September 20, 2021 - The 9th round of the Croatian First League was held from September 17 to 19, 2021. The 'Eternal Derby' between Hajduk and Dinamo at Poljud was postponed due to Dinamo's Europa League schedule, while Osijek's late-winner against Gorica saw the match end 3:2 at City Garden. Here is our HNL Round 9 recap. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Rijeka (2:2)

Dragovoljac and Rijeka opened the 9th round in Zagreb on Friday, September 17, 2021, in front of 420 spectators. 

Petković and Majstorović shocked Rijeka with a 2:0 lead by the 36th minute. Ampem got a goal back for Rijeka in the 57th minute for 2:1, and Pavičić equalized 3 minutes later for 2:2. Vuckic's goal was called offside in the final minute of regulation time, so the match ended in a draw. 

Dragovoljac is currently in last place with 5 points, while Rijeka is in 1st with 17 points (and one game less).

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (1:1)

Belupo and Istra met in Koprivnica on Saturday, September 18, 2021. 

The first half went without goals but saw Navarro receive a red card, forcing Istra to play with a man down from the 41st minute. Krstanovic scored a penalty at the start of the second half for the Belupo lead, but Perkovic equalized in the 5th minute of injury time for 1:1. 

Belupo is currently in 9th place with 6 points, while Istra is in 8th with 7 (and one game less). 

Šibenik v. Lokomotiva (2:1)

Šibenik and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, September 18, 2021, in Šibenik. 

Marin scored in the 5th minute for the early Šibenik lead, though Dabro scored a penalty in the 28th minute for 1:1 at the half. Marin scored his second goal of the match in the 77th minute for the 2:1 Šibenik win. 

Šibenik is currently in 7th place with 10 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 11 (and one game less).

Osijek v. Gorica (3:2)

Osijek and Gorica closed out the 9th round at City Garden Stadium on Sunday, September 19, 2021. 

Kalik gave Gorica the lead in the 29th minute. Daku didn't equalize for Osijek until the 75th. Brodic put Gorica back in the lead 6 minutes later, and Daku equalized again for 2:2 in the 84th minute. Loncar gave Osijek the late-game winner in the 3rd minute of injury time for a final score of 3:2. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 17 points, while Gorica is in 5th with 13. 

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.

September 1, 2021 - A new Šibenik panorama oil painting can be noticed along the D33 road, welcoming tourists to the popular coastal Croatian town. 

Welcome boards are often old and worn, which hardly gives an excellent first impression. However, it's important to remember that welcome boards are usually a tourist's first contact with the destination, reports HRTurizam. 

Šibenik decided to take the initiative and ensure they gave off a good first impression with a creative project. Namely, earlier this week in Lozovac, along the D33 road, a large double-sided welcome board was set up showing an oil painting panorama of Šibenik, painted by Šibenik graduate painter Lana Martinović Čala of LANAart.

The welcome board was erected on the site of an old welcome board implemented more than twenty years ago, which had been partially devastated and neglected.

The Šibenik Tourist Board financed the construction of the board, and the price of the entire project (technical implementation and preparation) was around 50,000 kuna.

"We intend to replace it next year with similarly cheerful with colorful visuals and replace several other old signs placed at the entrances to Šibenik," said the Šibenik Tourist Board.

"Now everyone who comes to us knows that they come to the city of culture and art, the city of all artists, exhibitions, festivals, and music, the city of fun and good food, the city full of colors and life, the city of happy and good people, the city of friends and positives, the city that grows and becomes better and better, to my city, the city of Šibenik," said Lana Martinović Čala.

Visitors can find the LANAart Gallery located in the heart of Šibenik. In addition to a large selection of art paintings, B.Sc. painter Lana Martinović Čala hosts drawing and painting courses for adults and schoolchildren and creative workshops for children.

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

August 20, 2021 - The 7th round of the Croatian First League was held from August 27 to 29, 2021. This round featured Croatia's biggest derbies - Osijek v Dinamo, and Hajduk v Rijeka. Here's our HNL round 7 recap 

Slaven Belupo v. Hr Dragovoljac (0:1)

Belupo and Dragovoljac opened the 7th round on Friday, August 27, 2021, in Koprivnica.

While the first half went without goals, Belupo's s Glavcic received his second yellow in the 76th minute and Mioc scored in the 86th minute for 0:1 and Dragovoljac's first win this season!

Belupo is currently in 9th place with 5 points, while Dragovoljac is in last with 3.  

Lokomotiva v. Gorica (0:1)

Lokomotiva and Gorica met on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Zagreb. 

After another scoreless first half, Lovric scored 0:1 in the 74th minute, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 10 points, while Gorica is in 5th place with 12 points. 

Sibenik v. Istra 1961 (3:1)

Sibenik and Istra met on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Sibenik. 

Sibenik scored all three of its goals in the first half - Delic in the 17th, and Jakolis in the 22nd and 32nd. Drena Beljo scored one for Istra in the 74th for the final score of 3:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 7 points, while Istra is in 8th with 6. 

Osijek v. Dinamo (0:2)

Osijek and Dinamo met in the first big derby of the weekend on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at City Garden Stadium. 3,175 spectators were in attendance.

Jakic scored for the Dinamo lead before the half for 0:1 in the 33rd minute. Pilj missed a penalty for Osijek in the 58th minute and an own goal by Loncar increased Dinamo's lead to 0:2 in the 65th minute. 

Osijek is currently in 4th place with 13 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 13 and one game less. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (1:2)

Hajduk and Rijeka closed out of the 7th round with the Adriatic Derby at Poljud on Sunday, August 29, 2021. 15,967 spectators were in attendance.

Tomecak scored for 0:1 Rijeka in the 21st minute, which Drmic increased to 0:2 before the half (43'). Hajduk's Elez came back with a goal for 1:2, and after numerous attempts, was unable to equalize. 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 13 points, while Rijeka is in 2nd with 13 and one game less. 

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.

August 23, 2021 - The 6th round of the Croatian First League was held from August 20 to 22, 2021. This round saw Hajduk move to 1st place in the standings after Istra 1961 shocked Osijek with a 2:0 win. Here's our HNL round 6 recap. 

Hrvatski Dragovoljac v. Hajduk (0:1)

Hr. Dragovoljac and Hajduk opened the 6th round in Zagreb on Friday, August 20, 2021, in front of 990 (mostly Torcida) spectators. 

While Hajduk sat in Dragovoljac's half for the entire game (bar a few plays), the only goal of the match came in the 5th minute of added time (90+5'), when Simic scored off a corner kick for the Hajduk win. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 0 points, while Hajduk is in 1st with 13. 

Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (1:0)

Gorica and Belupo met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, August 21, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, Dvornekovic scored for 1:0 Gorica in the 66th minute, which was the final result. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 9 points, while Belupo is in 8th with 5. 

Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (1:0)

Dinamo and Lokomotiva met at Maksimir on Saturday, August 21, 2021. 

It was yet another match where the first half went without goals, and Oršić only scored for Dinamo in the 77th minute for the 1:0 win. 

Dinamo is currently in 10th place with 10 points (and one game less), while Lokomotiva is in 3rd with 10 (and one game less).

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (2:0)

Istra and Osijek met in Pula at the Aldo Drosina Stadium on Sunday, August 22, 2021. 

No goals were scored in the first half, and Istra's first goal didn't come until the 84th minute when Bande scored for 1:0. Miskovic increased Istra's lead in the 4th minute of added time (90+4') for the final score of 2:0. 

Istra is currently in 7th place with 6 points (and one game less), while Osijek is in 2nd with 13 points. 

Rijeka v. Sibenik (2:1)

Rijeka and Sibenik closed out the 6th round on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium. 

After a scoreless first half, Delic put Sibenik in the lead for 0:1 in the 47th minute. Drmic equalized in the 64th for 1:1, and Busnja put Rijeka in the lead at 2:1 in the 76th minute for the win. 

Rijeka is currently in 5th place with 10 points (and one game less), while Sibenik is in 9th with 4. 

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. 

August 16, 2021 - The 5th round of the Croatian First League was held from August 13 to 15, 2021. This round saw Osijek win the derby against Rijeka, while Hajduk continued their at-home winning streak. There were even blowout wins for both Šibenik and Lokomotiva! Here's our HNL round 5 recap. 

Dinamo v. Gorica (1:0)

Dinamo and Gorica opened the 5th round at Maksimir Stadium on Friday, August 13, 2021. 

The match's only goal was an own goal by Gorica's Doka, which put Dinamo up at 1:0 in the 36th minute. Gorica was unable to equalize. 

Dinamo is currently in 4th place with 7 points (and only 4 games played), while Gorica is in 6th place with 6 points. 

Lokomotiva v. Istra 1961 (4:0)

Lokomotiva and Istra met in Zagreb on Saturday, August 14, 2021. 

Dabro scored Lokomotiva's first goal for 1:0 in the 20th minute. Then, Ibrahim scored goals in the 31st and 45th minutes to make it 3:0 at the half. Finally, Dabro increased Lokomotiva's lead to 4:0 in the 49th minute, which was how the match ended. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 2nd place with 10 points, while Istra is in 9th with 3. 

Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo (2:0)

Hajduk and Slaven Belupo met at Poljud Stadium on Saturday, August 16, 2021. 

Emir Sahiti scored the goal of the round in the 35th minute for the 1:0 Hajduk lead at the half. Livaja increased Hajduk's lead from a free kick in the 48th minute for 2:0, which was the final score of the match. 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 10 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 5. 

Šibenik v. Hr. Dragovoljac (6:2)

Šibenik and Dragovoljac met in Šibenik on Sunday, August 16, 2021. 

Delić scored in the 1st minute for the early 1:0 lead though Petković equalized for 1:1 in the 34th. Strkalj put Dragovoljac ahead at 1:2 just before the half. 

Šibenik came back strong in the second half, however, scoring 3 goals in 10 minutes for the 4:2 lead (Bačelić-Grgić 52', Marin 58', Jakoliš 61'). Bačelić-Grgić scored again in the 86th minute for 5:2, and Marin finished the match with another goal just before the final whistle for 6:2. 

Šibenik is currently in 8th place with 4 points, while Dragovoljac is in the last place with 0. 

Osijek v. Rijeka (1:0)

Osijek and Rijeka closed out the 5th round at City Garden Stadium on Sunday, August 16, 2021. 

VAR called back Rijeka's goal in the 8th minute, and Mierez scored for the Osijek lead in the 17th minute. Osijek scored again in the final minutes of the match, but the goal was also called offside by VAR.

Osijek is currently in 1st place with 13 points, while Rijeka is in 5th with 7 points.  

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. 

August 9, 2021 - The 4th round of the Croatian First League was held on August 7 and 8, 2021. This round saw Hajduk beat Gorica in their first away victory in Velika Gorica, while Dinamo and Rijeka postponed their 4th round matches due to European commitments. Here's our HNL round 4 recap. 

Slaven Belupo v. Šibenik (1:1)

Belupo and Šibenik opened the 4th round on Saturday, August 7, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Jakoliš scored for the Šibenik lead in the 33rd minute for 0:1 at the half. Belupo's Monjac equalized for 1:1 in the 88th to end the match in a draw. 

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 5 points, while Šibenik is in 9th with one point. Both teams have played 4 games so far. 

Gorica v. Hajduk (1:3)

Gorica and Hajduk met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, August 7, 2021, in front of 1,576 spectators. 

Mlakar scored for the Hajduk lead in the 33rd minute, before Vuković made it 0:2 right before the half. Lovrić came back to give Gorica a goal in the 56th minute for 1:2, but Livaja secured Hajduk's victory in the final minutes for 1:3. 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 6 points, while Hajduk is in 3rd with 7. Both teams have played 4 games so far. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Osijek (1:2)

Dragovoljac and Osijek closed out the 4th round on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at NŠC Stjepan Spajić Stadium in Zagreb. 

Mance put Osijek in the lead with an early goal in the 13th minute. Majstorovic equalized for Dragovoljac thanks to a penalty in the 55th minute for 1:1. Nejasmic put Osijek back in the lead in the 75th minute for 1:2, which was the final score of the match. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 0 points, while Osijek is in 1st with 10. Both teams have played 4 games so far. 

**Dinamo and Rijeka postponed their 4th round HNL matches, however, they won't be able to do the same for much longer. Namely, postponement is allowed thanks to Article 4 of the Croatian Football Federation's competition propositions. In the play-off qualifying round, they will no longer be entitled to postponing their HNL games. 

"The propositions of the competition say that each club has the right to postpone one game of the First HNL while playing qualifiers for European competitions, and another match later if it is a participant in the group stage. Due to the tight schedule, Dinamo and Rijeka asked to postpone the 4th round of the domestic championship and they got it," said Josip Brezni, the competition commissioner.

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. 

August 4, 2021 – Allowing free entrance to the city's best sights, plus discounts on everything from restaurants, activities, accommodation and a National Park, you can unlock the UNESCO city for less with Šibenik Card.

No fewer than 200 of Croatia's islands lie off the coast of Šibenik city and the wider Šibenik-Knin County. These are some of the very best waters for sailing in Croatia. Also, less than half an hour away, one of the most famous music festival sites in Europe (not to mention one of the best open-air nightclubs in the world).

Thousands of visitors pass within striking distance of Šibenik. Everyone has heard of the famous city – its famous fortresses, its Michelin-starred restaurant (Pelegrini), its Old Town, its UNESCO cathedral and its well-known events. There are countless reasons why anyone on holiday nearby should definitely make a stop in Šibenik. And, now there's one more.

Šibenik Card is a VIP passport to the city's best attractions. From the city's UNESCO Heritage Sites and Fortresses to Museums and boat trips, you'll get free entrance to many of the city's must-see destinations with Šibenik Card. Even greater is the discount offer that Šibenik Card also carries. Bargain price visits to Krka National Park, activities like canoeing, kayaking and cycling, restaurants even accommodation are included in the Šibenik Card discount scheme.

In fact, there are so many great things to see and do in Šibenik, you'd be well advised to set aside a long weekend or at least 48 hours if you want to truly discover this magical, reinvented city. Here's a suggested itinerary for two days in the city and how you can make the tour with the Šibenik card.

Šibenik Card: Day 1

8am: Cycling / Kayaking / Windsurfing in Šibenik

There are several great activities you can do if you want to get to know the geography of Šibenik. Kayaking will let you see the shoreline from close up. Windsurfing gives a wider perspective on the channel, not that you'll have much time for idly spectating on this thrilling ride. Taking a cycling tour between the city and either of the peninsula's between the centre and the open Adriatic is seriously one of the very best things to do in Šibenik. Amazing!

If you're visiting in summer, plan such activities for early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Certainly, you can do activities during the strongest hours of summer sunshine in Šibenik – just make sure to apply generous amounts of high factor sunblock (a hat is also a good idea!). Alternatively, why not visit Šibenik for a long weekend in May, September or October. These months hold perfect warm, sunny days in which you can enjoy the great outdoors all day.

You receive 20% discount on all these activities with your Šibenik Card.

10.30am: Circle Boat Line / St. Nicholas Fortress

After getting your blood circulating first thing in the morning, you deserve to sit back, relax and let someone else do the work. There are few better ways to do this in Šibenik than on a boat. Why not take the Circle boat line? It's completely free with your Šibenik Card and it will allow you to cross all of the key points of the city's waterfront without ever going near a road. You can get on and off as many times as you like with your Šibenik card.

Alternatively, if you want to get acquainted with one of Šibenik's two UNESCO Heritage Sites, why not take the boat tour to St. Nicholas Fortress? You'll never have seen anything like it before. The photos are impressive enough, but they really don't depict the full offer. Not only are the fortress guides among the best in the city, but also there's a fascinating augmented reality aspect awaiting when you arrive.

You receive 20% discount on a guided tour of St. Nicholas Fortress with your Šibenik Card, including return boat trip from the city centre and down St. Anthony's channel.

1pm: Lunch

Some of Šibenik's best bars and restaurants offer generous discounts from your bill on the Šibenik Card, including;

-20%

Restoran Mendula, Ul. kralja Tomislava 15 A

SHE bio bistro, Zlarinski pro. 2

Bistro i kavana Pucalina, Ulica kralja Tomislava 9

-15%

Bistro Luce & Brigita, Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana 10A

-10%

Restoran Stari Grad, Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana 7

Restoran Pjat, Trg Pavla Šubića I 3

Pub & Wine bar Scala, Put Gimnazije 5

Restoran Peškarija, Obala palih omladinaca 10A

Restoran Stari Grad, Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana

2.30pm: Šibenik City Museum

Perhaps one of the most understated parts of the city offer, Šibenik City Museum holds fascinating exhibits of pottery, tools and architecture. You can trace the history of the peoples, culture and even the cuisine of those who've lived in the Šibenik area for millennia.

Free admission with Šibenik Card.

3.15pm: Civitas Sacra Museum

This cool and interactive museum tells the tale of the long and revolutionary construction of Šibenik's St. James Cathedral. Still very much a focal point of the city's Catholic worship, this museum is the best place to learn about the cathedral without intruding on solemn worship and attendance. It's the perfect place to visit in preparation for seeing the real thing up close.

Free admission with Šibenik Card.

4pm: St. James Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cathedral of St. James is a Renaissance masterpiece that took a century to build. On its facade are 71 different sculpted faces, said to be former residents of the town or contributors to the building. Try to look at as many as you can. You might be very surprised to see how some of Šibenik's former residents looked! After you've taken in the brilliant white exterior, prepare your senses for the celebration of colour inside.

Free admission with Šibenik Card.

5.30pm: Šibenik Old Town

One of the greatest pleasures of a visit to Šibenik is an unhurried walk around its Old Town. It is an incredibly atmospheric place, with countless unique winding alleys and stone stairways. Keep a look out for some fascinating architecture on your journey.

Unlike some ancient architecture in Croatia, the walls of Šibenik Old Town are completely free to walk around.

7pm: St Michael's Fortress

The first of Šibenik's fortresses to be renovated, St Michael's Fortress is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Few pieces of architecture represent Šibenik better than this. Inside the fortress, you'll walk through floor-to-ceiling displays and find out about the former life of the fortress and its residents. From the roof, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the entire city, the Old Town and St. Anthony's channel. In the height of summer, this view is best enjoyed in the morning - before it becomes too hot - or at sunset. Unforgettable, as is catching a music, dance or culture event in 1000-seat theatre that now sits atop St Michael's.

Free admission with Šibenik Card.

8.00pm: Šibenik events

Throughout the whole year, Šibenik is alive with events. Depending on when you visit, you might find gastro festivals and cultural discussions in city parks, Children's processions through winding stone streets, dance festivals on public squares, incredible traditional and classical music performances and animation films projected on large screens in the heart of the city. Locals and visitors alike gather on the streets to enjoy. This is a city where some of the best culture takes place outside. And you're warmly invited to join in.

Šibenik's street events are all completely free.

9.00pm: Dinner

Dinner discounts are the same as those at lunch within restaurants accepting the Šibenik Card (see above).

11pm: A great night's sleep

You can get discounts at some of the city's very best accommodation offers with , including rooms to suit every budget or necessity. They include;

Amadria Park Resort 4* – 10% discount with Šibenik Card

Superior City Hotel Bellevue 4* – 15% discount with Šibenik Card

Heritage Hotel Life Palace 4* – 15% discount with Šibenik Card

D-Resort Šibenik 4* – 15% regular rooms, 20% accessible rooms

Hostel Scala – 10% discount with Šibenik Card

Šibenik Card: Day 2

8am: Krka National Park

7 magical waterfalls, boat rides to island monasteries, Neolithic caves, Roman heritage, an eco-ethno village, freshwater swimming, traditional cuisine, wildlife, spectacular nature, hiking and cycling trails. You could spend a week exploring Krka National Park and not get tired of the landscape or its offer. Unmissable.

20% discount at each of the Krka National Park entrances, throughout the whole year, with Šibenik Card.

1.30pm: Lunch

Back to the city for lunch in one of the restaurants accepting Šibenik Card.

3pm: Aquarium and Terrarium

Discover the world of Adriatic fish and plants as well as some tropical varieties. This is the perfect place to escape the heat of a midsummer afternoon.

Free with Šibenik Card

4pm: Šibenik Zip Line

Race across the spectacular scenery of the Cikola River Canyon, on the edge of Krka National Park, on Šibenik Zip Line. You'll run along a course of three separate lines, suspended hundreds of metres above the canyon floor. Thrillseekers will not be disappointed.

20% discount with Šibenik Card

5.30pm: Shopping in Šibenik

Searching for souvenirs from your time in Croatia? Looking to take back home something unique, handcrafted or locally designed? Want to pick up some nice new sunglasses for the rest of your holiday? There's nowhere better than the big city for shopping. A wide range of city stores and services offer discount with Šibenik Card. They include

Optika Glavadanovic –20%

Deni Design –20%

Gallery Juraj Dalmatinac –20%

Souvenir Shop Skrinjica –20%

Lana Art Gallery –20%

8.00pm: Barone Fortress

View from Barone

The most recently renovated of all Šibenik's fortresses (although, there's one more on the way!), Barone Fortress is unique in several ways. Firstly, it currently holds the most advanced augmented reality section of all the city fortresses. These vividly unlock the history of the building and the city. Secondly, this is the highest and furthest back of all the forts. As a result, the views you get from Barone are breathtaking, not least the sunset. Enjoy it with a glass of wine from the cool bar you'll find on the fortress top.

Free entrance with Šibenik Card

9.30pm: Dinner

Back to the city centre for dinner in one of the restaurants accepting Šibenik Card.

11pm: Romantic walk by moonlight along Šibenik waterfront, the perfect end to 48 hours in Šibenik.

You can buy Šibenik Card at:

Slaptours/Avalon Agency, Obala hrvatske mornarice 1, Šibenik.

Civitas Sacra, Interpretation Centre of the Cathedral of St. James, Kralja Tomislava 10, Šibenik.

Amadria Park Šibenik.

Souvenir shops in Amadria Park hotels.

Šibenik Tourist Board office, Tourist Information Center, Fausta Vrančića 18, or Obala palih omladinaca 3, Šibenik.

Vinoplod Winery Shop, Velimira Škorpika 2, Šibenik.

CoWorking space – Trokut Šibenik, Velimira Škorpika 7, Šibenik.

Or you can download a digital version to most phones here

Single card: 140 kn (approximately 19 €)

Family card - 2 adults, any number of children: 340 kn (approximately 45 €)

All photos © Šibenik Tourist Board or Marc Rowlands

August 2, 2021 - The 3rd round of the Croatian First League was held from July 30 to August 1, 2021. Here's our HNL round 3 recap. 

Lokomotiva v. Hr. Dragovoljac (3:2)

Lokomotiva and Hr. Dragovojlac opened the 3rd round of the Croatian First League on Friday, July 20, 2021, in Zagreb. 

While Dragovoljac initially took the lead for 0:1 in the 14th minute, an own goal by Valentić equalized for Lokomotiva in the 40th for 1:1 at the half. Milicevic scored for the Lokomotiva lead in the 53rd minute for 2:1, and Kacavenda made it 3:1 in the 80th. Bagadur came back with a goal for Dragovoljac at 3:2 in the 87th minute, which was the final score of the match. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 3rd place with 7 points, while Dragovoljac is in last with 0. 

Istra 1961 v. Gorica (1:2)

Istra and Gorica met in Pula on Saturday, July 31, 2021. 

Lovric scored for the Gorica lead in the 19th minute for 0:1 at the half. After their second goal was called back thanks to VAR, Dieye scored for 0:2 in the 67th minute. Bande scored one goal for Istra in the 4th minute of added time for the final score of 1:2. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 3 points, while Gorica is in 4th with 6. 

Hajduk v. Šibenik (1:0)

Hajduk and Šibenik met at Poljud Stadium on Sunday, August 1, 2021. 

After being knocked out of the new UEFA Europa Conference League, Hajduk redeemed themselves with their first league win thanks to an Eduok goal in the 27th minute for 1:0, which was the final score of the match. 

Hajduk is currently in 7th place with 4 points,  while Šibenik is in 9th with 0. 

Osijek v. Slaven Belupo (0:0)

Osijek and Belupo met at City Garden Stadium on Sunday, August 1, 2021. 

Neither team was able to score, and the match finished 0:0.

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 7 points, while Belupo is in 6th with 4. 

Dinamo v. Rijeka (3:3)

Dinamo and Rijeka closed out the 3rd round at Maksimir Stadium on Sunday, August 2, 2021. 

Peric opened with an early goal for the Dinamo lead in the 9th minute, though Abass equalized for Rijeka to make it 1:1 in the 23rd minute. Majer put Dinamo back in the lead with a goal 10 minutes later for 2:1. Rijeka surprised with two goals to end the half thanks to Abass in the 38th and Drmic in the 43rd to make it 2:3 for Rijeka at the half. Orsic equalized for Dinamo in the 59th minute for the final score of 3:3. 

Dinamo is currently in 5th place with 4 points, while Rijeka is in 1st with 7. 

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. 

July 20, 2021 – The streets of Šibenik are overflowing with life this July. On town squares, streets and in parks, different events appeal to every generation and demographic. On Monday 19th, the opening of the Supertoon animation festival sees families gather to watch feature-length cartoons in the Old Town streets. Above their heads, in St. Michael's Fortress, a much more startling evening's entertainment is taking place. It's the opening of the 10th anniversary Šibenik Dance Festival.

'Burning Water' by renowned Greek choreographer Andonis Foniadakis is not always easy to watch. Commissioned specifically for the ballet company of Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, the dancers have had a year to perfect it since its Capital of Culture premiere.

A spectacular backdrop of Šibenik, the Adriatic and sunset greet attendees at the opening of the 10th annual Šibenik Dance Festival © Marc Rowlands.

The audience takes their seats at sunset. But, as the performance begins, everything is enveloped in black. Minimally lit, androgynous dancers arrive on stage in a most unorthodox manner, their bodies twisted and contorted beyond regular, recognisable movement.

“That is the signature style of Andonis Foniadakis,” says Šibenik Dance Festival director Zorana Mihelčić. “Everybody knows it because he's so well established; very nervous, interrupted movements. I personally love his work and right now he's one of the most frequently requested choreographers in the world.”

Having helmed Šibenik Dance Festival from its start to this, its 10th anniversary, Mihelčić is more than satisfied with its progress. And, so she should be. In the seats on opening night, German, English, Slovenian, Croatian, and at least one Scandinavian language are heard. On the stage, an international touring ballet troupe and world-renowned choreographer. This is a far cry from the festival's beginnings.

Evolution of Šibenik Dance Festival

“We started Šibenik Dance Festival 10 years ago as a small review of dance studios and awarded dancers. But not, professionals,” says Mihelčić. “At that time, it was held in the square just in front of Šibenik cathedral. It grew steadily each year until 2014 when the first of our fortresses was renovated. Within a month of St. Michael's opening, we secured permission to hold our opening night there. That really put us on the map and we've been there ever since.”

“We now have two programmes running simultaneously; we kept the amateur and student dancers programme, which was our foundation. But, now we have professional, international dance companies as a major part of each event.”

Ilijana's dancers, part of the student / fringe programme of Šibenik Dance Festival © Mladen Božičković

Continuing throughout this week, Šibenik Dance Festival manages to entertain everyone currently in Šibenik. Committed fans of contemporary dance and art will visit more spectacular venues like Barone Fortress. On Wednesday 21st, a visit there by Zoltán Fodor's Inversedance – an incredibly well-respected dance company from Budapest. They arrive with a new performance 'You and the World'. Its premiere was just one month ago. The next night, Thursday 22 July, jazz and hip hop dancing, again at Fortress Barone and the Association of Ballet Artists of Serbia.

In Arsen Art House, conceptual and contemporary pieces by Rita Gobi from Hungary and regional star Isidora Stanišić on Tuesday 20th. The festival concludes in the same venue on Friday 23 with a conceptual piece called 'Body Shots'. It's a co-production between Germany's CocoonDance Company and Zagreb Dance Center.

Body Shots by CocoonDance / Zagreb Dance Center © Neven Petrović.

Although, for many visitors, the highlight of Šibenik Dance Festival is still the public performance on the city streets by youngsters and amateur dancers.

“This year, it's a really exciting mixture, accessible to everyone,” says Zorana Mihelčić, clearly excited about the performances to come. “20 minutes of great tap dancers from Dubrovnik, then 10 to 15 minutes of very young students from the ballet school in Split. After that, contemporary dancers from Požega, also salsa, hip hop fusion, classical and contemporary ballet. It will be great.”

As shown above, final applause for the 2021 festival opening night. Festival director Zorana Mihelčić can be seen in the bottom right-hand corner. 

The free public performance of youngsters and amateurs at the 10th anniversary of Šibenik Dance Festival takes place at Poljana square, just in front of Šibenik National Theatre on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 July between the hours of 19.00 and 22.00.

All photos © Šibenik Dance Festival unless otherwise accredited.

July 19, 2021 - The 2021/22 Croatian First League (HNL) season opened last weekend with the first round of games played from July 16 to 18, 2021. A look at our HNL round 1 recap. 

Dinamo v. Slaven Belupo (0:2)

Dinamo and Slaven Belupo opened the new season at Maksimir Stadium on Friday, July 16, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, the reigning Croatian champions were shocked thanks to goals by Krstanovicc and Bogojevic in the 50th and 84th minutes for 0:2. 

This victory was only Belupo's second in its 37 visits to Maksimir. The last time they won was a little less than 17 years ago. 

Dinamo is currently in 8th place with 0 points, while Belupo is in 4th with 3. 

Osijek v. Šibenik (3:0)

Osijek and Šibenik met at City Garden Stadium on Friday, July 16, 2021. 

The first half went without goals, which Mierez made up for with Osijek's first goal in the 63rd minute. Bohar scored in the 90th and 95th for 3:0 Osijek.  

Osijek is currently in first place with 3 points, while Šibenik is in 10th with 0. 

Lokomotiva v. Hajduk (2:2)

Lokomotiva and Hajduk met in Zagreb on Saturday, July 17, 2021. 

Hajduk took the lead in the 30th minute thanks to Mlakar, though Soldo equalized for Lokomotiva for 1:1 3 minutes before the half. Dabro opened the second half with a goal for the 2:1 Lokomotiva lead in the 47th minute, but Mlakar equalized for 2:2 less than 10 minutes later.

Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 1 point, while Hajduk is in 5th place with 1 point. 

Rijeka v. Gorica (2:0)

Rijeka and Gorica met at Rujevica on Saturday, July 17, 2021. 

Muric put Rijeka in the lead in the 20th minute for 1:0 at the half. Lepinijca increased Rijeka's lead to 2:0 in the 55th minute, which was the final score of the match.

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 3 points, while Gorica is in 9th with 0. 

Istra 1961 v. Hr. Dragovoljac (3:1)

Istra and Dragovoljac closed out the first round on Sunday, July 18, 2021. 

Bande scored two goals for Istra in the first half for 2:0 (10', 17'). Matic made it 3:0 at the half. Veljaca scored for Dragovoljac for 3:1, which was the final score of the match. 

Istra is currently in 2nd place with 3 points, while Dragovoljac is in 7th with 0. 

You can see the full HNL table