Tuesday, 30 March 2021

Zlatko Dalić Opts for Croatia Qualifying Squad Unlike Ever Before against Malta in Rijeka

March 30, 2021 - A Croatia qualifying squad unlike ever before will face Malta in Rijeka on Tuesday night after Zlatko Dalić announced he would rest some players who started against both Slovenia and Cyprus.

Sportske Novosti writes that for the first time in Croatia's 27 years of participation in tournament qualifications, the coach will not send a team on the pitch he thinks is best but will consciously sub and offer rest to certain players.

Livaković, Vrsaljko, Barišić, Modrić, Brozović, Lovren, and Perišić will not start today's match. Most of them will sit in the stands with the option for someone to enter the game later.

So far, we have only seen this in friendly matches and big competitions, as a "Reserve Croatia" never went for qualifying points. 

Playing qualifiers with a team that you know is not the best is consciously taking a risk, but it is no less of a risk than sending the same footballers on the pitch for the third time in such a short period, increasing the risk of injury.

Throughout history, Croatia had played only three games with the B team when points were shared in the final tournaments. They have recorded two victories. After winning two rounds at Euro 1996 in England, Croatia lost to Portugal 0:3, at Euro 2008 they defeated Poland 1:0, and at the last World Cup, Croatia beat Iceland 2:1. The team was partially revised in 2016 in the match against Spain in Bordeaux; however, Luka Modrić and Mario Mandžukić were injured. Modrić, however, would have played if it was a key game, but Ante Čačić logically saved him. In the end, Croatia won 2:1.

Zlatko Dalić is not a gambler. He proved how important Modrić is to him in Russia, and in that match against Iceland in Rostov, he sent ten new players on the pitch and captain Luka to lead them. 

However, the coach is aware of how much energy the players are spending in the hardest season ever. At the same time, HNS is exposed to the clubs' demands not to use them to the end. According to Real or Inter, there is no obligation unless such a promise is given to someone under pressure. Still, according to the players, there is because the ultimate goal is the optimal solution for everyone. Thus, Dalić announced that Modrić & Co. would not play tonight. In the middle of the pitch, Milan Badelj will get a chance, which will be his first minute of the current cycle.

"We must not underestimate them; they led against Slovakia 2:0. As for the lineup, we will rest some players. Luka Modrić will be on the bench to start; we will see what will happen with Ivan Perišić and Marcelo Brozović. We consider including players who had fewer minutes, but not because we underestimated the opponent, but because we think fresh players should start.

We will start with Juranović and Melnjak, Vrsaljko and Barišić have run out. It will be two new players on the backs. We let Kramarić go home for treatment because he twisted his ankle in the match against Cyprus. Budimir will be up top. We still have to see in what condition Lovren, Vida, Uremović, and Ćaleta-Car are in to find the best solution there. Whoever plays will have to give their best because we are not full of confidence and security.

We expect a higher quality and better flowing game, and we want to bring the game to an end with as little stress and nervousness as possible," concluded Dalić.

Croatia and Malta meet tonight at Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka from 8:45 pm. 

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

Saturday, 27 March 2021

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Croatia Defeats Cyprus 1:0 in Rijeka

March 27, 2021 - In their 2nd qualifier for the 2022 World Cup, Croatia defeats Cyprus 1:0 in Rijeka. 

Croatia met Cyprus at Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka in the 2nd round of Group H of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Zlatko Dalic's side had a shocking display in Ljubljana on Wednesday, losing to Slovenia to open the qualifications and immediately complicated their road to the World Cup. Recall, only the group winner qualifies directly for Qatar.

Dalić mixed things up on Saturday, opting for a 4-3-3 formation instead. Duje Ćaleta-Car, Mario Pašalić, Josip Brekalo, and Ante Budimir were new to the starting eleven, while Domagoj Vida, Mateo Kovačić, Nikola Vlašić, and Andrej Kramarić dropped out of the first 11 compared to Wednesday. 

Lineups

Croatia (4-3-3): Livaković, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Ćaleta-Car, Barišić; Brozović, Brekalo, Modrić, Pašalić, Perišić; Budimir

Cyprus (3-4-3): Demetriou; Kousoulos, Soteriou, Laifis; Psaltris, Artymatas, Cham. Kyriakou, Ionanou; Tzioni, Ilia, Pittas

Recap

Croatia was powerful to start the match, pushing the Cyprus defense in the first 10 minutes. Pašalić just missed a header for the Croatia lead in the 4th minute, and Barišić's left side was active in getting Croatia to attack. Croatia totally dominated a weak Cyprus side who seldom touched the ball. 

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Slobodan Kadic

Nearing the 20th minute, Luka Modrić volleyed from 18-meters to hit just over the goal, and Croatia's chances did not stop there. A Perišić lay-off to Brozović saw him miss in what was perhaps Croatia's best chance so far. 

Vrsaljko played a beautiful ball into the box that was a hair too fast for Pašalić's head, and Luka missed again from outside the box. 

But then it happened.

Croatia finally found the back of the net in the 39th minute. Mario Pašalić scored from a header for 1:0!  

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Slobodan Kadic

Croatia almost made it 2:0 five minutes later, but the ref called it offside. Croatia ended the first half with 71% of possession.

Croatia started the second half with one change - Dalić subbed off Šime Vrsaljko for Josip Juranović.

Croatia's attacking game did not slow down at the start of the second half.

Perišić and Barišić shot in the 51st minute, while Juranović played a stellar ball to Brozović to shoot a few minutes later. Nothing, however, resulted in a goal. 

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Slobodan Kadic

Andrej Kramarić came on for Ante Budimir in the 57th minute. 

Croatia continued to get chances but struggled to find the back of the net. On a good day, it would have been 10:0 for Croatia by now. 

Dalić opted for fresh legs again and brought on Mislav Oršić and Nikola Vlašić for Mario Pašalić and Josip Brekalo in the 66th minute. Ivan Perišić and Mateo Kovačić swapped places 10 minutes later. 

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Slobodan Kadic

Cyprus opened up more and was looking forward, especially for that equalizing goal. Croatia's game was becoming sloppy, and it was hard for them to connect passes. They struggled to maintain a smart attacking game. 

Vlašić shot at the Cyprus keeper in the 80th minute. At least he attempted. 

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Slobodan Kadic

The ref added four minutes of injury time and the match ended 1:0 for Croatia. 

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Slobodan Kadic

Croatia will play Malta on Tuesday in Rijeka at 20:45. 

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

Monday, 22 March 2021

HNL Round 26 Recap: Dinamo Defeats Gorica, Osijek Better than Lokomotiva

March 22, 2021 - The 26th round of the Croatian First League was held from March 19 to 21, 2021. In this round, Dinamo defeats Gorica, Osijek is better than Lokomotiva, and Hajduk and Rijeka both record victories. 

Osijek v. Lokomotiva (2:0)

Osijek and Lokomotiva opened the 26th round on Friday, March 19, 2021, at City Garden Stadium. 

Kleinheisler scored Osijek's first goal in the 14th minute for the early lead and 1:0 at the half. Mierez increased Osijek's lead to 2:0 in the 79th minute for the final result. 

 

Osijek is currently in second place with 58 points, while Lokomotiva is in 10th place with 20 points. 

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Belupo and Istra met in Koprivnica on Saturday, March 20, 2021. 

Glavcic missed a penalty for Belupo in the 25th minute to keep the score 0:0. Ilicic made up for it with a goal two minutes later for 1:0 Belupo. An Istra penalty was awarded just before the half, which Grzan scored to equalize. The match ended 1:1. 

 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 24 points, while Istra is in 8th with 24. 

Hajduk v. Sibenik (1:0)

Hajduk and Sibenik met at Poljud Stadium on Saturday, March 20, 2021. 

The only goal of the match came in the 72nd minute when junior Marin Ljubičić scored the winning goal in his championship debut for Hajduk. Sibenik's Alimi was given his second yellow in the 77th, forcing Sibenik to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. 

 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 36 points, while Sibenik is in 6th with 26. 

Rijeka v. Varazdin (2:0)

Rijeka and Varazdin met on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium. 

Galovic scored two goals in the first half (22', 35') for the Rijeka lead and ultimate victory. 

 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 39 points, while Varazdin is in 9th with 22. 

Dinamo v. Gorica (1:0)

Dinamo and Gorica closed out the 26th round at Maksimir Stadium on March 21, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, Petkovic scored for Dinamo to open the second half (1:0, 47'), which was the final result. 

Gorica's Joey Suk broke his leg in two places during the match (both lower leg bones) and went into surgery last night, Gorica confirmed on their Facebook page after the game.

 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 60 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 48. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

Sunday, 21 March 2021

Croatian Graduate Perspective: The View from Dorian in Rab

March 21, 2021 – "If people realize that their future is their responsibility, not the government's, then everything is possible. We have many successful individuals as examples. If they can, then it is possible," says economy student Dorian in Rab, currently studying in Portugal, about opportunities in Croatia. This is his story.

With many young people emigrating from Croatia, what keeps those who decided to stay (at least for now)?

The emigration of young people from Croatia in search of better business opportunities and living standards, unfortunately, is a well-known story. Each of us young people in Croatia knows at least a few people from their environment who, at one point, said that enough was enough and decided to seek happiness somewhere abroad.

According to official Eurostat data, from 2015 to 2019, Croatia's population decreased by 4.26 inhabitants per 1,000 citizens only thanks to emigration. Therefore, the Croatian emigration rate is the second-worst in the European Union (after Lithuania).

These data indicate that economic prosperity influences population decisions to emigrate. Besides, due to the exodus of the young and working population, there is an additional reduction in GDP per capita that closes the cycle of poverty and decline in Croatia.

However, there are many who are aware of the poor position of young people in Croatia but still do not want to give up and decide to stay in Croatia. We're wondering what do those young people, recent graduates, think about this whole situation and what are their reasons for staying in Croatia.

We continue our series with Dorian from the island of Rab.

First of all, please introduce yourself. What are you studying/what did you study? Do you have a job currently? 

My name is Dorian Antešić. I am studying Finance and Banking at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Rijeka. I am currently on exchange study in Coimbra, Portugal, to write my master's, so I do not have a job, but I am working on my podcast. Its name is "Pričajmo o novcu" (Let's talk about money), and it is the first Croatian podcast specialized in finance and economics topics. It is a hobby project that I enjoy recording while I research for my thesis. I like to speak with intelligent people, so it is a perfect way to communicate with comprehension.

What is it like being a student/recent graduate in Croatia during this coronavirus time?

It is very uncertain considering that we do not know what will be open in the future. Businesses are cautious with expenditure and investments. Social life is not rich, so it is getting boring after more than one year of restrictions.

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Rab island

What are your experiences searching for a job in your profession in Croatia?

I did not yet search for a job in Croatia, considering my profession. My focus is currently on the international scene. I want to travel the world a bit. Therefore, since I am studying abroad, it seems reasonable that I continue the travel and develop my career. In earlier years, I mainly worked during summer to focus on my faculty obligations and my projects during other seasons.

What do you think of the Croatian Government's efforts to provide opportunities for graduates?

Actually, I did not research what possibilities are offered by the Government. I was focused on my own effort to find jobs and/or internships.

Many young people your age decide to emigrate from Croatia to find a better job opportunity and/or life standard. What do you think about it?

I am one of them but not necessary for those reasons. I want to travel the world, experience different cultures. I know it sounds like a cliché, but I lived this way for the past five years of my study. I studied abroad twice, first in Prague and now in Coimbra. Also, I was part of international youth organizations since the beginning of faculty. I like that lifestyle, and I want to continue to live like that for some time.

I am also not a determinist. I do not want to say that I will live abroad or only in Croatia. We will see what the future brings. If I work and live abroad, it doesn't mean that I will stay there forever. In the end, I am an individualist. I do not care about countries. The goal is to have a good life for my loved ones and me, whether in Croatia, the EU, or Africa. :)

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In your opinion, what would encourage young people to stay in Croatia?

Better economy. Just that. No "government benefits," no "family benefits." That is just bullshit :). The only thing that will encourage young people to stay in Croatia is the same or better opportunities than in the rest of the EU. If they see that they can have a better life with their skills outside of Croatia, they will go there. The world is globalized. Young people live internationally through the internet. We speak with foreigners almost every day through social media. Borders don't play that big thing nowadays.  

Have you ever considered moving out of Croatia and why?

I did. I am focused on building my career. I love business, economics, and the crypto industry, and I very much see myself working there. In Croatia, not many companies are building the crypto world or investment funds that are supporting them. I am interested primarily in investing in crypto, which plays a big part in my job search. 

As a recent graduate, what is your impression of the education system in Croatia? What do you think is good about it and what could be better?

The Croatian education system is, in my opinion, of good quality, but it can be much, much better with no significant financial investments. For my profession, we should teach more about technical skills like Excel and programming. They are an essential part of working life, but we still write and calculate mostly on paper through both Bachelor's and Master's level. I know that is the same thing with other professions like sociology, where I have a good friend. Data analysis is an integral part of many professions, but we focus on them minimally.

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Based on your own experience, can you say that everything is possible in Croatia if you work hard, work on yourself, are educated and ambitious?

I think yes. If people realize that their future is their responsibility, not the government's, everything is possible. We have many successful individuals as examples. If they can, then it is possible.

If you could change only one thing in Croatia, what would it be, and why do you think it's important?

To become a capitalist country.

People are too dependent on the government, financially and mentally. When people trade freely with personal responsibility, they create value for themselves and the whole society. Currently, Croatian people want government intervention in every aspect of life, from business to education. They think that government is there to solve their problems which is mostly the other way around – the Government creates issues, and people are there to deal with them. People should focus on creating value for others.

As a young Croatian, what are you most proud of in Croatia?

I am also very proud of our tech business successes that we see lately. It is showing people that world success is possible, and we should strive for excellence.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of Croatia, and will it be a better or worse place for your children?

I am optimistic about Croatia's future because I am optimistic about the future of the whole world. People are smart, and they will always find solutions to problems. Always.

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Rab island

Are you a student or recent graduate who would like to contribute your voice and experiences to this series? If yes, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject "Graduate."

To read more from the Croatian Graduate Perspective series, follow TCN's dedicated page.

Wednesday, 17 March 2021

2021 Goes Green: All You Need to Know About St. Patrick’s Day in Croatia

March 17, 2021 - As the final arrangements are being finalized to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day one more year in several countries around the globe, here is everything you need to know about how one of the world’s most popular holidays will be celebrated in Croatia.

Each 17th of March, the Irish population and the Irish diaspora around the world commemorate the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity there. The holiday has evolved over time to become a worldwide display and celebration of Irish culture, through colorful parades, special foods, dancing, drinking, and very importantly, a whole lot of GREEN.

Although there will be no mass parades and celebrations this year due to the COVID-19 situation, Tourism Ireland is ensuring that this important day can be celebrated safely all around the world. As a matter of fact, they’re proud to announce that a record has been set in their 12th annual ‘‘Global Greening’’ initiative here in Croatia, both in municipalities and the number of sites participating. Thus elevating the number of municipalities to nine (9), and the sites across the country to fourteen (14). Next, we will share the details of the celebrations that will be held in each of them:

  • Zagreb: the Croatian capital is going ‘‘green’’ for the fifth time this year. Among the sites that will change their colors will be the Zagreb fountains, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, the Klović Palace Gallery, and the Meštrović Pavilion.
  • Rijeka: also remains a strong supporter of the ‘‘Global Greening’’: Trsat Castle, the ‘‘Molo Longo’’ port cranes, and the fountain in the Adriatic Square will once again link Croatia and Ireland.
  • Split: the Dalmatian city will light up its fountain in front of Prokurative.
  • Dubrovnik: for the very first time, the ‘‘Pearl of the Adriatic’’ will include the Small Onofrio Fountain in the celebration.
  • Zadar: this year, its ‘‘greening’’ will be moved to the ‘‘Greetings to the Sun’’ installation.
  • Pula: the Istrian city is also changing its contribution this year - the roundabout at the entrance to the city will show its citizens and visitors that the city celebrates its Irish link.
  • Varaždin: the northern city is back for a second time, as the Croatian National Theatre will be the city’s ‘‘green representative’’ this year.
  • Hvar: it is one of the two Croatian newcomers to the initiative, and its Fortica will be quite a sight in their first year celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
  • Oriovac: the other first-time participant and the only Slavonian municipality taking part, will green its Turkish fountain.

When will you be able to witness the greenings of the fourteen sites across the country? On St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, 17 March at 19:00! Be sure to be there at nightfall with your camera, and the right company!

More information on the 12th annual Global Greening initiative can be found at Tourism Ireland’s site
For additional information regarding the Global Greening in Croatia, feel free to contact Bernard Vrban, Public Affairs Officer, at +385 (0)91 627 8934 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Tuesday, 16 March 2021

$480,000 Invested in Upgrade of Rijeka's Offshore Emergency Response Centre

ZAGREB, 16 March, 2021 - The refurbished building housing Rijeka's Maritime Crisis Centre for Faster Response to Any Disaster off Croatia’s Coastline was officially opened on Tuesday.

The investment into the upgrade of this offshore emergency response centre in the biggest Croatian seaport totalled US$ 480,000, and the lion's share of the investment was provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

During the ceremony, the state secretary of the Croatian Sea, Transport and Infrastructure ministry, Josip Bilaver, thanked the U.S. administration and military as well as the US Embassy in Zagreb for this donation in the amount of HRK 3.2 million.

The ministry has invested a million kuna, while the local county authorities provided 100,000 kuna for the project.

"The U.S.-Croatia partnership at sea is essential to the two countries’ NATO military cooperation and shared security. That is why the United States, through the U.S. Military’s European Command (EUCOM), provided assistance to the Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transportation and Infrastructure and the Rijeka Harbor Master’s office to advance training and emergency-response capabilities at sea," the embassy said on its website.

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Victoria Taylor, who today joined State Secretary Bilaver for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, expressed satisfaction with the completion of this project.

Over the last decade, the USA has set aside HRK 4.5 billion to support numerous civilian and military projects in Croatia, she said.

The Rijeka centre is described as a a renewed facility that will become "the central point for planning, training, and management in response to emergencies at sea, from supporting persons and vessels in need to addressing maritime accidents and oil pollution."

"The upgraded center will therefore play a critical role in maintaining the safety and environmental stewardship of Croatian coastal waters, ensuring quick action in response to a potential environmental disaster. Protection of the environment is a key priority for both Croatia and the United States, and joint capacity to mitigate against incidents and accidents at sea can make all the difference in a crisis."

The embassy recalls that "Rijeka is already a hub for U.S.-Croatia cooperation, with the port city benefiting economically from nearly 900 million kuna in contracted services by the U.S. Navy for ship maintenance and support since 2011."

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

Monday, 15 March 2021

KBC Rijeka Hospital Obtains 12 New Ventilators

ZAGREB, 15 March 2021 - The Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre on Monday received 12 new ventilators that were procured by the Health Ministry with the use of EU funds.

The hospital's director, Alen Ružić, thanked the ministry, government and European Commission for the valuable equipment, underscoring that it would significantly improve working conditions at the hospital and contribute to better patient care as well as improving the quality of treatment.

The ventilators will be put to use immediately in various wards at the hospital but primarily to relieve the work of the respiratory centre with COVID-19 patients, in ICU, and at neurology and pediatric wards. The hospital now has about 60 ventilators which are sufficient to cover the current number of patients.

Health Ministry State-Secretary Željko Plazonić, who chairs the KBC Rijeka steering board, said the ventilators were obtained through a procurement process conducted by the European Commission. They are part of a contingent of 169 ventilators procured for COVID-19 wards in health institutions throughout Croatia. The price of each ventilator is €24,000, Plazonić added.

Answering reporters' questions, Ružić said that due to the new wave of COVID-19 the hospital's level of preparedness had been increased and if need be it would be prepared to open a new COVID ward that would be separated from other wards. He added that due to the increased number of COVID-19 patients, the number of other non-urgent surgical procedures would be partially reduced.

Monday, 15 March 2021

HNL Round 25 Recap: Hajduk and Gorica Draw, Blowout Wins for Dinamo and Osijek

March 15, 2021 - The 25th round of the Croatian First League was held from March 12 to 14, 2021. This round saw Hajduk and Gorica draw, while Dinamo and Osijek recorded blowout victories against Varazdin and Sibenik. 

Rijeka v. Slaven Belupo (1:1)

Rijeka and Slaven Belupo opened the 25th round on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka. 

While the first half ended without goals, Andrijasevic gave Rijeka the lead in the 52nd minute, though van Bruggen scored the equalizer for Belupo with 15 minutes to go for the 1:1 result. 

 

Rijeka is currently in 5th place with 33 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 23. 

Lokomotiva v. Istra 1961 (0:1) 

Lokomotiva and Istra met on Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Zagreb. 

Navarro scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute for 0:1 Istra. Simic scored from offside for Lokomotiva at the start of the second half which was called back thanks to VAR. 

 

Lokomotiva is currently in the last place with 20 points, while Istra is in 8th with 23. 

Gorica v. Hajduk (1:1)

Gorica and Hajduk met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, March 13, 2021. 

Hajduk's Mujakic scored an own goal for Gorica in the 6th minute, giving the home team the early lead. Hajduk's Atanasov came back to equalize for Hajduk for 1:1 at the half. Neither team could score in the second half. 

 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 48 points, while Hajduk has moved to 4th place with 33. 

Varazdin v. Dinamo (0:5)

Varazdin and Dinamo met in Varazdin on Sunday, March 14, 2021. 

Atiemwen opened the scoring spree for Dinamo with a goal in the 7th minute. Misic and Gavanovic followed with goals in the 16th and 24th minutes, making it 0:3 for Dinamo at the half. 

Two goals by Orsic in the 70th and 78th minute made it 0:5, which was the final score of the game. 

 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 22 points, while Dinamo is in first place with 57. 

Sibenik v. Osijek (0:4)

Sibenik and Osijek closed out the 25th round on Sunday, March 14, 2021, in Sibenik. 

Kleinheisler scored the first goal for Osijek in the 13th minute for 0:1. Mierez and Santini increased Osijek's lead at the start of the second half for 0:3 in the 49th minute. Erceg scored Osijek's last goal for the 0:4 final score.

 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 26 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 55. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Train Tickets from Prague to Rijeka and Split On Sale by Czech RegioJet

March 10, 2021 - Czech railway RegioJet has started selling train tickets from Prague to Rijeka and Split!

HRTurizam reports that the summer railway line that connected Prague and Rijeka last tourist season attracted great interest from Czech and Slovak tourists. The average train occupancy was higher than 90%, with a capacity of almost 600 passengers per line, while trains carried a total of more than 60,000 passengers in both directions.

Following such success, the Czech RegioJet, a private provider of rail and bus passenger transport, has announced the pre-sale of tickets for this season. This year, in addition to Rijeka, Prague will be connected to Split.

RegioJet has started selling tickets for this season's railway line from Prague to Rijeka and Split

RegioJet's trains will run on their route from Prague via Bratislava to Budapest and Zagreb and Rijeka and Split.

Trains will depart on May 28 and run until September 27, with the arrival in Croatia daily in July and August, and three times a week in May, June, and September.

In combination with bus transport from Rijeka and Split, RegioJet promotes and offers arrivals to as many as 56 destinations in Croatia.

Departures from Prague / Bratislava are on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays and back from Croatia on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Passengers in Rijeka, Gračac, and Split will be met by buses that will continue to reach all destinations on the coast.

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Last year, buses from Rijeka enabled passengers to transfer to the following destinations: Opatija, Rabac, Medulin, Pula, Rovinj, Poreč, Novigrad, Malinska, Šilo, Vrbnik, Krk, Baška, Crikvenica, Novi Vinodolski, Zadar, Sukošan, Biograd, Pakoštane, Omiš, Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska, Podgora, Podaca, Gradac, Šibenik, Primošten, Trogir and Split. This year, due to the new railway line to Split, new destinations will be added, and bus travel to new destinations will continue. RegioJet also offers the option to continue traveling to BiH and Montenegro.

Explaining what the RegioJet train route will look like this year, Aleš Ondruj, spokesman for RegioJet, said that the train would be divided into two parts in Ogulin - a part that goes to Rijeka and a part that goes to Split.

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The train will be separated so that seven passenger cars will go to Rijeka and eight across Gračac to Split. Upon return, the trains will be reconnected into one in Ogulin and continue further to Prague, Ondruj explained, emphasizing that the total capacity of trains should reach as many as 650 passengers per train, i.e., 15 cars.

The train will offer a free breakfast included in the ticket price, internet connection, and bicycle transport will be available. You can also book the entire compartment for four people for the price of three.

This year, RegioJet also offers a complete product with the possibility of booking accommodation at certain hotels in Poreč, Crikvenica, the island of Krk, Makarska, and more. 

Last year, most passengers traveled from the Czech Republic, while 10 percent of tickets were sold in Slovakia.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

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Monday, 8 March 2021

New Variants Cause Rijeka Coronavirus Infection Rate to Climb

March the 8th, 2021 - The epidemiological picture in Croatia went from terrible to very favourable indeed in a short time of just a few weeks, but with the arrival of new variants of the novel virus, things could go sour yet. The Rijeka coronavirus infection rate has unfortunately started to climb once again as new, sometimes more infectious variants circulate.

As Index writes, the chief epidemiologist of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Public Health Institute told Dnevnik HTV that the increase in the number of patients in the wider Rijeka area and indeed in that county is clearly being influenced by the spread of new variants of the novel virus.

"The new variants of the virus have a higher disease transmission potential than the standard strain does. Another reason is that we went into certain concessions when it comes to our anti-epidemic measures that led people to believe that they could relax. They used less protection like maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and avoiding gatherings. We witnessed gatherings that were even publicly visible, especially among young people, but also during other various events," said Roncevic when referencing the Rijeka coronavirus infection rate´s unfortunate increase.

He stressed that vaccination against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, will continue and they are now preparing for a situation in which there will be significantly more vaccines at hand so that more people will be able to be vaccinated in a short time.

“We will probably continue to use Zamet Hall on Saturdays,” Roncevic quickly added.

In Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the number of new cases has been increasing in recent weeks, including in the more concerning setting of the Rijeka Clinical Hospital, where far more vulnerable individuals who are already in need of medical care are situated. The epidemiological situation in that county, when compared to previous months, was marked by a higher number of infected children among those attending school, as well as among young people.

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