SPAIN It was a strange week in Spain as both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid dropped points, with Real Madrid winning on Friday. Mario Mandžukić got the start for Atletico Madrid on Sunday and played the entire match, but could not capitalize on eight Atletico corner kicks. The reigning La Liga champions only managed two shots on goal as Villareal's Luciano … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XIX*
Rijeka fall short of Europa League dream
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Andrej Kramarić and Rijeka were unable to play the Cinderella role once again as they bow out of Europa League after a respectable 1-0 defeat to reigning champs Sevilla Thursday night. Rijeka's only blemish came in the 20th minute when they let Denis Suarez slither through their defense for the game's lone goal. Rijeka finished the game with four shots on goal and one … [Read more...] about Rijeka fall short of Europa League dream
Tuesday Night Funnies: Ivanišević
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Goran Ivanišević: the Godfather of Croatian tennis. Tennis fans worldwide will remember Ivanišević for his epic 2001 wild card win at Wimbledon. But if you followed the man's career, you will remember him for his antics, both on and off the court. Croatians have had some pretty funny personalities in their sports world since becoming an independent nation … [Read more...] about Tuesday Night Funnies: Ivanišević
Croatians Around Europe *XVIII*
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SPAIN The wonder kid that is Alen Halilović is living up to all the hype that accompanied him from his Dinamo Zagreb transfer to Barcelona earlier this year. 18 year-old Halilović plays for Barcelona B, which is the European giant's reserve squad in the Spanish 2nd division. After scoring a wonderful strike from outside the box only three weeks ago, … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *XVIII*
What’s wrong with Champions League
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With the group stage of Champions League commencing next week, I wanted to share some revelations I had about Europe's greatest football tournament with you fine folks. Bottom line: It's dead. (well, until the quarterfinals at least) I pondered for weeks after the World Cup ended how this Croatia side could possibly bow out of the tournament in such weak … [Read more...] about What’s wrong with Champions League
Ante Ražov talks player development, Croatian WC
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CroatianSports.com caught up with Ante Ražov this past week at Stub Hub Center in Carson, California, the home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, to talk U.S. player development, Croatia at the World Cup and his future as a coach in professional soccer. Ražov is a 1st generation Croatian-American and is the last college player to be called up to the U.S. national side. He is currently … [Read more...] about Ante Ražov talks player development, Croatian WC
Torcida vs. HNS
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More than 30,000 members of Torcida, citizens of Split and supporters of other Croatian clubs gathered on the Splitska Riva Saturday afternoon in protest of the HNS (Croatian Soccer Federation). Maybe the Croatian flare throwing in Milan was just the beginning of having their voices heard. We've known for years how bad the HNL and HNS have been run, but now Croatian … [Read more...] about Torcida vs. HNS
Marijan Čiklić Memorial Fund
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It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I must report that 26 year-old Marijan Čiklić, a very dear member of the CroatianSports.com family, passed away Monday, November 24th during a work trip as a merchant marine in Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his parents Boško and Femi, and brother Ivan. Although Marijan was rarely seen on camera with the … [Read more...] about Marijan Čiklić Memorial Fund
