Tuesday, 19 April 2022

The Reason Behind the Slow Revitalization of Šibenik Old Town

April 19, 2022 - Šibenik Old Town, once hailed the most beautiful on the Croatian Adriatic coast by the former director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Niko Bulić, today faces a complicated reality with many buildings on the verge of danger and numerous lawsuits in order to restore them. The reason? Abandonment by their own owners.

''Don't talk about it in the press, because of my function and Dubrovnik origin, but my impression is that Šibenik's old town is the most beautiful on the Croatian Adriatic coast. And I think that Krešimir's city will experience a real tourist boom when the right way to value that part of Šibenik begins. I am especially fascinated by the combination of Gorica and Doc at the foot of the fortress of St. Michael.'', told the then director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Mr. Niko Bulić to Slobodna Dalmacija ten years ago in a pleasant walk through the streets, squares and thighs of Šibenik.

At that time, Šibenik already had great momentum in the reconstruction of its four fascinating fortresses, which have always defended the city from the sea and land, for which, according to objective observers, the Society for the Preservation of Šibenik Heritage "Juraj Dalmatinac" is especially responsible, reports Slobdona Dalmacija. Hence the interesting explanation of the director of the hotel complex Amadriapark for a high donation (90 thousand kuna) to the company:

''No, I don't think the donation is too high because we don't need to invest so much in the promotion of our hotels anymore. Our best advertisement is the decorated Šibenik Old Town, for which the company "Juraj Dalmatinac" is especially responsible.'', Goran Zrilić, director of Amadriapark, told SD three years ago.

The enthusiasm of ''Jurjevci''

Frequent praises did not diminish the enthusiasm of the "Jurjevci", as they are colloquially called in Šibenik. On the contrary, it seems that the restoration of some valuable details in the historical core of Šibenik has gained new momentum.

''In the last ten months, we have restored five details of the Šibenik Old Town architecture, and the sixth is in progress. We are talking about staircases, reliefs, vaults… Finally, we use our funds to -arrange the space for our activities, which were given to us by the city "government" as a sign of gratitude for our activity.'', said Nikola Grubić, president of "Juraj Dalmatinac".

The transfer of space to the mentioned society is only a part of the efforts that the city government is investing in the renovation of houses, or rather roofs and facades in the old town.

In the last tender for subsidizing the arrangement of (private) houses in the old town, the City of Šibenik offered more than 750 thousand grants. And not only that.

Unofficially, the people of Šibenik are at the forefront of the European consortium, which consists of six European cities, called the Kairos project, which facilitates the lives of residents in the old town.

''We are convinced that our project has a positive effect. Of course, with the help of other city factors.'', in unison are the head Petar Mišura and Ines Sarić, who in the Office of Economy directly take care of the project.

However, some residents of private buildings made sure that the considerable momentum in Šibenik did not go as smoothly as planned, who, just like passers-by in the city center, witnessed the collapse of their buildings, but did nothing. These are old buildings, which are beginning to pose a danger to walkers, and where external "interventions" are not enough to solve the problem.

They returned the facilities...

''It has become an extremely current city topic. At the same time, I am especially angry with those owners, to whom we returned the long-nationalized buildings, and who, obviously, do not move a finger about their renovation, let alone move in potential tenants. There are also buildings that have already turned into typical ruins. Without roofs, windows, or hung shutters, and whose owners "disappeared" as if those buildings had fallen into the ground'', Mayor Dr. Željko Burić told SD in an informal conversation.

The problem is not only in the negligence of the owners of old buildings. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that Croatia, unlike some other Western European countries, does not have a law that, in such cases, would allow automatic urban "intervention". Therefore, only (private) lawsuits remain, which, as it were, have been dragging on in our courts for years.

Perhaps the most glaring examples are two particular neglected buildings on the city's busiest tourist route, across the stairs of St. Luca to the fortress of St. Michael. At the top of the stairs are two shamefully neglected buildings. For a tourist amazed by Šibenik Old Town, it is enough to look at their long-torn roofs, to turn his head to the other side, with disbelief that this is possible in a city which, as one of the last consultations said, "should be a model on how to value the city's heritage in parallel with tourism development".

For more, check out our politics section.

Monday, 18 April 2022

HNL Round 31 Recap: Rijeka Out of Title Fight, Osijek 2 Points Behind Dinamo

April 18, 2022 - The 31st round of the Croatian First League was held during Easter weekend - April 15 and 16, 2022. This round saw routine wins for Dinamo, Osijek, and Hajduk, while Rijeka is now out of the title fight after losing to Lokomotiva. Here is our HNL round 31 recap.

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (3:0)

Dinamo and Istra opened the 31st round on Friday, April 15, 2022, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 2607 fans. 

Orsic scored Dinamo's first goal in the 8th minute for 1:0. Orsic scored again off of an Ademi assist in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, making it 2:0 going into halftime. Emreli secured Dinamo's victory just 5 minutes into the second half with a goal for 3:0. 

 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 66 points and a game in hand, while Istra is in 9th with 26. 

Hajduk v. Gorica (1:0)

Hajduk and Gorica played the second match on Friday, April 15, 2022, at Poljud in front of 11,482 fans. 

Hajduk's only goal of the match came in the 13th minute. Vukovic's shot deflected off Jovicic for a Gorica own goal and 1:0 Hajduk. The rest of the match went without goals. 

 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 59 points and a game in hand, while Gorica is in 6th with 40. 

Sibenik v. Slaven Belupo (2:1)

Sibenik and Slaven Belupo met on Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Sibenik.

Vidovic scored Sibenik's first goal in the 14th minute for 1:0. Delic increased Sibenik's lead to 2:0 in the 37th minute. Krstanovic missed a penalty for Belupo in the 53rd minute, though Crnac was about to get a goal for Belupo in the 66th for the final 2:1. 

 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 30. 

Osijek v. Hr. Dragovoljac (2:1)

Osijek and Dragovoljac met on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at City Garden Stadium. 

Zaper scored Osijek's first goal in the 3rd minute before Galesic equalized for 1:1 in the 32nd. Topcagic secured Osijek's victory with a goal in the 2nd minute of stoppage time for 2:1 at the half. Neither team was able to score in the second half. 

 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 64 points, while Dragovoljac is in last place with 15. 

Lokomotiva v. Rijeka (2:1)

Lokomotiva and Rijeka closed out the 31st round on Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Lokomotiva scored their first goal in the 18th minute though VAR ultimately ruled it offside to keep the match 0:0. Stojkovic scored in the 38th minute for 1:0 Lokomotiva at the half. Kacavenda increased Lokomotiva's lead in the 46th minute, while Drmic got one goal for Rijeka in the 2nd minute of stoppage time for the final 2:1. 

 

Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 43 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 55. 

***Hajduk and Dinamo will play the crucial 9th round makeup match on Wednesday, April 20 at Poljud. Hajduk must win in order to stay in the title fight.

You can see the HNL table HERE.

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

Wednesday, 13 April 2022

BlockDown: World's First NFT-Enabled Web3 Festival Coming to Šibenik

April 13, 2022 - BlockDown is returning this May for its first in-person festival in the coastal city of Šibenik for the world’s first gamified NFT-enabled festival.

This year, the event will focus on the exploding phenomenon of Web3 — widely seen as the next evolutionary phase of the internet — with a particular focus on the metaverse, NFTs, Gaming, and how DAO’s will play an increasingly large role in our lives: how we work, play and socialize.

NFTs will function as tickets for the festival, and will unlock an array of experiences among the event's many “realms” — areas of the festival with their own look and feel, whether futuristic and cyberpunk-esque or a mystical “fairy forest”. Dotted around the BlockDown site will be pop-up experiences, performances, and art installations to bring the potential of the metaverse into the real world.

 

“We have been inspired to host a 3-day festival celebrating all things Web3 culture as we believe there is a need for a different type of event in our industry,” says Erhan Kohallier, the founder of BlockDown Festival. “Unlike existing industry events, our plan is to take our attendees on a three-day trip into another universe, where the excitement and energy of the Web3, NFT, and metaverse worlds collide in a feast for the senses.”

“Getting involved in an event like this was an obvious choice due to the legendary nature of being the first-ever NFT enabled Blockchain conference,” says V Ray, the creative mind behind much of the festival's experiences. “BlockDown gives me the opportunity to offer people a taste of the real-life metaverse, and what a world that integrates digital and physical experiences could look and feel like. Imagine a real-life video game where the physical and digital weave together seamlessly.”

The event will bring together over 3000 attendees from more than 50 countries, 45 speakers, 10 keynote sessions, presentations, panels, exhibitions, prizes, and networking sessions hosted by selected industry leaders. BlockDown Festival promises to be a packed 3 days of innovative discussions and networking, bringing together a wide network of professionals, entrepreneurs, regulators, major industry executives, and investors.

There are 3 ticket categories available for the event.

Ultra ticket holders will be rewarded with pop-up experiences, NFT galleries, project showcases, performances, exhibitions, and informative panels and workshops by high-profile Web3 experts.

Ultimate ticket holders will also have access to the much anticipated high-profile music performances from famous music artists.

Universal ticket holders will wine and dine in the unique ‘Mystical Forest’ VIP Lounge whilst having a ticket for the hottest ticket in town, a live concert at St. Michael’s Fortress, a historic medieval castle at the heart of the city of Šibenik with a breathtaking view of the Croatian coast.

All tickets are available here.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

Monday, 11 April 2022

HNL Round 30 Recap: Dinamo Comes Back against Rijeka to Remain at Top

April 11, 2022 - The 30th round of the Croatian First League was held from April 8 to 10, 2022. This round saw Hajduk and Osijek narrowly win against Šibenik and Slaven Belupo, while Dinamo came back to beat Rijeka in the 86th minute. Here is our HNL round 30 recap. 

Gorica v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Gorica and Istra opened the 30th round on Friday, April 8, 2022, in front of 1,086 fans in Velika Gorica.

While the first half went without goals, Drena Belo put Istra in the lead for 0:1 in the 55th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, Mitrovic equalized for 1:1, which was the final score. 

 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 40 points, while Istra is in 8th with 26. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Lokomotiva (1:1)

Dragovoljac and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, April 9, 2022, in front of 50 fans in Zagreb. 

Peric put Dragovoljac in the lead in the 24th minute for 1:0 at the half. However, Maric didn't equalize for Lokomotiva until the 82nd minute for the final 1:1.

 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 15 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 40. 

Hajduk v. Sibenik (2:1)

Hajduk and Sibenik met on Saturday, April 9, 2022, in front of 8,645 fans at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

Krovinovic put Hajduk in the lead in the 31st minute for 1:0 at the half. Curic equalized for Sibenik in the 54th minute for 1:1. A Krovinovic corner sent into the penalty area in the 87th minute found the back of Elez's head for the final 2:1 for Hajduk. 

 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 56 points and a game in hand, while Sibenik is in 9th with 26. 

Slaven Belupo v. Osijek (0:1)

Belupo and Osijek met on Sunday, April 10, 2022, in front of 669 fans in Koprivnica. 

The match's only goal came in the 33rd minute when Caktas scored for 0:1.

 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 30 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 61. 

Rijeka v. Dinamo (1:2)

Rijeka and Dinamo closed out the 30th round with the highly anticipated derby on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Rujevica Stadium.

Cerin gave Rijeka the early lead in the 6th minute for 1:0 at the half. Emreli and Ademi scored within 7 minutes of one another in the 79th and 86th minutes to put Dinamo ahead at 1:2. Rijeka's Kresic was shown a red card in the 4th minute of stoppage time. 

 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 55 points, while Dinamo is in first place with 63 and a game in hand. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE

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

Thursday, 7 April 2022

International Children's Festival in Šibenik Returns from June 18 to July 2

April 7, 2022 - The International Children's Festival in Šibenik, held for the 62nd time, takes place from June 18 to July 2, 2022.

This is the oldest festival dedicated to creativity for children, but also to children's creativity in Europe and the world. The festival has the full support of UNICEF and UNESCO and the constant patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia.

With a tradition of more than sixty years, this manifestation is a trademark of the city of Šibenik and enjoys the status of national importance. The uniqueness of this event is the focus on children not only as spectators and participants but also as active creators; therefore, the importance of holding this festival is necessary. Furthermore, diverse festival offerings make it suitable for various ages, and all generations can enjoy it. The festival's official program consists of carefully selected theater performances with a rich film, literary, musical, artistic, environmental, sports, and workshop program at more than 20 locations in the old town. The festival is also a member of the art organizations ASSITEJ and UNIMA.

As a central manifestation of children's creativity, for more than six decades, the International Children's Festival in Šibenik aims to present cultural works from around the world and immediately promote intercultural dialogue and positivity through creative action values. The goal of MDF is to nurture performances that question many contemporary themes that communicate with today's times in a way that is close and interesting to children and offers the most diverse theatrical and performance forms.

The purpose of the MDF is to ensure the presentation of artistic achievements for children and youth through international cultural cooperation, which contributes to the improvement of aesthetic and ethical education of children and youth and the development of all forms of children's creativity and activities. Culture and art are important aspects of youth integration into society. They can significantly contribute to the personal development of young people, their better inclusion in the community, and the prevention of antisocial behavior, which contributes to building a holistic, self-aware, confident, and socially aware person.

You can learn more HERE.

For more, check out our lifestyle section

Monday, 4 April 2022

HNL Round 29 Recap: Osijek and Hajduk Draw at City Garden, Dinamo Remains in 1st

April 4, 2022 - The 29th round of the Croatian First League was played from April 2 to 4, 2022. This round featured the highly anticipated derby between Osijek and Hajduk, while Dinamo and Rijeka recorded routine wins against Istra and Dragovoljac. Here is our HNL round 29 recap. 

Šibenik v. Gorica (0:1)

Šibenik and Gorica opened the 29th round on Friday, April 2, 2022, in Šibenik in front of 487 fans. 

The only goal of the match came at the end of the first half when Stojanovksi scored for 0:1. 

 

Šibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 39. 

Istra 1961 v. Rijeka (0:2)

Istra and Rijeka met on Saturday, April 3, 2022, in Pula in front of 2,170 fans. 

Vuckic scored Rijeka's first goal in the 29th minute for 0:1 at halftime. Vuckic scored his second goal of the match in the 87th minute for the final 0:2. 

 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 25 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 55. 

Dinamo v. Dragovoljac (2:0)

Dinamo and Dragovoljac met at Maksimir Stadium on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in front of 2,029 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Andrić scored Dinamo's first in the 46th minute. A Smolčić own goal made it 2:0, which was the final score. 

 

Dinamo sits in 1st place with 60 points and a game in hand, while Dragovoljac is in last place with 14 points. 

Osijek v. Hajduk (0:0)

Osijek and Hajduk met for the highly anticipated derby of the 29th round on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at City Garden Stadium in front of 7,181 fans. 

It was an exciting first half which included a penalty awarded then taken back for Hajduk, a red card called and taken back for Osijek, a missed penalty for Osijek by former Hajduk player Mijo Caktaš, and a 5-minute wait for referee Jović to sort out his technical equipment. The second half, however, was much less exciting, and neither side was able to find the back of the net. 

 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 58 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 53 points and a game in hand. 

Lokomotiva v. Slaven Belupo (3:1)

Lokomotiva and Slaven Belupo closed out the 29th round on Monday, April 4, 2022, in Zagreb.

Crnac scored in the 1st minute of stoppage time for the Belupo lead at halftime. Dabro equalized in the 48th minute before the same player put Lokomotiva in the lead in the 76th minute for 2:1. Ibrahim scored for 3:1 in the 91st minute for the final result. 

 

Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 30. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE

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

Saturday, 26 March 2022

Future of Šibenik Athletes: Jamnjak Sports Center Planned in Former Military Barracks

March 26, 2022 - The new Jamnjak Sports Center is envisioned for professional and recreational athletes and is the sport's future of Šibenik.

The conceptual design of the Jamnjak Sports and Recreation Zone was presented at the Trokut Center for New Technologies and Entrepreneurship. The project envisions a modern sports center in the former barracks where Šibenik will be provided with appropriate infrastructure for recreational exercise and professional sports, reports Lokalni.hr.

"The Jamnjak project is the sport's future of Šibenik, where new top athletes will certainly be created, and a place where all our fellow citizens will be able to spend their free time in a quality and healthy manner. We will turn the former barracks into a sports center. We believe that it will be the best and most modern in Dalmatia, and perhaps in Croatia," said Šibenik Mayor Željko Burić, adding that Jamnjak will solve the problem of sports in one place. 

 

According to the conceptual design, the Jamnjak center foresees the construction and reconstruction of facilities for various sports such as multifunctional and gymnastic halls, trim tracks, boxing and kickboxing halls, athletic tracks, table tennis halls, bowling alleys, squash halls, and terrain for sports zones. In addition to these facilities, a children's playground and training ground, catering facilities, a cloakroom, a relax area and sauna, an administration building, a reception, and an info point will be built.

The author of the project, i.e., the head of the coordination team that worked on the project Ivo Čogelja Juras from Prius Consulting, added that the Jamnjak Sports and Recreation Zone is a unique complex of integrated inferior contents of high economic benefits for the local population.

"With this project, Šibenik will get an equipped space for sports and recreation that will serve active athletes, recreationists, children and young people, the elderly, and all other interest groups. The total area of the Jamnjak zone is 190,378 square meters, and within the scope, there are buildings with a total area of 2393 square meters," said the author of the project Ivo Čogelja Juras. The conceptual design is according to the model that in the future it can be financed in different phases and from different sources, and it is primarily planned to apply for EU funds.

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

Monday, 21 March 2022

HNL Round 28 Recap: Gorica Shocks Rijeka, Hajduk Outclasses Lokomotiva, Routine Wins for Dinamo and Osijek

March 21, 2022 - The 28th round of the Croatian First League was played from March 18 to 20, 2022. This round saw Rijeka complicate their race for the title as Gorica won 1:0, while Hajduk, Dinamo, and Osijek recorded wins to keep the top of the standings tight. Here is our HNL round 28 recap. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Istra 1961 (0:0)

Dragovoljac and Istra opened the 28th round on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Zagreb in front of 200 fans. 

Neither team was able to score, and the game ended 0:0. 

 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 14 points, while Istra is in 9th with 25. 

Gorica v. Rijeka (1:0)

Gorica and Rijeka met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, March 19, 2022. 

The first half went without goals, and Da Cruz was booked for his second yellow in the 60th minute, forcing Gorica to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. However, a Cestic own goal put Gorica in the lead in the 73rd minute and gave them the ultimate win. 

 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 36 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 52. 

Hajduk v. Lokomotiva (4:0)

Hajduk and Lokomotiva met in the second match on Saturday, March 19, at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

Nikola Kalinić scored Hajduk's first goal in the 22nd minute for 1:0. Grgić scored the second though it was recalled due to VAR. Krovinović made it 2:0 for Hajduk just before the halftime whistle. Melnjak scored for 3:0 in the 54th minute and Sahiti for the final 4:0 eight minutes later. 

 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 52 points and a game in hand, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 36. 

Slaven Belupo v. Dinamo (0:1)

Slaven Belupo and Dinamo met in Koprivnica on Sunday, March 20, 2022.. 

Petović scored from an offside position in the 9th minute which VAR called back. Oršić scored the winning goal in the 20th minute for 0:1. 

 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 30 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 57 and a game in hand. 

Šibenik v. Osijek (0:3)

Šibenik and Osijek closed out the 28th round on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Šibenik. 

While the first half went without goals, Lovrić scored for 0:1 Osijek, followed by a Marin own goal for 0:2, and a Topcagic goal for 0:3. 

 

Šibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 57. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE

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

Sunday, 20 March 2022

Batizele Development Project: 100 Million Kuna for Sibenik Project

March the 20th, 2022 - The Batizele development project, which will put around 28 hectares of land into operation in the very centre of the historic Dalmatian city of Sibenik, recently saw a binding international tender announced.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Suzana Varosanec writes, the much talked about Batizele development project, which will put the aforementioned stretch of central land into function only 500 metres as the crow flies from the old town and the Cathedral of St. James (Sveti Jakov), is moving forward.

On the site of the former Electrodes and Ferroalloys Factory, after twenty long years of legal entanglements and an estimated investment of around several hundred million euros, it has been confirmed that the project is now finally entering a higher phase. The very welcome help of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and in the timetable that lead to the recent announcement of a binding international tender, will bring Batizele, more precisely the City of Sibenik and the Republic of Croatia, a partner in the project.

The interest of investors will hardly be lacking, as was showcased through the conducted so-called ''light'' tender, during which three strong international investors expressed their interest. Now, after the successful completion of phase 1, the Batizele development project is moving forward rapidly based on the cooperation of the EBRD, an international financial institution with extensive experience in providing advisory services in countries where it operates, including Croatia, with the aid of the City of Sibenik and the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property.

To speak more precisely, the EBRD will provide advisory support over the next phase of project development - this will enable the start of specific construction activities at the location of Batizele, and with its help will prepare a tender for the selection of consultants. In addition to that, the EBRD will finance the work of advisers on the provision of technical support services in terms of tender preparation, implementation and selection, estimated at around 290,000 euros.

The new phase envisages the start of activities on June the 1st, 2022, as a key step towards finding investors, and it is estimated that it will last a maximum of 36 weeks in total, so according to the plan, the entire tender documentation should be prepared by the end of 2022. With such a schedule, it has been estimated that an international tender will be announced by the end of the year, which will result in a decision on who will be a partner to the City of Sibenik and the Republic of Croatia in the Batizele development project, which is very important for all generations of Sibenik residents.

According to the job description for the future consultant, integrated strategic, technical, legal, financial and project management services will be provided in the implementation of the market offer for the first phase of development, and they will be a global leader in advisory services and public and private infrastructure. They will have extensive experience in providing consulting services for the design, support, financing and implementation of concessions or similarly structured projects in the property and infrastructure sector, as well as experience in working with multiple stakeholders and property owners from both public and private sector organisations.

The local Sibenik authorities expect that through advisory services to be provided in phase 2 of the Batizele development project, it will attract highly creditworthy investors or an investment consortium, ie that the market offer, which will be finally accepted, will meet the needs of Batizele d.o.o. and its founders, Sibenik's locals and the investor themselves/

According to them, such an outcome is the optimal path for long-term development of Batizele, Sibenik and the wider region as a whole, while the EBRD support emphasises the joint intention of the City of Sibenik and the Republic of Croatia to "implement the project in accordance with best practices, environmental and social benefits and provide significant added value for the life of Sibenik's residents.''

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

Monday, 14 March 2022

HNL Round 27 Recap: Hajduk-Dinamo Ends 0:0, Last-Placed Dragovoljac Tops Rijeka

March 14, 2022 - The 27th round of the Croatian First League was held from March 11 to 13, 2022. This round featured the highly anticipated 'Eternal Derby' between Hajduk and Dinamo, while Osijek and Rijeka both complicated their fight for the title. Here is our HNL round 27 recap. 

Šibenik v. Lokomotiva (1:4)

Sibenik and Lokomotiva opened the 27th round on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Sibenik in front of 405 fans. 

Grezda put Sibenik in the lead with a goal in the 14th minute for 1:0. Kacavenda equalized for 1:1 in the 65th minute before Soldo put Lokomotiva in the lead two minutes later. Sibenik's Peric received his second yellow less than 5 minutes later, forcing Sibenik to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Kacavenda scored again to make it 1:3 in the 76th minute and Tuci scored for 1:4 to confirm the Lokomotiva victory. 

 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 36. 

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (0:0)

Slaven Belupo and Istra met in Koprivnica on Saturday, March 12, 2022.

Neither team was able to score and the match ended 0:0. Belupo had 17 total shots to Istra's 7, of which only 4 were on target (Istra had only 2). Belupo received 5 yellow cards to Istra's 4. 

 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 30 points, while Istra is in 9th with 24. 

Hajduk v. Dinamo (0:0)

Hajduk and Dinamo met for the highly anticipated 'Eternal Derby' at Poljud on Saturday, March 12. 

While the atmosphere was better than ever at the sold-out Poljud, for the first time full thanks solely to Hajduk's members and season ticket holders, the derby itself was one of the less exciting meetings between the two rivals. The match went without goals, though Hajdkuk had 3 shots on target to Dinamo's 0. Hajduk had slightly less possession than Dinamo (44%/56%). 

 

Hajduk is currently in 4th place with 49 points and a game in hand, while Dinamo is in 1st with 54 points and a game in hand. These two teams play last season's makeup match on April 20 at Poljud. 

Dragovoljac v. Rijeka (2:1)

Dragovoljac and Rijeka met in Zagreb on Sunday, March 13, 2022. 

Certainly the most shocking match of this round, Dragovoljac took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to Peric (1:0). Peric opened the second half with another goal for 2:0 in the 50th minute. Ampem gave Rijeka some hope in the 74th minute scoring for 2:1, while VAR recalled a Dragovoljac goal in the 83rd minute for being offside. 

 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 13 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 52. 

Osijek v. Gorica (0:0)

Osijek and Gorica closed out the 27th round on March 13, 2022, at City Garden Stadium. 

Yet another match of the 27th round that went without goals, Osijek had only 51% possession to Gorica's 49%. Osijek also had only 3 shots on target to Gorica's 6!

 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 54 points, while Gorica is in 6th place with 33 points. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE

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

Page 6 of 39

Search