Wednesday, 5 August 2020

VIDEO: Rijeka Fans Light Up Krk Bridge with 222 Flares for Operation Storm

August 5, 2020 - 222 defenders were killed in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County during the Croatian War of Independence. 222 torches are traditionally burned in their honor on Krk Bridge to commemorate Operation Storm.

Operation Storm, a strategic victory in which the Croatian Army liberated Croatia, began on this day in 1995. It is considered the most important military offensive of the Croatian War of Independence. 

Index.hr reports that during the Croatian War of Independence, from 1991 to 1995, 222 defenders were killed in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and 222 torches are burned in their honor on the Krk Bridge. The traditional torchlight procession has been organized since 2017 by the NK Rijeka fan group 'Armada', the 'Vavik Vjerna Kirija' fan association from Crikvenica and members of the 'Blue and White Island' fan association from the island of Krk.

Take a look at the scenes from the Krk Bridge below.

"There is no surrender! Honoring the dead does not allow a delay, not for anything, let alone for the rain!" pointed out the Armada fan group, answering the question if the adverse weather on Tuesday would disrupt the torchlight procession on the Krk Bridge, by which fans pay tribute to the fallen veterans from Primorje-Gorski Kotar County that gave their lives for an independent Croatia.

"On this day in 1995, the victorious Storm started. How would it be if the operation was postponed because very high temperatures were announced, if they delayed the action for a more pleasant situation? We cannot retreat, there will be 222 torches for the heroes from Primorje-Gorski Kotar County whose lives were lost for our freedom in the Homeland War.

Several inquiries arrived in the last few hours about whether the traditional Armada torchlight procession would take place. The reason for concern can be seen with the naked eye, just by looking out the window and the announcement of more torrential rain over Rijeka, including in the area of Kraljevica during the torchlight procession. Delaying this is out of the question and there is no surrender. Get dressed and go to Kraljevica, Oštar, Voz, Črinjševa," said the members of the Armada before the torchlight procession.

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Monday, 23 September 2019

Igor Biscan Resigns as Rijeka Coach, Cites Lack of Support and Poor Conditions

September 23, 2019 - After Dino Skender was sacked as the Osijek coach on Saturday, Rijeka coach Igor Biscan handed in his resignation. 

Index.hr reports that Biscan resigned at a press conference after defeating Istria in Pula (3:0). Rijeka registered their first victory after 50 days, but that did not affect the decision made by Bišcan before the game. Damir Miskovic already had a solution on Sunday morning.

Biscan cited that he was dissatisfied with the club atmosphere and limited staff. Rijeka officially confirmed the news as soon as the match in Pula ended.

After the victory, Biscan shunned the cameras and asked his assistant Anto Tomic to take the television interviews and comment on the match live from the stadium. Tomic knew that Biscan was going to hold his final press conference as the coach of Rijeka.

In a brief address to the press, Biscan said he was leaving disappointed with the working conditions at the club and the situation around the club.

"I will talk about the match very briefly. The way my players played today is the best indicator of how much truth there is in the headlines that we turned our backs on each other. As you know, this is my last match on the Rijeka bench. I am tired of working in conditions that are not ideal; they are nowhere near that. Nonetheless, we were able to produce great results in conditions that were not great. Times have changed,” Igor Biscan said in his introduction, and openly said that he had a hard time dealing with the boycott of Rijeka fans from day one and cared very much about the club.

This was clearly evident in his work and dedication in Rijeka, where, despite the turbulence, he revitalized an average team and proved to be an excellent coach. Even so, Biscan was increasingly nervous and repeatedly said at press conferences that poor results are the result of lack of quality in the team, but that players have no reason to complain.

Bišćan thanked his players and associates.

"From the beginning, I did not have the support of the general public here. As I said before, it's a different time. Rijeka used to be able to buy a left back for one game, and now this is no longer possible. I decided I had to stop. I thank everyone for their support, Damir Mišković for his trust, and the biggest thanks go to my staff and players. I wish Rijeka good luck and hope they find someone who will care about the club as much as I did,” Igor Biscan concluded and left the press conference.

The reporters did not have the opportunity to ask Biscan additional questions.

The boss of Rijeka has already hired a new coach, and according to unofficial information, the club is being taken over by Simon Rozman, a 36-year-old Slovenian with whom the club has been in contact since Matjaz Kek's departure.

Miskovic saw a long-term solution in Biscan, but their cooperation didn't last a year. On Monday morning, Index.hr learned that the new coach is already on the way to Rijeka. Rozman is otherwise a great favorite of Matjaz Kek, who wanted him as part of his staff in Rijeka.

Rozman has led Celje and Domzale in his coaching career. He left Domzale 18 days ago.

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

Thursday, 29 August 2019

Europa League Play-offs: NK Rijeka Unlucky Against Gent, Fails to Make Group Stage

August 29, 2019 - Gent eliminated NK Rijeka at Rujevica Stadium on Thursday with a 3:2 aggregate, thus moving into the group stage of the Europa League.

Rijeka failed to advance to the group stage of the Europa League this season, reports Gol.hr.

After playing 1:1 against Belgian club Gent in the return match of the play-off round in Rujevica, they failed to come back from the 1:2 loss in Belgium in the first game a week ago. Rijeka led thanks to a goal by Puljić in the 32nd minute, but only two minutes later, Plastun equalized.

After half an hour of careful play on both sides, Rijeka came to a 1:0 advantage when Acosty found Puljić in the box, who shot from seven meters out into the back of the net. 

Unfortunately, Gent equalized immediately in the next attack. The ball came into Rijeka's penalty area and fell in front of Plastun, who, like Puljić, scored from seven meters out. 

In the rest of the match, Rijeka created several chances, but failed to score which would have taken the duel to an additional 30 minutes

Rijeka has thus ended their Europa League campaign this season. The club has failed to qualify for the Europa League group stage for the fourth time in six years

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

Thursday, 22 August 2019

Europa League Play-offs: Gent Tops NK Rijeka 2:1 in First Leg

August 22, 2019 - Gent topped NK Rijeka 2:1 in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round in Belgium. 

In the first match of the Europa League play-offs, NK Rijeka was unlucky against Belgian club Gent, losing 2:1 away for a 1:0 aggregate, reports HRT.

Rijeka took the lead in the 40th minute thanks to a goal by Tibor Halilović, though, in the second half, Gent’s Laurent Depoitre managed a turnaround for the Belgian club with two goals in the 57th and 71st minute. 

Rijeka came to Gent with a clear goal - to achieve a result that gives them a chance to advance to the Europa League group stage. They let Gent keep possession of the ball, played disciplined, and all attempts by the Belgian club to threaten Rijeka's goal in the first half were unfruitful. 

The hosts had their only opportunity in the 36th minute after an error by Acosty.

Rijeka led in the 40th minute after Tibor Halilović played Čolak in the penalty area, though his back was to the goal. However, Čolak managed to lay off the ball to Halilović who shot from 10 meters out to give Rijeka the lead. 

At the start of the second half, Gent put even more pressure on the Rijeka defense. After two unsuccessful headers, Gent equalized in the 57th minute. Yaremchuk made his way through the left side and crossed into the penalty area where Laurent Depoitre scored for 1:1.

Gent's pressure once again produced a goal in the 71st minute thanks to a Depoitre header for 2:1.

The home side had their last chance at the 80th minute, though Yaremchuk's header went over the crossbar.

The return game in Rijeka will be played in one week. 

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

Thursday, 15 August 2019

Europa League Qualifiers: NK Rijeka Tops Aberdeen, Secures Playoff Round

August 15, 2019 - NK Rijeka and Aberdeen met in the return match of the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday evening in Scotland. 

It was not difficult for Rijeka to top Aberdeen once again in the return game of the third round of the Europa League qualifiers. The Croatian club celebrated 2:0 at Pittodrie Stadium, achieving a 4:0 aggregate over the Scottish club, reports Gol.hr.

Thus, Rijeka has secured the Europa League playoff round where they will play Ghent, who defeated AEK Larnaca from Cyprus. Rijeka and Ghent will meet on August 22 in Belgium, followed by the return match in Rijeka on August 29. 

Igor Bišćan's team had a much easier job than they expected in the qualifiers. After neutralizing the hosts' initial aggression, they took the lead in the 10th minute after Aberdeen lost the ball and Rijeka went on the attack. Zoran Kvržić found the foot of Stjepan Lončar who put the ball in the back of the net for 1:0. At this point in the game, Aberdeen had to score four goals to move forward. 

Aberdeen showed their nervousness and lost concentration, which resulted in a double yellow for Funso Ojo in the 20th minute. Aberdeen played the rest of the match with a man down. 

All hope was lost for the Scottish side, which was further confirmed after Rijeka increased their lead in the 32nd minute thanks to a combination between Maxwell Acosty, Zoran Kvržić and Mirko Čolak. 

Until the end of the first half, Rijeka routinely controlled the course of events, preventing Aberdeen from seriously threatening their goal. 

The second half was no different. Aberdeen pressured in the opening minutes of the second half, though Rijeka held their own and managed to go through the qualifiers without conceding a goal. 

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

Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Life After Kek: Rijeka Confirms New Coach, Armada Fan Group Protests

Matjaž Kek parted ways with Rijeka after losing to Gorica over the weekend. 

Monday, 8 October 2018

HNL Round 10 Recap: Rijeka and Hajduk Continue to Fall, Osijek Approaching Dinamo

The 10th round of the Croatian First League was played from October 5 to 7, 2018. 

Saturday, 19 May 2018

Rijeka Celebrates Over Hajduk, Secures Second Place in Croatian First League

After Dinamo came in first in the Croatian First League, Rijeka has now secured second while Hajduk has placed third. 

Saturday, 31 March 2018

Poljud North Stands Sold Out, 100km Jugo Winds: Hajduk Hopes for First Home Win Over Rijeka Since 2011

The highly anticipated Adriatic Derby between Hajduk and Rijeka will be played at Poljud on March 31, 2018, from 17:00.

Sunday, 25 February 2018

Rijeka vs Dinamo Match Postponed, Matchday Food Donated to Homeless

The fans weren't happy to see the match cancelled last minute, but some good came out of today's postponement after all

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