April 11, 2021 - GNK Dinamo presented their vision for a new Maksimir stadium on Saturday, designed by famous Zagreb architect Otto Barić.

The club pointed out that they want a new Maksimir stadium, a place where club history was created and where thousands of fans celebrated victories, mourned defeats, and where all Dinamo fans' emotions are written in the frozen sequences of legendary victories.

"Based on materials made by the club, and in line with UEFA standards, the visual appearance of the stadium in Maksimir was made by the famous Zagreb architect Otto Barić, with his partners from the specialized company Polymachine who translated the idea and vision into these photos," published the club.

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It is a proposal to build a stadium with a capacity of 34,000 seats, with large parking capacities - 300 VIP parking spaces and 30 VIP spaces, then PRESS parking and parking for spectators. All seats in the stadium are seated and covered, with a fan shop and a club museum, and additional commercial facilities on the north stand. Modern hospitality is planned in the entire stadium, as well as a state-of-the-art media complex. Of the ceremonial lodges, there are 2,000 VIP seats in the west and 1,000 VIP seats in the east, behind which is the camp of Dinamo's football school with the necessary infrastructure. The guest tribune would be in the southern part of the stadium.

The new Maksimir stadium would be fully accessible, in line with all UEFA and FIFA recommendations, and the construction of facilities for spectators with disabilities is planned. On 1,000 individual seats, 5 places are provided to accommodate spectators with disabilities and their companions, with accessible entrances and other services.

The club estimates that the construction would cost around 60 million euros, and Dinamo says that they want to participate in constructing a new stadium with a strategic partner in the project - the City of Zagreb.

Source: HRT

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March 19, 2021 - Croatian footballers Luka Modrić and Mislav Oršić were brilliant in UEFA competitions this week, earning them Player of the Week recognitions!

What a week it was for Croatian football and footballers. 

Mislav Oršić played a fantastic match in the sensational Dinamo comeback against Tottenham on Thursday night at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. 

Praise came from all sides; even the great Gary Lineker congratulated Oršić on the hat-trick after the game. 

"Blimey. Spurs have blown it. No words... other than to say what a hattrick from Mislav Orsic."

Oršić's 10/10 match not only brought Dinamo a historic result and spot in the Europa League quarterfinals, but UEFA recognized the 28-year-old as the Europa League player of the week!  

In the selection, Oršić surpassed the star of Ajax, David Neres, Romino Borja Mayoral (former Real player), and Gerard Moreno, the great, 35 million euro Villarreal striker, against whom Dinamo will meet in the quarterfinals.

"Goals? They mean a lot to me. I didn't sleep all night because of the adrenaline; I couldn't close my eyes," Oršić said the day after the game.

The masterclass of Luka Modrić and his age-defying skill didn't go unnoticed against Atalanta on Tuesday in Real Madrid's 3:1 victory. So much so that the 35-year-old was named the Champions League player of the week!

Luka was the assistant for Real's leading goal and played a significant role in the deserved Madrid win. 

SPORTBible couldn't go without praising Modrić either, sharing a compilation of the Croatia captain ruling Atalanta. 

"Goals from Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio ensured Atalanta would exit the competition at the round-of-16 stage.

But Modric stole the show as he scooped the Man of the Match award thanks to a dazzling performance in Europe's elite club competition.

The 35-year-old Croatian midfielder rolled back the years as he pulled the strings from the midfield, setting up Benzema for Madrid's opener in the first half.

Modric's show-stealing performance wasn't unnoticed by fans, who took to social media to laud him for his brilliance on the pitch," said SPORTbible. 

Luka Modrić vs Atalanta pic.twitter.com/2ykTN5ohg7

— Thiago ? (@HMDComps) March 16, 2021

Bravo to Luka and Mislav! 

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March 19, 2021 - The Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, received the President of the European Football Federation, Aleksandar Čeferin, and the President of the Croatian Football Federation, Davor Šuker, at Banski dvori in Zagreb to discuss football infrastructure in Croatia. 

HNS reports that Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Marić and the Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac. The HNS delegation was accompanied by the Executive Director Marijan Kustić and the Head of the International Department and Licensing Ivančica Sudac.

HNS

The meeting topic was primarily further investments in the development of football infrastructure in Croatia, and support for plans for the construction of a national stadium and the renovation of existing football stadiums in Croatia was also emphasized.

Prime Minister Plenković reminded that his Government in the last term adopted the National Sports Program 2019-2026, increased allocations for sports by more than 100%, and several projects were launched in the sports sector. He also added that the Government had launched investments in local sports infrastructure for the first time, and 15 football infrastructure projects in the total amount of HRK 5.7 million were co-financed through a public tender for co-financing the renovation and construction of sports infrastructure in 2019.

In addition to job preservation measures, the government has expanded support measures to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that have also affected the sports sector.

"I thank Prime Minister Plenković for organizing this meeting with Minister Brnjac and Minister Marić, which I consider extremely important for the further development of football, especially football infrastructure in Croatia. I am glad that the Government of the Republic of Croatia has shown an understanding of many economic, health, and other benefits that football brings to society and interest in the challenges we face as the most massive sports organization in the country. With the support of UEFA and FIFA, HNS has done a lot in the development of infrastructure in recent years, and of course, we wish more state assistance in this segment," said HNS President Davor Suker, adding:

"I have the impression that the current government led by Prime Minister Plenković, despite all the current challenges, has the hearing, desire, will, and strength to return to football what football, as the most successful Croatian 'product,' deserves. I am proud that in UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, we have a great friend of Croatian football, and I thank him for showing today with concrete examples and figures that any investment in football is many times more profitable; for society as a whole."

Šuker also expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached on the establishment of a joint body of the Government, UEFA, and HNS:

"I believe in the effectiveness of a joint body composed of representatives of the Government and the Ministries of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, HNS and UEFA's independent experts, and the city of Zagreb to jointly prepare a sustainable project to build a new stadium."

UEFA president Čeferin also reported on UEFA's plans to organize the European Football Championship, given the epidemiological situation in Europe.

At the initiative of UEFA President Čeferin and HNS President Šuker, a humanitarian match between Slovenia and Croatia was played in Petrinja on 13 March. On that occasion, President Čeferin, on behalf of UEFA, handed over a donation of 50,000 euros to the Croatian Red Cross. At the same time, HNS donated 200,000 kuna to the Sisak-Moslavina County Football Association to reconstruct football infrastructure.

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February 25, 2021 - Dinamo advances to Europa League last 16 after defeating Krasnodar in the return match of the Europa League last 32 at Maksimir Stadium on Thursday.

In the first match played seven days ago in Russia, the Croatian champion won 3:2 and thus gained a big advantage before the return match in Zagreb.

Bruno Petković was brilliant with two goals, and the winning goal was the work of Iyayi Atiemwen. Marcus Berg and Victor Claesson scored for Krasnodar, though Berg did not arrive in Zagreb and did not play tonight.

Dinamo has been waiting to play a 'European spring' for 49 years. Now, for the second time in the last three seasons, they have reached the round of 16.

Recall, two years ago, Dinamo knocked out Victoria Plzen in the last 32, and then lost to Benfica in the round of 16.

Even with the advantage going into Thursday's return match, relaxing was not an option for the Zagreb club. Dinamo came out aggressively in the first half, with both dangerous attacking plays and solid defense. But Krasnodar maintained the same momentum, and possession was 50/50.

Krasnodar's keeper was brilliant in goal to keep the Russian side's net clear for most of the first half, while Livakovic was put to work, too. 

But Dinamo got their chance in the  31st minute. In a brilliant attacking play, Jakić found Oršić who scored from ten meters for 1:0! It was Oršić's 14th goal in European matches for Dinamo. 

The second half started with no changes for either side. Dinamo maintained their advantage in the second half, even though Krasnodar seemed to have more ball in possession. The Russian side, however, could not find the way to Livakovic's net.

The ref added three minutes to the end of the match, in which neither team was able to score. With this victory, Dinamo advances to the round of 16!

The last 16 draw will take place on Friday, February 26 in Nyon at 1 pm. 

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February 24, 2021 - Former legendary Croatia national team player and first-team player of Sevilla, Ivan Rakitic, will be the first UEFA Children's Foundation ambassador. 

HNS reports that Rakitic will have the opportunity to participate in initiatives led by the UEFA Foundation and promote the work of a body that helps improve the lives of children around the world.

"I am proud to be part of the UEFA Children's Foundation family. I am really happy about that, but at the same time, I will have a great responsibility to show everyone that the UEFA Foundation and we players can achieve a lot and, above all, help children from all over the world to be happy and to laugh. I am the father of two girls, and I know very well what a smile on a child's face means," said Ivan Rakitić.

The president of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, who is also the president of the Board of the Children's Foundation, is delighted with Rakitić's support for the organization.

"Ivan Rakitić is not only one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, but he is also a person who wants to make a tangible difference off the field to improve the lives of others. I am impressed by Ivan’s dedication and desire to help children worldwide; we look forward to working closely together to achieve our goals. Our doors are always open to players, past and present. I would like you to follow Ivan's example and join the UEFA Foundation as ambassadors," said Alexander Čeferin.

Ivan won the historic silver with Croatia at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and became European champion with Barcelona in 2015. In 2014 as captain of Sevilla, he won the Europa League. He recorded 106 appearances for Croatia before ending his national team career last year.

"I hope I have many more good years ahead of me, but I am convinced that when I finish my playing career, I will have more time to travel and be available. Of course, I want to dedicate myself to this role of ambassador from day one. Still, when I retire from playing, I am sure that I will have the opportunity to participate more in projects, and therefore my satisfaction will be even greater. The idea of being part of this family thrilled me from the very beginning; I hope to be an ambassador for many years because I know how important it is. We want to make as many children happy as possible," Rakitić concluded.

Since the UEFA Foundation was founded five years ago, around one million children have benefited from its range of activities worldwide, supporting projects in a hundred countries on five continents. Through sports, and especially football, the UEFA Foundation provides children in difficult conditions with hope for achieving life goals.

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December 31, 2020 - A great way to end the year for Dinamo and Rijeka players who made UEFA's Europa League Breakthrough XI!

As we come to the end of the year, which includes the end of last season's competitions, and all the qualifying rounds and the group stage of the new season, UEFA has taken time to reflect on some of the standout footballers that made a splash in 2020. 

Thus, UEFA's experts composed a team of the biggest breakthrough stars in the Europa League season, which included three Croatian footballers! 

And while it is not surprising that two Dinamo players are on the list, few expected Dinamo to be so convincing in the group with CSKA Moscow and Feyenoord. However, it's nice to see that Rijeka's goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić (22) was also recognized for this incredible goalkeeping effort so far. 

"The young custodian played every minute of Rijeka's group stage campaign, making a competition-high 28 saves in the process," said UEFA. 

Nevistić was primarily included in the team by numbers. Because even though he defended the team's goal that finished last in the group, even against much stronger rivals, Ivan amassed 28 saves in six games. Behind him with 23 saves were goalkeeper Hapoel Levitt and Zvezda goalkeeper Borjan.

The two Dinamo players in the breakthrough team are Joško Gvardiol (18) and Lovro Majer (22).

"The prototype of a modern-day centre-back, Gvardiol was key to Dinamo conceding just one goal in the entire group stage," describes UEFA of Joško, who played most of his games as a left-back, even though he is a stopper.

"An important cog in the Dinamo machine that performed so well in the group stage, Majer is technically proficient, fast and agile with an eye for goal," UEFA described Lovro Majer.

Dinamo convincingly won their group, secured first place after the penultimate round, and in the end, only Arsenal, Hoffenheim, and Bayer Leverkusen scored more points in the entire Europa League.

The entire Europa League breakthrough XI team includes Nevistić (Rijeka) - Guardiola (Dinamo), Carmo (Braga), Fofana (Leicester), Botman (Lille) - Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), Kubo (Villarreal), Majer (Dinamo) - Gouiri (Nice), Nunez (Benfica), Malen (PSV).

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December 27, 2020 - The European Football Federation (UEFA) has ranked the most successful clubs in the European Cup/Champions League from 1955 to 2020. Dinamo and Hajduk fall into the top 80. 

As expected, at the top is Real Madrid, which has been European champion 13 times (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) with a total of 607 points.

The German giant Bayern Munich holds the second spot with 495 points, while Barcelona is in third place with 459 points. In the top 5 are Manchester United (380) and Juventus (361).

They are followed by Milan (314), Liverpool (298), Benfica (287), Porto (286), and Ajax (271). 

In 11th place, Dynamo Kyiv is the best-placed club that has never won a European title, not even played in the finals.

The list of 500 clubs also includes five Croatian representatives.

Namely, Dinamo Zagreb is in 30th place, Hajduk is in 79th place, Rijeka is in 270th place, Zagreb is in 366th place, and Lokomotiva is in 459th place.

Dinamo played their first European match in 1958 against Dukla Prague. They were also the third Yugoslav club to play in a UEFA-sponsored competition after Partizan in 1955 and Red Star in 1956.

Dinamo has played 136 games in Champions League, 123 in Europa League, and 31 in the Cup Winners' Cup. Their best result was making the Europa League round of 16, where they lost to Benfica in the 2018-19 season. Dinamo also made it to the Cup Winners' Cup semifinals in 1960-61 and the quarters in both 1964-65 and 1969-70. 

On the other hand, Hajduk has played 40 games in Champions League, 128 in Europa League, and 30 in Cup Winners' Cup. 

Their best results include losing in the Champions League quarterfinals in 1976, 1980, and 1995, and losing in the Europa League semis in 1984 and the quarters two years later. Hajduk also made it to the Cup Winners' Cup semis in 1973 and quarters in 1978. 

Rijeka has participated in UEFA competitions on 20 occasions, with most appearances (16) since 1999. Rijeka's best result was the 1978–79 European Cup Winners' Cup quarterfinals, where Juventus eliminated them. 

Source: Gol.hr

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November 17, 2020 - Croatia and Portugal met for their final Nations League match this season at Poljud Stadium in Split on Tuesday evening. Croatia falls to Portugal 2:3. 

Croatia was fighting for survival in the Nations League elite group against the 2016 European champion and 2019 Nations League winner Portugal. 

A draw was enough for Croatia to stay among the elite if Sweden did not win against France at the same time.

Coach Zlatko Dalic could not count on almost eight first-team players for the Portugal match due to injuries and coronavirus. The starting 11 included Dominik Livaković; Josip Juranović, Dejan Lovren, Mile Škorić, Domagoj Bradarić - Luka Modrić, Marko Rog, Mateo Kovačić - Nikola Vlašić, Mario Pašalić, and Ivan Perišić.

Portugal, on the other hand, started with their strongest 11 -  Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Ruben Semedo, Mario Rui - Danilo, Moutinho, Bruno Fernandes - Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Diogo Jota.

The match started promptly at 8:45 and was even for the first 10 minutes. Croatia was quick with one-twos and neutralized Ronaldo up top. Lovren tightly marked the Juventus attacker. 

Portugal received their first corner in the 11th minute which was played short and resulted in another corner from the other side. Croatia's defense was solid in the aggressive attacks that followed, but Portugal had their third corner by the 14th minute. 

Croatia had a stellar chance in the 21st minute off a Vlasic cross, but Pasalic couldn't get his header past the Portugal keeper. 

A Portugal free-kick moments later gave the away side yet another corner, which was punched out by Livakovic.

Slobodan Kadic

Even with the consistent Portugal attacks, this Croatia side was looking far better than the match against Sweden. Croatia received their first corner in the 26th minute. 

And then it happened. Croatia endured and a quick counter found the boot of Mateo Kovacic who scored for 1:0 in the 29th!

Croatia received their second corner after a Modric free-kick in the 31st, and another in the 32nd. They certainly picked up their momentum with quick plays in the attack. Ronaldo was neutralized by the Croatia defense the entire first half.

Another brilliant chance for Croatia was just short of 2:0 as Juranovic hit wide in the 36th. Livakovic kept it 1:0 after a dangerous Portugal free-kick moments later.

Slobodan Kadic

Portugal was persistent in the final minutes of the first half and was eager to equalize, but thanks to Croatia's solid backline, held by Lovren, Skoric, and Livakovic, the match ended 1:0 for Croatia at the half.

The second half started with no changes for Croatia. 

Slobodan Kadic

Portugal's best chance of the game so far came from a free kick in the 47th minute, which Dias headed over the goal.

Rog received a double-yellow in the 51st minute, forcing Croatia to play with a man down for the remainder of the half. Dias finally got his chance moments later. A Ronaldo free-kick was hit out by Livakovic, which found Dias for the equalizer. It was 1:1 in the 52nd.

Slobodan Kadic

Unfortunately, Joao Felix gave Portugal the 1:2 lead in the 60th.

Dalic made his first substitution in the 63rd minute - Brekalo came in for Pasalic. Not even one minute later, Kovacic scored again for 2:2!

Brilliant footwork between Vlasic, Bradaric, Kovacic, and Brekalo almost made it 3:2 for Croatia, and a solid Skoric and Livakovic made sure Portugal didn't score. 

Slobodan Kadic

Dalic made his second substitution of the match in the 83rd minute - Mislav Orsic came in for Vlasic.

A goalkeeper gaffe saw Dias score for the Portugal lead in the 90th minute. Dalic substituted Basic for Kovacic seconds later. The match ended 2:3 for Portugal. 

With this result, Croatia remains in 3rd place and thus maintains their spot in the Nations League elite group. 

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November 16, 2020 - Excitement for tomorrow's Croatia Portugal game is building as one of the world's greatest footballers is again pictured in Croatia - Cristiano Ronaldo in Split

Tomorrow night will see the last chance for the Croatian National Football Team to remain in League A in the UEFA Nations League when they take on Portugal at Poljud stadium. Excitement for the game is building as one of the world's greatest footballers has again been photographed in the host town. Cristiano Ronaldo in Split is not a sight you get to see every day.

Cristiano Ronaldo in Split, as seen on the sports pages of Jutarnji List © screenshot Jutarnji List

Croatian football fans were first notified of Cristiano Ronaldo in Split when the Portugal team were pictured arriving together in the city on Sunday. Ronaldo was the last man to leave the team bus. Today, a new photograph has emerged of Cristiano Ronaldo in Split. Published on the sports pages of Jutarnji List, the Portuguese captain was photographed looking out from the balcony of the Amphora Hotel in Žnjan to the east of the city. If the hotel balcony Cristiano Ronaldo in Split was pictured in is his, the Juventus forward will have a glorious, unobstructed view of Brac island from his room.

Playing under manager Zlatko Dalic, the Croatian National Football Team will be desperate to avoid relegation to League B in the UEFA Nations League with the result against Portugal tomorrow. Meanwhile, Portugal have little to play for - their hopes of finishing at the top of League A's Group 3 were ended by their defeat to France in their last match.

Cristiano Ronaldo in Split, as seen on the sports pages of Jutarnji List © screenshot Jutarnji List

The Croatian National Football Team have been drawn in one of the most difficult groups within this year's UEFA Nations League. Portugal are the defending champions of the league and France are the current World Cup holders. Croatia have lost four of their last five matches in the competition, their only win so far being against Sweden. Sweden are currently at the bottom of Group 3 with only three points, the same as Croatia. Croatia are placed third, above Sweden, having scored more goals. The final standing of the teams will also depend on the result of the Sweden France game which will be played simultaneously.

To get the most up-to-date news about tomorrow's game and the Croatian National Football Team, plus all international Croatia sports and domestic leagues, be sure to follow Total Croatia News dedicated Sports pages

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November 14, 2020 -  Sweden tops Croatia 2:1 in Solna on Saturday in their penultimate Nations League match of Group 3. 

Sweden and Croatia fought to maintain their status in the elite group of Nations League on Saturday. Sweden went into Saturday's match in the last place without points, while Croatia was in third with 3 points. 

Croatia was fortunate to see some crucial players return to the lineup for this match, including starting goalkeeper Dominik Livaković and striker Bruno Petković.

Dalic's starting 11 thus included: Livaković, Uremović, Ćaleta-Car, Pongračić, Barišić - Kovačić, Modrić - Vlašić, Brekalo, Perišić - Budimir.

Croatia's first attack of the game happened already in the 2nd minute. Nikola Vlašić received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, and instead of taking the shot, he backheeled to Modrić. Unfortunately, the Sweden defense was there to clear the ball.

Sweden had their first dangerous attack four minutes later, though a brilliant Livaković save kept the score even. Sweden continued attacking, and a corner in the 12th minute was luckily cleared by Croatia's defense. Forsberg had a shot on goal in the 15th, forcing Livaković to save the day, again.

Croatia struggled to maintain possession in the first 20 minutes of the match, and Sweden continued aggressively with their attacking play.

Croatia received their first corner in the 20th minute, which Modrić played short. Brekalo had one of Croatia's first shots on goal moments later.

A quick attack by Brekalo and Perišić put Sweden's keeper to work again, and ultimately resulted in a corner. Croatia starting waking up. 

Uremović fouled Forsberg just outside the box for a dangerous free kick in the 27th minute, which Livaković cleared out for a corner. Sweden remained in Croatia's box for the three minutes that followed. 

Duje Ćaleta-Car received a yellow card in the 34th minute, meaning he misses the match against Portugal in Split on Tuesday. 

Unfortunately, Kulusevski danced around Croatia's defense to score for 1:0 in the 36th minute. 

In the 41st minute, Uremović came off with an injury, and Josip Juranović entered the game.

Just before halftime, Danielson increased Sweden's lead to 2:0. 

The second half started with no changes for Croatia. 

Croatia picked up their game at the start of the second half and was consistently pressing Sweden's defense. However, no plays were coming to fruition thanks to a solid Sweden defense.

Sweden blew a huge chance to increase their lead yet again in the 62nd minute. Pašalić was subbed on for Budimir in the 63rd. 

Another quick counter by Sweden saw Forsberg shoot over the crossbar, and Perišić saved Sweden from scoring another goal in the 68th. 

Croatia kept falling short and failed to connect passes in the attack. 

In the 76th minute, Dalic made three substitutions - Petković, Melnjak, and Rog were subbed on for Brekalo, Kovačić, and Pogrančić.

And finally, a miracle in the 80th minute - a Danielson own-goal made the game 2:1! Alas, there was hope for Croatia. 

In the final minutes of the match, Sweden had far too many chances for another goal, but Livaković remained solid and kept the net clear. Vlašić failed to capitalize on a brilliant ball across the box from Juranović in the 88th. 

With three minutes added time, Croatia was unable to play for the draw. A last-minute shot for Vlašić was saved by the Sweden keeper. The match ended 2:1 for Sweden. 

As it stands now, Croatia remains in third place in Group 3. 

Croatia and Portugal will meet in their final Nations League match on Tuesday at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

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