.
The first half went without goals, though Gavranovic gave Dinamo the lead, and ultimately the win, after scoring in the 53rd minute for 1:0.
Dinamo is currently in 2nd place with 16 points, while Istria is in 7th with 8.
Inter Zapresic v. Slaven Belupo (3:1)
Inter and Belupo met on Saturday, September 14, 2019, in Zapresic.
All of the action in the game came in the second half after Serderov scored for the Inter lead in the 47th minute. Nowak equalized for Belupo just two minutes later for 1:1.
Inter was unable to score again until the last minutes of the game, when Mlinar scored in the 87th for 2:1, and Mamut in the 3rd minute of added time for the final score of 3:1.
Inter is currently in 9th place with 6 points, while Belupo is in 8th with 7.
Gorica v. Lokomotiva (0:0)
Gorica and Lokomitiva met on Saturday, September 14, 2019, in Velika Gorica.
Since neither team was able to score, the game ended 0:0. Brazilian Sammir, former Dinamo player and once a member of the Croatia national team, made his debut back on Croatian soil, this time for Lokomotiva, entering the game for Tolic in the 66th minute.
Gorica is currently in 5th place with 12 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 11.
Osijek v. Varazdin (2:2)
Osijek and Varazdin met at City Garden Stadium on Sunday, September 15, 2019.
Osijek was already up by two goals at the half thanks to Maric (’26) and Silva (’42). What seemed like a sure victory for Osijek was crushed after Varazdin managed two goals to equalize in the final minutes of the game - Djurasek scored in the 89th for 2:1, and Lisakovich in the second minute of added time for 2:2.
Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 13 points, while Varazdin is in the last place with 4.
Rijeka v. Hajduk (1:1)
The Adriatic Derby between Rijeka and Hajduk closed out the 8th round on Sunday, September 15, 2019, at a nearly sold out Rujevica stadium.
Rijeka was the first to score in the 31st minute for 1:0 at the half, though Hajduk’s young blood Teklic scored the equalizer in the 78th minute for 1:1, which was the final score of the game. This derby was also unique as it featured the return of Filip Bradaric and Franko Andrijasevic. Recall, both players were brought up in the Hajduk academy and played for Hajduk's first team, before playing together at Rijeka when they won the 2016/2017 season.
Hajduk remains in first place with 16 points, while Rijeka is in 4th place with 12 points.
You can see the full HNL table here.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Croatia U-19 Futsal Team Makes it to Euro Final!
September 12, 2019 - Croatia celebrated against Portugal in the Under-19 Euro championship semifinal on Thursday for a spot in the final on Saturday!
Gol.hr reports that the Croatia futsal team made it to the final of the premier Under-19 European Championship in Latvia after topping Portugal in the semifinal with a result of 5:4 in penalties.
Marinko Mavrovic’s side will play in the final against Spain on Saturday.
Croatia celebrated against Portugal after coming back twice from behind - first in the final moments of the match and then extra time.
Portugal led with a goal by Celio in the 30th minute. Although Portugal had their chances for a second goal, Croatia did not give up on the hunt for the equalizer, and with a man up, Josip Jurlina scored for 1:1 two seconds before the final whistle.
Portugal gained a new advantage in the last minute of the first half of extra time when Rodrigues crossed from the sideline and Chuva scored from close range to make it 2:1. Croatia equalized thanks to Fran Vukelic's goal two minutes before the end of the second half.
The winner was then decided in penalties, and in the third, final round, Croatian goalkeeper Nikola Cizmic defended Neves' attempt. Jurlina then scored for the great success of the young Croatia side.
?????? @HNS_CFF?? ?????? #U19Futsal pic.twitter.com/hwazQqld55
— UEFA Futsal (@UEFAFutsal) September 12, 2019
Croatia reached the semi-final in Riga with victories over the Netherlands and Ukraine, after an initial defeat against Spain, while Portugal won Group A with all three victories, against Latvia, Poland, and Russia.
Equalise with 2 seconds left✔
— UEFA Futsal (@UEFAFutsal) September 12, 2019
Score winning penalty✔
What a day for Josip Jurlina in @HNS_CFF's #U19Futsal EURO semi-final win??????? pic.twitter.com/yNZZ9ptH2P
Spain and Poland met in the second semifinal, which Spain won 3:1. Croatia and Spain will meet in the final, scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 20:00.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
