October 8, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud on Thursday at 8:45 pm in a crucial qualifier for the European Championship next summer. Ivan Rakitic spoke to the media on Tuesday from the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Split. 

Headlines in Croatian media this week will focus heavily on a critical meeting of our 2018 World Cup finalists - Croatia will meet Hungary on Thursday in Split. And while Croatia's fate in the 2020 Euro competition lay heavily on the result itself, the match also carries more significance - it is the first time the Croatia national team has played in Split since 2015. 

Ivan Rakitic re-joined the team after he was absent from the lineup for Croatia's qualifiers in September, naming his alarming situation at Barcelona at the time as the reason. On Tuesday, he faced the Croatian media at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Split, the home of the Croatia national team for the week. 

"I am very happy to play in Split. My best friends are here. I am happy to be with the team and staff again. The stadium sold out in a day; we await a full stadium of our fans."

Why did Rakitic opt out of the national team in September?

For me, the national team is always first, but the situation in my club wasn't right. I needed to come to the national team with a clear head to give my all, and at that time, I wasn't at my best. I thank everyone for understanding. Luka gave me his support. It was a tough decision for me." 

How was it to watch Croatia play so well against Slovakia?

"I was so happy to see how well we played. We were fantastic. The coach said it was the best game under his leadership. I think we can be even better.” 

Rakitic touched on the two big games ahead against Hungary and Wales. 

"We know the games ahead will be difficult. We lost to Hungary away. But I can't wait for the atmosphere, the fans, the full stadium. If we get 6 points, that is the best-case scenario. But we have to go step by step. First is Hungary."

What does Rakitic think about bringing the national team back to Split? 

"We will give our all. We know that Dalmatia wants the national team here. And we as a national team want to play everywhere.

We know that the people wanted the national team in Split. We could see that with how quickly the stadium sold out. Something extraordinary awaits us on Thursday. We are the World Cup finalists. We are going together for the win." 

What does Rakitic have to say about the media speculation that he didn't want to play for the national team?

"Everyone has their opinion and their right, but no one has a bigger love of playing for Croatia than me. Switzerland gave me everything, but my heart beats for Croatia. I’ve been with the team 12, 13 years. I felt that way yesterday, today, and will feel that way forever. Croatia is number one.”

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

October 8, 2019 - Unprecedented security measures are in place for the European qualifier between Croatia and Hungary at Poljud on Thursday. 

Slobodna Dalmacija announced that seats in the VIP lodge are reserved for President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and all ministers - and it looks like Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, will also be coming to Split. But that's not the only reason security is on high alert. 

HNS took over Poljud Stadium on Monday, and until Friday, Poljud is exclusively in the service of the national team, which requires a special regime and security.

Hajduk moved to Brac for the week. This includes not only the first team, but also the offices and services, the entire working community, while the younger teams have been moved to other locations around Dalmatia. 

Hajduk has refused to participate in the organization of the national team match, and according to Croatian media, neither the Hajduk president Marin Brbić nor the vice-president Luksa Jakobusic will attend on Thursday.

Except for one case where the police found 45 tickets purchased by a single person, other such incidents have not been recorded. The Split-Dalmatia County Police Department exclaimed: ”If you do not have a ticket in your name, don't even come to the stadium."

Two to three rings of security have been announced at the stadium, and it is well known that the information on the ticket and ID must match. HNS allowed ticketholders to change the name on their ticket up to 48 hours before the match, but only within their family. Those who are not allowed to enter the stadium have the right to go to the box office and transfer the ticket to their spouse, brother, sister, child, parents, etc. 

Just how meticulous the security will be, remains to be seen.

It has been announced that Victor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, will attend the match with his private arrangement. The police are still awaiting official confirmation as Orban must receive proper treatment - and as much as the PM loves football, the protocol must be respected, and he cannot enter the stadium as a mere spectator. 

The seats in the VIP lodge are reserved for President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Prime Minister Andrei Plenkovic, and all ministers.

Some claim that Split will witness the strongest security of a public event ever in the city. MUP will bring 500 police officers, and as of Wednesday, they will also monitor the city as two thousand Hungarian fans are expected. Police will also patrol all locations around the stadium. The caution has thus been raised to the highest level for this match, which is paid for by HNS. The final bill could reach up to three million kuna.

Police are already overseeing the Le Meridien Lav Hotel in Podstrana, where the national team is staying, and will also be monitoring the guests. Nothing will be left to chance.

The field will be monitored from the air, by drones and helicopters, from the sea by warships and from the checkpoints around it. There will also be 500 security guards in the stands and near the pitch. Sokol Maric will lead the security, but other companies have been hired as well. The stands and pitch are monitored with 'sleep’ cameras, which are put into action only when there is activity. 

Split-Dalmatia County police say that everything is going well and that this security is necessary, considering 33,000 spectators and thousands of Hungarian fans are expected. Recall, at the end of May, there were 200 police officers when Croatia visited NK Omis - 150 of them monitoring the city, the hills, and the sea, and only 50 in the stadium.

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

October 8, 2019 - In addition to saving financially, Split Parking is raising environmental awareness in the city of Split.

Splitski Dnevnik writes that as part of the Electric Mobility Project, the Split Parking utility company has installed new charging stations for electric vehicles at five locations in Split, and has purchased four Renault Kangoo electric vehicles and two OPAI electric scooters. The new vehicles, the company said, will bring significant financial savings and, more importantly, will use two to five thousand liters of fossil fuel less per vehicle annually, which will reduce emissions and contribute to maintaining the city's air quality.

It is estimated that electric vehicles can travel about 250 kilometers with a single charge, and Split Parking officials say it is estimated that one mobile team consumes the value of an electric vehicle in five years. The EU's mobility market is growing at rates of over 100 percent a year, and this is part of the path that Split parking as a company has already taken, as they want to catch up to the rest of Europe when it comes to urban mobility, which also includes electric mobility.

Split Parking

“Given the nature of the business, our mobile teams travel hundreds of kilometers every day, so electric vehicles were a logical step. In our work, we want to reduce the negative impact of transportation on people, health, and the environment, which is what we are doing. That is why, in cooperation with the City of Split, we have recently launched a public electric bicycle system, which is showing good results for the time being and will be expanded soon. We continue to work on projects that will allow our citizens easier, faster, and healthier transportation from one place to another,” said Marko Bartulić, director of Split Parking.

Charging stations for electric vehicles are set up at the following locations: Ruđer Bošković garage, Simić garage, Smiljanić garage, Sukoišan garage, and the Pauk service. In the garages of Ruđer Bošković and Sukoišan, Type B charging stations were installed, with a capacity of 2 × 22 kW, on which two electric vehicles can be charged at the same time, and in addition to the users of the garages above, they are accessible to all drivers. The other three locations have one A (1 × 22 kW) charging station installed and are currently available to users of these garages. In addition to the five newly installed charging stations of Split Parking, there are presently only two public charging stations for electric vehicles in the city of Split. The plan is also to install additional charging stations so that all parking lots and garages under the management of Split parking will be equipped with this service, the company said.

The charging stations are fully connected to the largest international eRoaming platform HUBJECT, which brings together over one hundred charging companies and enables the active access and promotion of charging stations to more than three hundred thousand users of electric vehicles from the European Union. There is full integration with the central regional portal Puni.hr to advertise locations, search, book, and use electric vehicle charging stations.

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

October 7, 2019 - Coach Zlatko Dalic announced the match between Croatia and Hungary at a press conference in Split on Monday. 

On Thursday at 8:45 pm, Croatia will welcome Hungary in their next Euro 2020 qualifying match at Poljud Stadium in Split.

The national team will prepare for the match in Omis, where they played a friendly against NK Omis earlier this year. Coach Zlatko Dalic will hold several press conferences this week at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel, the first of which was held on Monday.

“Not all players have arrived yet; some are late because they had games last night. I expect all the players to be available, and no one has problems so far. The most important thing is that we depend on ourselves; we need 5-6 points to be sure. The first step is Hungary, but no less important is the game against Wales. We had a defeat there, and I expect we will fix it. I think 15 points will be enough to move on, but let's go one step at a time. These three points would be critical to us, and most importantly, we depend on ourselves.” 

Everyone is interested in Dalic's biggest dilemma, whether he will play Rakitic, who just returned to the national team, or the young Vlasic, who is in great form?

“We'll see these next two days, I have a vision in my head, two games in three days await us, and we must divide our forces and use things differently. We will certainly use 15-16 players in these two games; we will see during these next two days and training.”

Will Rebic play?

“He's not been playing lately in Milan, and that's a problem, but when he comes, we'll see. When he's with the national team, he does his best.”

Does Dalic admit he made a mistake in the last game when he didn't change the lineup?

“I said and will repeat - it was my fault. The game against Slovakia took me back, it was probably the best match since I was a coach, but I didn't react in time.”

A big spectacle awaits us in Split on Thursday.

"I look forward to the match and what awaits us. If Poljud had a capacity of 100,000, it would be full. I expect a great match and a win. Tickets were sold in one day and that shows how much Dalmatia and Croatia love the national team. The things that are being emphasized, the problems between HNS and Hajduk, should be solved through meetings and the system, not through the national team. What do Vlasic, Modric, and Rebic have to do with it, what do we have to do with it? It is not good that Croatia does not often play in Split. Now that we are playing there, the question is, why are we playing in Split? So we're never clear, but I'm glad most are on our side. The Croatia national team is playing in Split. "

Are the players in good form?

“I said these were tricky situations, we get together on Monday and play on Thursday, but it's not an excuse. Some players are not at the top of their club, but when we get to the national team, we have to create a group that believes in itself. I think the national team is something special. When you come, you forget about your club, and you do your best.”

Source: Gol.hr

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

October 7, 2019 - The strategic project connecting the Split ferry port and airport, unofficially estimated at a total of 150 million euro, got a new twist last week.

As T.portal confirmed by several sources, after a disagreement that the future railways should pass through Kastela, a completely new route surfaced amid the chaos. 

According to the proposal made by HŽ Infrastruktura to the Ministry of Transport, the trains would run on an overhead line that is parallel to the Split-Trogir highway, mostly on the pillars that would sit between its two lanes.

“This solution is only slightly more expensive than the route proposed by the City of Kastela, which, in one part, rises to a relatively high altitude and almost completely bypasses populated areas. On the other hand, it is much cheaper than installing a railway line in a tunnel or a buried pipe in the lower part of Kastela, which was insisted by local authorities, and thus could be financed from European funds. Third, there are no property and legal issues on this route, while the performance itself would be relatively straightforward. It would not even be necessary to close the entire expressway for traffic, but only possibly one of its lanes,” said T.portal’s source. 

In addition to the Ministry of Transport, a proposal for a new, fourth route of the railway through Kastela was sent to consultants from Ernst & Young, who will make an assessment of its cost-effectiveness in the next month, and include it in an already completed study, followed by a change of spatial plans.

At a government session last May in Split, connecting the Split ferry port and airport was declared a project of strategic national importance, which implies, among other things, possible funding from European funds from 2020 to 2027. It should be suitable because Split airport handles 3.3 million passengers per year and the ferry port over 5.5 million, while the daily migrations of Split and Kastela residents should be added.

In fact, there are already 18 kilometers of railroad tracks between the two endpoints that need to be thoroughly reconstructed, and the added section - depending on whether it would be separated in Kastel Kambelovac or Kastel Stari - would be between eight and ten kilometers long. The final train station would be located south of the newly built Split Airport terminal, though there are ideas to move it to nearby Trogir.

Small suburban trains have been operating between a part of Kastela and Split for a long time, and since this summer, the famous 'mini-metro' between the Split suburbs and the city center has been in operation. However, the mini-metro has recorded a low number in passengers - reportedly only one per ride on average - but city officials continue to say that 'citizens should get used to this option' and that everything will make sense when the airport and ferry are connected with one logical and complete project.

It was announced that several existing railway stations in Split, Solin, and Kastela would be reconstructed by next summer, and HŽ Infrastruktura also signed a 2.7 million kuna contract last week to develop the technical documentation of the underground station at Trg Hrvatske bratske zajednice, exactly halfway between Kopilica and the port, in the administrative part of town, near the court and the police. 

The station should adapt to new security conditions and be about a hundred meters long, with platforms and exits to Trg Hrvatske bratske zajednice. The same project envisages the installation of a ventilation and fire-fighting system and other equipment in the Split 'metro' tunnel. 

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

October 7, 2019 - The Split Tourist Board is moving quickly to plan this year's Advent festivities, and has revealed some exciting new attractions this year. 

With the summer over, we must move our focus onto the next eventful season and look forward to what’s in store this Christmas and New Year’s holiday. Fortunately, for the citizens of Split, all winter events could already be known by the end of this month.

Namely, Splitski Dnevnik writes that the Split Tourist Board has already announced two important competitions - one, for the organizer of the New Year's Eve party, and another for an ice skating rink at Dardin park.

Thus, after last year's Advent events, there will likely be an ice skating rink at Dardin, similar to the one in Zagreb. The competition for all interested parties is open for another ten days, and 400,000 kuna will be provided.

Those wishing to compete must submit a detailed program description and financial offer, and must have at least three years' experience organizing the same or similar events. Also, applicants must not owe the City of Split.

The Advent cottages we enjoyed at Dardin last year will remain, and the ice skating rink will only serve to enhance the atmosphere. 

“The rink will be a part of the Advent events, like in Zrinjevac, and it will be one of the novelties during the Advent celebration. The rink will act as paths between the cottages and an additional offer to the citizens of Split and tourists during the Christmas holidays,” says Split Tourist Board director Alijana Vukšić.

The ice skating rink must have a total capacity for 200 skaters, free skating for Split's kindergarten and elementary school children should be organized in the morning from 10 am to 1 pm every day except weekends and holidays, and there must be an exciting opening and closing program.

The organizer must also set up four catering cottages, one for merchants, and one for storing equipment and selling tickets. Opening hours will be from 10 am to 9 pm.

Recall, Split first had an ice skating rink at Prokurative nine years ago. 

Furthermore, call for proposals to select the organizer of the “New Year's Eve 2020” concert has also been launched.

The organizer must ensure the following:

A.) design the program to follow new trends in local and foreign music, with performances by pop stars and renowned musicians, B.) stage, lighting and sound must be part of the offer and designed in a sophisticated manner, C.) room for VIP guests, D.) 5 minutes of fireworks, E.) perform all other necessary activities to hold a safe and legal event, F.) the duration of the program is from 31 December 2019 at 9 pm to 1 January 2020 at 2 am.

The Split Tourist Board, in cooperation with the City of Split, will provide financial support of 500,000.00 kuna gross to co-finance the event. The Split Tourist Board and the City will also provide and allow the organizer to use the public area where the reception is held for free. 

The deadline to submit offers ended on September 19, 2019. 

Although the competition ended, the bidder has not yet been selected because the decision of the Tourist Board is pending. Thus, who will organize the New Year's Eve party on the Riva will be known after the competition for the ice skating rink at Dardin has been completed.

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

October 7, 2019 - The 11th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 4 to 6, 2019. Hajduk remains in first after the 11th round, with Dinamo just one point behind in second and Osijek and Rijeka 4 points behind in third and fourth place. 

Istria 1961 v. Inter Zapresic (2:2)

Istria and Inter opened the 11th round on Friday, October 4, 2019, in Pula in front of 1,555 spectators. 

Inter’s Grgic was the first to score for 0:1 at the half, though most of the excitement was saved for the second half. 

Ivancic scored two goals for Istria, in the 47th and 56th minutes for 2:1, though Frelih equalized for Inter in the 4th minute of added time for 2:2. 

Istria is currently in 7th place with 10 points, while Inter is in 9th with 7. 

Hajduk v. Varazdin (2:0)

Hajduk and Varazdin met on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Poljud stadium in Split in front of 7,945 spectators. 

Hajduk’s Jairo scored in the 21st minute for 1:0 at the half, though Nejasmic increased their lead to 2:0 in the 65th minute, which was the final score of the game. Varazdin’s Senic received his second yellow in the 90th minute, forcing Varazdin to play with a man down for the final minutes of the game. 

Hajduk is currently in first place with 23 points, while Varazdin is in the last place with 7. 

Dinamo v. Slaven Belupo (1:0)

Dinamo and Belupo met on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Maksimir stadium in front of 1,511 sectors. 

The only goal of the match came in the 5th minute when Petkovic scored a penalty for 1:0. Neither team was able to score for the remainder of the match. 

Dinamo is currently in second place with 22 points, while Belupo is in 8th with 10. 

Osijek v. Gorica (2:1)

Osijek and Gorica met on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,212 sectors. 

While the first half went without goals, Lovric put Gorica in the lead with a goal in the 54th minute. Osijek’s Maric scored a penalty in the 66th minute for 1:1, and Mance increased Osijek’s lead to 2:1 in the 75th minute. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 19 points, while Gorica is in 5th place with 15. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (1:1)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva closed out the 11th round at Rujevica Stadium on October 6, 2019, in front of 4,835 spectators. 

Andrijasevic put Rijeka in the lead with a goal just before the ref blew the whistle for the half, though Uzuni equalized for Lokomotiva minutes later in the 49th minute for 1:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 19 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th place with 15. 

You can see the HNL table here. 

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

October 4, 2019 - Split Gourmet Expo, an exhibition of Split restaurants, taverns, and hotels, will be held for the third time on the city’s famous waterfront promenade - the Riva. 

Namely, Split Gourmet Expo is a manifestation that brings together an exhibition of dishes and gastronomy from Split's catering establishments, a competition, promotion through the media, and a special bilingual publication on the participants and dishes themselves.

Exhibition tables will be set up on the waterfront, where three items (cold appetizer, main course, and dessert) will be on display either on trays or plates. And the best part? All menu items will be free to taste by the visitors of the event after the judge's evaluation has been carried out.

The taste, appearance, and originality of the dishes will be judged by a jury of eminent chefs and experts in gastronomy. 

The Split Gourmet Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 10 am to 2 pm. It is a wonderful way to enjoy some of Split's best restaurants and the creative concoctions they've crafted to win!

You can find the full program below. 

SPLIT GOURMET EXPO 2019

10:00 The start of the entertainment program

10:30 Exhibition of dishes on the arranged tables

Photos of exhibited dishes and chefs - for the needs of SPLIT menu 2019, publications in Croatian and English.

11:00 Meal Evaluation

11:30 The entertainment program on the main stage

12:00 Presentation and distribution of food and wine to visitors

13:00 Announcing the best appetizer, main course, and dessert dish. The overall winner of the event will be presented the "SPLIT GOURMET EXPO 2019” plaque, earn a special place and presentation in the edition of "SPLIT menu 2019”, and be the ambassador of Split's gastronomic offer throughout the next 12 months.

Group photographs and participant interviews will follow, with presentations and tastings at the exhibition tables for all. 

Those interested can find the Facebook event here. 

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

October 3, 2019 - What happens when a Hajduk fan falls in love with a Dinamo supporter? An epic wedding invitation. 

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and can often bring out traits of your partner you didn’t know existed. But, despite the quips and quarrels you experience, your wedding day vows promise to commit to one another for a lifetime, and, of course, respect one another despite your differences.

But this all gets a bit trickier when a Hajduk and Dinamo fan fall in love. 

However, newlyweds Stefan and Nela are one of the rare success stories in this football love affair - and they have every reason to celebrate, for their genuine love has withstood one of the world’s most notorious football rivalries. 

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that Stefan, an ardent fan of Hajduk, and Nela, a die-hard Dinamo supporter, conquered Croatia’s clash of Split and Zagreb. And because their love prevailed, they made sure to show it with an unconventional wedding invitation.

Thus, Stefan and Nela chose a unique yet appropriate way to display their ‘forbidden love’ to one another and their beloved football clubs, and their wedding invitations were designed as a ticket to Croatia’s 'Eternal Derby' between Dinamo and Hajduk. 

The ticket shows Nela as Dinamo, and Stefan as Hajduk. The invitation invites guests to the ‘game of their lives’ and asks them not to miss the derby of the year. The invitation names the stadium as the church, followed by the celebration in Kiseljak, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The wedding band shared on Facebook that they were honored to be a part of this event. 

“For the most important day in their lives, many newlyweds pay attention to the smallest details. One of them is certainly the wedding invitation, which the couple wants to be special and unique.

So, newlyweds Nela and Stefan, who were married in Lepenica, had a very interesting and original wedding invitation.

The invitation was made in the form of a ticket to a football match Dinamo and Hajduk, since Nela is a Dinamo fan, and Stefan goes for Hajduk. Congratulations to the newlyweds and good luck to them in the match of their lives.”

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

October 3, 2019 - The well-known Omis tunnel, which has been a hot topic among everyone from locals to drivers in Dalmatia and even international media for years, could finally see the light. 

"The works should start in the next month to a month and a half, and the estimated duration of these works is somewhere between two and a half, up to three years, so we expect that everything will be done within that period," said the mayor of Omis, Ivo Tomasovic for Dalmacija Danas.

The bridge over the Cetina river, tunnel, and connecting roads are part of the Omis bypass project foreseen to reduce the unbearable traffic jams and chaos that prevails at the entrance to Omis every summer.

"After a long time, we managed to revive this project in some way. Speaking from a traffic point of view, we can say that this is one of the most significant projects,” says Josip Skoric, CEO of Croatian Roads.

It is a project that has been spoken about for years but has never seen the green light for construction. The state road that runs through the city center is one of the busiest in the country. At least 50,000 vehicles pass through it daily.

The inhabitants of Omis were asked just how much this affects their lives.

"The crowds are, say, a couple of kilometers long; it is chaotic, and drivers are on their last nerves,” said Marko. 

"It's a disaster, the temperature is 37, 38 degrees, and the line of traffic is 7 to 10 kilometers. I come to Omis from Dugi Rat, and I have to travel for an hour and a half, sometimes even two hours,” explained Josip. 

However, the people of Omis could hardly believe that constructing a bypass would bring salvation from the crowds and ultimately relieve traffic. Another resident said he isn't convinced the traffic would come to an end: “A bypass? I think I won’t live to see the day it begins.” 

"I've been waiting 30 years for a bypass. Hopefully, now that the tunnel has been made, it will encourage someone to remember that it must be done - because this is awful,” said Zlatko. 

Split-Dalmatia County prefect Blazenko Boban says he understands the criticism.

"I understand the citizens, but I will say it at last. All of the stakeholders and I must continue with persistence to finally bring the infrastructure of Split and the Split agglomeration to a decent level,” he concluded.

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