Dinamo Zagreb failed to live up to their potential this past weekend, falling 1-0 to Hajduk Split at Maksimir Stadium. The loss was the first one suffered by Dinamo this season, and also marked the first time being held scoreless in a competitive match since September. The win for Hajduk did not make up much ground. The Bili remain nine points back from the top but put … [Read more...] about HNL Week 22: Hajduk and Osijek Find Wins at Dinamo, Rijeka’s expense
HNL Returns For 2018
By 4 CommentsThe HNL winter break has finally ended and began its 2018 play this past weekend. The January transfer window has been a volatile one for some clubs, with big departures for Rijeka, Dinamo, and Hajduk. Despite recent success, Rijeka had reported to fallen on some financial difficulties, and relied on the sales of Mario Gavranović (to Dinamo), Florentin … [Read more...] about HNL Returns For 2018
HNL Week 17: Rudeš, Killer of Giants
By 84 CommentsRudeš have recorded only two league victories this season; a 1-0 win over Istra and a recent 3-2 victory over Hajduk Split. Sunday's match almost saw the add Dinamo to their kill list, if it wasn't for Armin Hodžić's draw-salvaging goal in the 72nd minute. Karlo Kamenar scored for Rudeš, who remain in last place in the Prva Liga. The 44th minute goal put Rudeš' hopes … [Read more...] about HNL Week 17: Rudeš, Killer of Giants
No Paychecks, No problem … Yet
By 3 CommentsPlayers and staff of NK Istra 1961 have now gone seven months without pay. Imagine that happening in any reputable sports league; Imagine any American athlete getting their paycheck one second late. Lawsuits would be filed and players would walk away. But for the Puljani, they are not only continuing to play, but are playing their best football all season … [Read more...] about No Paychecks, No problem … Yet
HNL Week 15: Upset City, Hajduk Sack Coach
By 5 CommentsHajduk Split faced a shocking upset Saturday at the hands of NK Rudes who earned their first win at Poljud ... probably ever. Records found did not go back far enough to see if they beat them prior to the creation of the Prva Liga or any cup competition, but chances are, this is the biggest victory in Rudes' 60-year history. It also may be the worst defeat in … [Read more...] about HNL Week 15: Upset City, Hajduk Sack Coach
Derby Day Entertains With Big Performances
By 1 CommentThe weekend was dedicated to the Derby in Croatia. Dinamo Zagreb traveled to Split to remind everyone that this league does produce excitement while Osijek took on Rijeka at Rujevica and handed them a 2-1 loss at home. 20,000 fans packing in Poljud to watch Hajduk face Dinamo on Saturday evening. Torcida showered the pitch with streamers (or was that toilet paper?) … [Read more...] about Derby Day Entertains With Big Performances
HNL Week 12: Dinamo Draw at the Wire, Rijeka Falls in Pula
By 2 CommentsDavid Pulcin's name will be remembered by all Rijeka fans after their stunning loss to NK Istra 1961 in Pula over the weekend. Pulcin scored the loan goal in the match in the 18th minute to bring Istra up a goal, which is how it remained for the rest of the 90 minutes. This was only Istra's second win of the season. Rijeka searched for the tying goal, and … [Read more...] about HNL Week 12: Dinamo Draw at the Wire, Rijeka Falls in Pula
Heartbreak In Milan: Rijeka Lose 3-2 In Thriller
By 44 CommentsI'm not sure how many people expected a miracle, but Rijeka came really close to completing a draw away to AC Milan this evening at San Siro Rijeka traveled to the Serie A club in their second match of the Europa League group stages with big ambitions, but little hope on their side, but the Croatian Champions damn nearly pulled off one of the most impressive feats in … [Read more...] about Heartbreak In Milan: Rijeka Lose 3-2 In Thriller
HNL Week 10
By 5 CommentsAfter a short hiatus due to power and internet outages caused by a storm that shall not be named, HNL report is back, bringing you the excitement you inevitably missed. Dinamo Zagreb coach Mario Cvitanović was assaulted outside his apartment last week by two unknown assailants. The assault came only weeks after an attempt on Zdravko Mamić’s life, who was also assaulted … [Read more...] about HNL Week 10