May 13, 2021 – OPG Čudesna šuma: How an unexpected turn of events helped world-renowned photographer Mario Romulić realise his lifelong dream.

War and genocide and the aftermath. Famine. Disease. Death. In a former life, harrowing images filled the lens of internationally renowned photographer Mario Romulić. But thankfully, we're now far from such scenes.

In fact, at OPG Čudesna šuma - Mario Romulić's home and family farm - we're pretty much far from everything. One other eco-farm is his only neighbour. Well, unless you count the llamas the Romulić family keep out back. Occasionally, through the rich green of surrounding trees, you see birds flying above the branches. Probably they're toing and froing from Kopački rit. The nearby Nature Park is less than a kilometre from OPG Čudesna šuma. Famously, the wetlands are home to over 250 species of birds. They are also the reason why Mario Romulić is here.

Kopački rit Nature Park © Kopački rit Nature Park.

“Back then, I was very occupied with Kopački rit,” remembers Mario of the time, 21 years ago, when he moved to what is now OPG Čudesna šuma. “I was working as a cameraman for people like Reuters, all over the world. The assignments would last 7-10 days and I'd be in places like Afghanistan, Rwanda, Congo, Liberia, Bosnia. It was often quite dangerous. For the next 20 days, I would spend a lot of time in Kopački rit, trying to calm my nerves. It was something like a cure after seeing all these horrible scenes. Eventually, instead of travelling every day from my home in Osijek to Kopački rit, I decided to try and find something close by. And this is what I found.”

Just as this beautiful, natural landscape in Bilje, Baranja once served as a peaceful getaway for Mario Romulić, his OPG Čudesna šuma today does the same for others. Because, after dreaming for two decades of turning this blissful plot and homestead into a forest farm and eco-village, Mario Romulić is finally turning that vision into a reality.

The impossibly pretty OPG Čudesna near Kopački rit Nature Park, Bilje Municipality, Baranja © OPG Čudesna šuma.

“Because of my job - first, travelling all around the world, then travelling Croatia - I did not even have much time to think about it, let alone do it,” says Mario. “But, then Corona came. Finally, I found myself at home. At last, I had time to work on my dream.”

OPG Čudesna šuma in the Month of Baranja Cooking (Mjesec baranjske kuhinje)

A group of 30 or so are Mario's guests today at OPG Čudesna šuma. They're here for a presentation of speciality cooking. It's the grand finale of the Month of Baranja Cooking (Mjesec baranjske kuhinje).

Over previous weeks, OPGs from all across the region have welcomed guests to try goulash, soups, stews, perklet and other traditional foods of the area. While visiting, they've been embraced by the beautiful landscape of Baranja. Not only have they discovered how this delightful, distinct cuisine tastes, but also they've learned exactly how it's prepared. However, they've evidently saved the best for last. On the menu today, river fish inventively cooked, accompanied by a riotous rainbow of seasonal vegetables.

Seasonal vegetables of Baranja in springtime at the Month of Baranja Cooking (Mjesec baranjske kuhinje) © OPG Čudesna šuma.

It's a beautifully sunny day, right at the start of May. It depends on your preference, but looking across this happy vista in the glorious sunshine, it's difficult to imagine this not being the perfect time to be in Baranja. Young children are raised to chest height by their parents so they can meet Mario's free-roaming llamas face-to-face. The children's faces flit between surprise, curiosity and delight. The llamas return their stare. They're used to welcoming new guests.

Meeting the Romulić family llamas at OPG Čudesna šuma © Turistička zajednica Općine Bilje - Kopački rit.

Partially shaded by trees, the smiling adult guests sit casually on wooden benches around a central, outdoor cooking area. Several open fires display a range of traditional cooking methods. Steam rises from a cast-iron stove suspended over one. Beneath the vapours, you can make out the dish is fish paprikash. It's unmistakable because of the deeply red coloured bubbles, a result of generous amounts of paprika.

Guests enjoy a warm springtime day at OPG Čudesna šuma during the Month of Baranja Cooking (Mjesec baranjske kuhinje), as fish paprikas cooks over an open fire © OPG Čudesna šuma.

A huge bag of this paprika sits propped up, close by. It's from another organic OPG, just a kilometre or so from here. The colour is vivid, impossibly red, unrecognisable from anything store-bought. At the next fire, pike impaled on wooden sticks are placed far enough from the flickering flames so they cook slowly and do not burn.

Pike impaled on sticks, cooking by an open fire at OPG Čudesna šuma @ Marc Rowlands.

In the outdoor kitchen, Mario Romulić's co-chefs prepare an unending supply of fish dishes and vegetables. Carp, catfish, trout, bream. There's a bounty of fresh asparagus. It's that time of year. With the restraint of experience, they've cooked it perfectly. After the crunch of the bite, the flavour explodes. They're seasoned simply – delicious olive oil and sea salt.

Seasonal asparagus, perfectly cooked, served with smoked river fish © Marc Rowlands.

A group of peers – accomplished chefs from Osijek-Baranja restaurants – peak over the shoulders of Romulić's co-chefs. They're admiring the inventive techniques employed. Although, being chefs, they can't help themselves. They end up briefly forgetting their families in order to help out.

Mario Romulić, the host with the most

Mario Romulić © Turistička zajednica Općine Bilje - Kopački rit.

After all the guests arrive, Mario Romulić holds court. Cheerily he welcomes us all to OPG Čudesna šuma and the event. Without question, the success of rural, village tourism depends on the personalities of the hosts. It's no good plonking a group of visitors in a pretty place and throwing some food in front of them. We've all seen trees, grass and food before. Rural tourism is not just about the place, it's about the experience, the ambience. And, especially, it's about the people.

Hands down, the OPGs of Slavonia and Baranja are the best in Croatia at this. The folks here are famous for their friendliness, warm welcome and big personalities. And, Mario Romulić has one of the biggest of them all.

In the research for this reportage, looking back at archive pictures of Mario Romulić is startling. During his years spent as an international photographer, he himself has been photographed many times – on assignment in distant countries, at the opening of exhibitions that have showcased his celebrated work. In most, there's an intensity to his stare. It's sometimes difficult to look at. He looks like a man who has tales you never want to hear, like a man who has seen too much.

(L- R) OPG Čudesna šuma co-chef at the event Mihael Tomić, renowned Osijek chef Ivan Đukić currently of Osijek's Lipov Hlad and a happy Mario Romulić © Turistička zajednica Općine Bilje - Kopački rit.

By comparison, the Mario Romulić that welcomes us at OPG Čudesna šuma today is unrecognisable. Sure, there's a little more grey to his long hair and beard but, otherwise, he looks incredibly healthy and happy. The intense stare is gone, replaced by a warm, wide smile that shows across his entire face. Even in early May, he has a darkened skin tone, the telltale signs of a man who spends much of the day outdoors. Romulić's enthusiasm for his guests and the event is palpable. After his sincere welcome, this enthusiasm is immediately transferred to each of his guests.

Mrs Romulić ensures everyone's glass is overflowing with wine or juice. One of Mario's teenage sons helps out with the food, while the other is taking photographs of the event. Well, someone has to do the photography now that dad wants to be a chef and host! Mario himself is engulfed in smoke. Among the other duties he's assumed today, Mario is tending a smoker. Without a doubt, this is the most revelatory cooking method we meet today.

Mario Romulić tends to smoked river fish, a revelatory gastronomic experience at OPG Čudesna šuma © Marc Rowlands.

Smoked fish of Slavonia and Baranja at OPG Čudesna šuma

An American-style smoker, loaded with river fish. TOP TIP: A great way to stop fish sticking to the grill of your barbecue or smoker is to place them on top of a layer of lemon slices © OPG Čudesna šuma.

“We do have smoked fish here, but not in this way,” he says. “This is more like an American grill. I never heard of anyone trying Baranja cooking like this. Actually, I never heard of anyone nearby who has a smoker like this. The first time I tried stuka (pike) in the smoker, that was unbelievable. It's incomparable, really special.”

Exquisite presentation of river fish by the enthusiastic team of OPG Čudesna šuma © Turistička zajednica Općine Bilje - Kopački rit.

“In Slavonia and Baranja, there are just a few ways we usually cook our river fish - carp on sticks, fish paprikash, perklet and fried fish. So, we tried something new, to expand the palette. For instance, almost nobody eats Babuška (a type of carp). They feed it instead to their pigs. It costs 5 kuna a kilo! But, if you cook it in this completely natural way, it's delicious.”

More river fish, cooked by the team of OPG Čudesna šuma © Turistička zajednica Općine Bilje - Kopački rit.

He's not wrong. Today's mountain of different smoked fish is the talk on most of the adult lips. The rich flavours surprise. Compliments and returns for second helpings ensue. Mario stands to one side, happily watching as his smoked fish secret escapes. In the future, he plans similar events based on other regional foods - Black Slavonian pig, wild meats like deer or boar. Eventually, in the seven hectares of land he owns here, he would like to expand OPG Čudesna šuma as an eco-village, with beds for visitors, a natural swimming pool and then surround it with a food forest. Big plans. It looks as though the camera may stay more permanently in the hands of his son. Because it's difficult to imagine Mario Romulić leaving his happy place and the realisation of his long-held dream.

Mario Romulić in his happy place, with a friend © OPG Čudesna šuma.

Both the author and Total Croatia News would like to thank the following for their invaluable help in creating this article: Ivana Jurić and the Tourist Board of Osijek-Baranja County, OPG Čudesna šuma, Mario Romulić and family, Renata Forjan and Turistička zajednica Općine Bilje - Kopački rit and Domagoj Butković of expert travel guides to Slavonia and Baranja, Kulen travel.

May 13, 2021 - The 34th round of the Croatian First League was held on May 11 and 12, 2021. In this round, Hajduk shocks Gorica at Poljud with a 4:0 victory while Osiejk topped Sibenik 3:0 at home. A look at our HNL round 34 recap. 

Istra 1961 v. Lokomotiva (1:1)

Istra and Lokomotiva opened the 34th round on Tuesday, May 10, 2021, in Pula. 

Pivaric scored a penalty in the 38th minute to put Lokomotiva in the lead before Gonzalez equalized for Istra just before the whistle for halftime (1:1). Neither team was able to score in the second half. 

Istra is currently in 10th place with 26 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th with 30. 

Osijek v. Sibenik (3:0)

Osijek and Sibenik met at City Garden Stadium on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. 

Osijek's Zaper scored from offside in the 28th minute to keep the match 0:0 at the half. Mierez missed a penalty in the 58th minute, but Santini finally got a goal in for Osijek in the 65th minute for 1:0. Mierez got his chance 8 minutes later when he scored for 2:0. Gyursco scored in the final minutes of added time for a final score of 3:0

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 71 points, while Sibenik is in 6th with 35. 

Slaven Belupo v. Rijeka (0:2)

Belupo and Rijeka met on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Koprivnica.

Andrijasevic put Rijeka in the lead just before the half with a goal in the 40th minute for 0:1. Drmic scored in the 69th minute for 0:2, which was the final score of the match. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 31 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 55. 

Dinamo v. Varazdin (2:2)

Dinamo and Varazdin met at Maksimir Stadium on Wedneday, My 12, 2021. 

Ivanusec scored an early goal for Dinamo to make it 1:0 in the 9th minute, but Elezi equalized in the 34th for 1:1. Peric put Dinamo back in the led for 2:1 at the half. Herrera equalized for Varazdin in the 59th minute for the final 2:2 result. 

Dinamo has already clinched the Croatian Championship title and sits in 1st place with 79 points, while Varazdin is in 9th with 28. 

Hajduk v. Gorica (4:0)

Hajduk and Gorica closed out the 34th round on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

Hajduk's first goal was thanks to a steller free-kick by Mario Vuskovic for 1:0 in the 14th minute. Kacaniklic made it 2:0 after a brilliant display by Hajduk wonderkid Duje Biuk. Only 7 minutes later, Marko Livaja scored a penalty to make it 3:0, and Biuk got his chance after humiliating the Gorica defense for 4:0 in the 39th minute. 

An own goal for Hajduk happened in the final seconds of the game, which was ultimately called offside by VAR. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with  54 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 59. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

ZAGREB, 11 May, 2021 - The 35 million kuna contract on the elaboration of a feasibility study for the construction of a new complex housing the hospital centre in Osijek was signed on Tuesday in that biggest eastern Croatian city.

The document on preparing the feasibility study was signed by Health Minister Vili Beroš, the Osijek Hospital Centre head, Željko Zubčić and the representative of the consortium of bidders. As many as 30 million kuna will be provided from European funds, whereas the health ministry will cover the remaining 5.2 million.

Regional Development and EU Funds minister, Nataša Tramišak, said at the contract-signing ceremony that the co-funding from the EU funds was ensured through the "Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem" project.

She said that the construction of the future hospital centre was estimated at two billion kuna, and the exact sum would be known after the Osijek hospital centre provided full information.

Zubčić said that the new hospital centre "is a greenfield investment", and would be built at a new location. He said that the new hospital complex "is a necessity for Osijek and Croatia's east.

The elaboration of the feasibility study is expected to take a year.

(€1 = HRK 7.5)

For more about health in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 10, 2021 - The 33rd round of the Croatian First League was held from May 7 to 9, 2021. In this round, Gorica topped Osijek, Hajduk was better than Varazdin, and Dinamo secured the Croatian championship title after defeating Rijeka at Rujevica. 

Lokomotiva v. Slaven Belupo (3:1)

Lokomotiva and Belupo opened the 33rd round on Friday, May 7, 2021, in Zagreb. 

Krstanovic scored the first goal of the match in the 9th minute for the Belupo lead. Simic scored an offside goal for Lokomotiva to keep Belupo in the lead, but Simic returned 4 minutes later to equalize for 1:1 (25'). Kacavenda made it 2:1 for Lokomotiva in the 65th minute, while a double yellow for Maric saw Lokomitva play with a man down from the 71st minute. 

Pivaric scored in the 90th for 3:1 final score. 

Lokomotiva is in 8th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 31. 

Sibenik v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Sibenik and Istra met on Friday, May 7, 2021, in Sibenik. 

The match's only goal came in the 48th minute when Sahiti scored for the Sibenik lead and eventual win. Bailone was sent off the pitch in the 73rd minute, forcing Sibenik to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 35 points, while Istra is in the last place with 25. 

Gorica v. Osijek (1:0)

Gorica and Osijek met in Velika Gorica on Friday, May 7, 2021. 

Jovicic scored the only goal of the match in the 48th minute. The game was nearly impossible to play due to adverse weather conditions. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 59 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 68. 

Varazdin v. Hajduk (0:1)

Varazdin and Hajduk met on Saturday, May 8, 2021, in Varazdin. 

The match's only goal came in the 89th minute when Livaja scored a penalty for the Hajduk win. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 27 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 51. 

Rijeka v. Dinamo (1:5)

Rijeka and Dinamo closed out the 33rd round on Sunday, May 9, 2021, at Rujevica. 

Menalo put Rijeka in the lead in the 1st minute of the game for 1:0. Dinamo's Gvardiol scored from offside in the 16th minute, but an own goal by Galovic saw Dinamo equalize for 1:1 in the 43rd. 

Misic put Dinamo ahead in the 48th minute, and another Rijeka own goal (Capan) made it 1:3 for Dinamo one minute later. Orsic scored in the 64th for 1:4, and yet another own goal in the final minutes by Vukcevic gave Dinamo the 1:5 victory. 

With this win, Dinamo became Croatian champions for the 22nd time, three rounds before the end of the championship. Rijeka sits in 4th place with 51 points. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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ZAGREB, 4 May, 2021 - About 10% of the total of 555 towns and municipalities in Croatia already know who their mayors will be over the next four years because they are sole candidates running in the 16 May local elections.

The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) can already claim victory in four towns and 44 municipalities, as shown by the data on mayoral nominations available on the Electoral Commission's website.

This was also noted by the HDZ leader, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, on Monday. "At this point the HDZ has already won in 48 local government units, which speaks of the strength of the HDZ candidates and the strength of the party," he said.

The ruling party has thus already secured mayoral posts in four towns - Pakrac, Skradin, Nin and Hrvatska Kostajnica. The majority of municipalities where the HDZ candidates are running unopposed are located in eastern Osijek-Baranja County.

In addition to the HDZ, some other parties have also already notched victories.

The Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) has sole candidates in two municipalities, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Croatian People's Party (HNS) each have one such candidate and candidates of the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS) will face no opposition in three municipalities.

In the southern municipality of Muć, the present long-serving mayor, who is running as an independent, is also the sole candidate.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 3, 2021 - The 32nd round of the Croatian First League was held from April 30 to May 2, 2021. In this round, Hajduk defeats Rijeka 3:2, keeping their hope alive for a Europa League spot next season, while Osijek fails to catch Dinamo after drawing to Varazdin. 

Lokomotiva v. Sibenik (1:0)

Lokomotiva and Sibenik opened the 32nd round in Zagreb on Friday, April 30, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, Juric's goal for Sibenik was called offside in the 49th minute to keep the game 0:0, though not for long, as Leskovic scored the winning goal for Lokomotiva in the 85th minute. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 9th place with 26 points, while Sibenik is in 6th with 32. 

Slaven Belupo v Dinamo (0:2)

Belupo and Dinamo met in Koprivnica on Saturday, May 1, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, Tolic scored in the 64th for 0:1 Dinamo, and Orsic sealed Dinamo's victory with a goal in the 86th for 0:2. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 31 points, while Dinamo is in first with 74. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (3:2)

Hajduk and Rijeka met on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Poljud stadium in the crucial fight for a Europa League spot. 

The young Biuk scored an early goal for Hajduk in the 14th minute for 1:0, though Drmic equalized in the 31st for 1:1 at the half. 

Stanko Juric (Stefulj own goal) put Hajduk back in the lead for 2:1 in the 45th, and Kacaniklic made it 3:1 two minutes later. Adrijasevic scored for 3:2 in the 65th. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 47 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 52. 

Istra 1961 v. Gorica (0:2)

Istra and Gorica met in Pula on Sunday, May 2, 2021. 

Spikic scored for Gorica in the 42nd minute to make it 0:1 at the half. Hujber was booked for his second yellow in the 79th minute, forcing Istra to play with a man down for the final 10 minutes. Mitrovic increased Gorica's lead in the 4th minute of added time (94'). 

Istra is currently in the last place with 25 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 56. 

Osijek v. Varadin (1:1)

Osijek and Varazdin closed out the 32nd round on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at City Garden Stadium. 

While the first half went without goals, Obregon put Varazdin in the lead in the 69th minute for 0:1. Mierez equalized for Osijek five minutes later for 1:1, which was the final score.

Slobodan Kadic

Mierez missed a penalty in the 9th minute of added time. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 68 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 27. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

April 22, 2021 - The 30th round of the Croatian First League was held mid-week on April 20 and 21, 2021. Osijek and Dinamo draw at City Garden Stadium in this round, while Sibenik and Gorica played 1:1, as did Belupo and Hajduk.

Sibenik v. Gorica (1:1)

Sibenik and Gorica opened the 30th round on Tuesday, April 30, 2021. 

Sahiti scored to put Sibenik in the lead in the 40th minute for 1:0 at the half. Lucumi was booked for his second yellow in the 87th minute, and a late goal by Delfi brought Gorica the equalizer one minute later for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 29 points, while Gorica is in 4th with 50. 

Slaven Belupo v. Hajduk (1:1) 

Belupo and Hajduk met on Tuesday, April 30, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Hajduk took the lead in the 10th minute when Dimitrov scored for 0:1. A red card for Todorovic forced Hajduk to play with a player less from the 60th minute, and Krstanovic scored for Belupo six minutes later. The match ended 1:1. 

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 31 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 44. 

Lokomotiva v. Varazdin (4:0)

Lokomotiva and Varazdin met on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Zagreb. 

Males scored Lokomotiva's first goal in the 3rd minute for the early lead. Papadopoulos increased Lokomotiva's lead to 2:0 in the 32nd minute. Two goals by Simic in the 84' and 86' minutes made it 4:0, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 10th place with 23 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 25. 

Istra 1961 v. Rijeka (1:2) 

Istra and Rijeka met in Pula on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

A goal by Muric made it 0:1 Rijeka in the 20th minute. Kulenovic made it 0:2 in the 36th. Istra's Galilea came back with one goal for Istra in the 44th minute but failed to equalize in the second half. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 24 points, while Rijeka has jumped to 3rd with 51. 

Osijek v. Dinamo (1:1)

Osijek and Dinamo met in the highly anticipated match for first place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at City Garden Stadium. 

Majer scored in the 5th minute to give Dinamo the early lead. Erceg equalized for Osijek in the 64th for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 66 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 68. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

April 19, 2021 - The 29th round of the Croatian First League was held from April 16 to 18, 2021. In this round, Belupo shocks Gorica at home, and Osijek tops Hajduk at Poljud. 

Varazdin v. Sibenik (1:1)

Varazdin and Sibenik opened the 29th round on Friday, April 16, 2021. 

Djurasek scored a goal in the 11th minute for an early Varazdin lead, which they maintained until the 75th minute when Sibenik's Juric scored a penalty to equalize 1:1. 

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 25 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 28. 

Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (0:1)

Gorica and Slaven Belupo met on Friday, April 16, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

The only goal of the match came in the 38th minute when Knoll scored for Belupo, which was the final score of the match. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 49 points, while Belupo is in 6th with 30. 

Hajduk v. Osijek (0:1)

Hajduk and Osijek met on Friday, April 16, 2021, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

While the first half went without goals, Mierez scored in the 48th minute to give Osijek the early lead in the second half. A second yellow for Fossati in the 85th hurt Hajduk's chances of getting the equalizing goal. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 43 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 65. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (3:0)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium. 

All of Rijeka's goals were scored in the first half - Muric in the 10 minute, Kulenovic two minutes later (12'), and Kulenovic again in the 31st. Lokomotiva was not able to come back from the first-half beating. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 48 points, while Lokomotiva is in the last place with 10. 

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Dinamo and Istra closed out the 29th round on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Maksimir Stadium. 

Petkovic scored a penalty in the 38th minute for the 1:0 Dinamo lead before the half, which they maintained throughout the match, even after Burton was booked with a red card in the 84th minute. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 67 points, while Istra is in 9th with 24. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

April 12, 2021 - The 28th round of the Croatian First League was held from April 10-11, 2021. In this round, Hajduk defeats Istra 1961, Osijek and Slaven Belupo draw, and Rijeka narrowly tops Sibenik. 

Gorica v. Varazdin (0:0)

Gorica and Varazdin opened the 28th round on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

The first half went without goals, and the VAR called a goal offside for Gorica in the 52nd minute. The match ended at 0:0.

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 39 points, while Varazdin is in 9th with 24. 

Sibenik v. Rijeka (0:1)

Sibenik and Rijeka met on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Sibenik. 

The only goal of the match came in the 72nd minute when Drmic scored for 0:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 27 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 45. 

Slaven Belupo v. Osijek (2:2)

Belupo and Osijek met on Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Bogojevic scored the first goal of the match for 1:0. Belupo in the 36th minute. Zaper equalized for Osijek just before the half for 1:1. 

Knoll put Belupo back in the lead for 2:1 in the 52nd minute, and Kleinheisler scored the equalizer in the 71st for the final score of 2:2.

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 27 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 62. 

Istra 1961 v. Hajduk (0:1)

Istra and Hajduk met in Pula on Sunday, April 11, 2021. 

Simic scored in the 68th minute for the Hajduk lead. VAR called Nayir's goal offside in the final minute of the match. Istra's Blagojevic was booked for his second yellow in the 88th minute. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 24 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 43. 

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo (0:2)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo closed out the 28th round on Sunday, April 12, 2021. 

Gvardiol scored for 0:1 Dinamo in the 30th minute. Atiemwen increased Dinamo's lead to 0:2 in the 70th, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in the last place with 20 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 64. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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April 5, 2021 - The 27th round of the Croatian First League was held on April 2 and 3, 2021. In this Easter-weekend round, Rijeka tops Gorica 4:3, while Dinamo and Šibenik draw 1:1.

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (1:1)

Varazdin and Belupo opened the 27th round in Varazdin on Friday, April 2, 2021.

Djurasek scored the first goal of the match for 1:0 Varazdin at the half. Delic returned to score a late-game equalizer for 1:1 in the first minute of added time (91+1').  

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 23 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 25. 

Lokomotiva v. Hajduk (0:2)

Lokomotiva and Hajduk met on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Zagreb. 

Hajduk's Livaja scored the first goal of the match already in the 15th minute for 0:1 at the half. Livaja assisted Nayir Umit in the 48th minute for 0:2, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 10th place with 20 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 39. 

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (0:2)

Istra and Osijek met on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Pula. 

Mierez scored the opening goal for Osijek in the 30th minute for 0:1 at the half. Erceg increased Osijek's lead to 0:2 in the 88th for the final score of the match.

Istra is currently in 8th place with 24 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 61. 

Sibenik v. Dinamo (1:1)

Sibenik and Dinamo met on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Sibenik. 

While the first half went without goals, Mayer put Dinamo in the lead in the 70th minute for 0:1. Just 7 minutes later, Mesa equalized for Sibenik for 1:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 27 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 61. 

Gorica v. Rijeka (3:4)

Gorica and Rijeka closed out the 27th round on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Velika Gorica.  

Thanks to goals by Andrijasevic and Drmic, Rijeka was up 0:2 at halftime. A goal by Muric in the 50th minute and Cerin in the 64th saw Rijeka up by four goals with 25 to go.

Not even 10 minutes later, Mitrovic scored for Gorica for 1:4, Mudrinski 10 minutes after that for 2:4, and a Galovic own goal made it 3:4 with 5 minutes left. Gorica's Nimely was booked for his second yellow in the 90+1'. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 48 points, while Rijeka is in 4th place with 42. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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