Hajduk Split opened their 2026/2027 campaign with a 2-0 win over Slovakia side MŠK Žilina at Poljud. “Bili” (“The Whites,” as Hajduk are known locally) now go into the 2nd leg with a good lead, which could’ve been much higher. Gonzalo Garcia’s men were the dominant side throughout most of the 90 minutes; 15 shots to Žilina’s 5 show just how much more threatening Hajduk was.
The Match
Just ahead of kick-off, Gonzalo Garcia was booed by a part of the home crowd. It’s obvious some fans are siding with Marko Livaja in the whole debacle that led up to this match. Livaja started this game on the bench as Hajduk’s starting line-up was:
Silić – Acapandie, Van Hoorenbeeck, Marešić, Hrgović – Pukštas, Pajaziti – Brajković, Dalisson, Melnjak – Šego
The first big chance fell to the Slovaks as Faško had two defenders on him and nobody was covering Hranica, who ran in behind from the right side and had a clear one-on-one with Silić, but Hranica’s shot went wide. After that, it was all Hajduk; they continuously broke down Žilina’s defence with great runs in behind and through balls. Every loose ball was picked up by a Hajduk player as all eleven of them pressed relentlessly.
Eventually, in the 22nd minute, Roko Brajković got the ball on the right-hand side. He cut inside and got past Bari and scored an absolute beauty as he hit the far top corner to put Hajduk into the lead. But just a minute later, Dario Marešić almost made a horrendous howler as he went to pass back to his goalkeeper but passed it to the opposite side of the goal from which Silić was at. The ball trickled just an inch past the post.
But that hiccup was followed by a big chance after a beautiful one-two between Pajaziti and Šego as the striker played a brilliant first-time heel pass into the box behind the backs of the entire Žilina defence. Pajaziti got around the goalkeeper, but his shot hit the side netting. Just a few minutes later, Šego himself missed a one-on-one.
The 2nd half started hot for Hajduk’s new signing, Dalisson de Almeida, who perfectly slotted a 20-meter finish into the bottom left corner for 2-0. Hajduk had multiple more chances but failed to convert, which was the team’s main issue last season as they finished as the top team in the HNL for most big chances missed, per SofaScore. Žilina had one last chance to halve Hajduk’s lead in the 76th minute, but Silić made a good save.
Garcia made a round of substitutions as the game was winding down, but it was the final change that got the loudest reaction. With 5 minutes to go, Marko Livaja was brought on for his 203rd Hajduk appearance; the entirety of the stadium followed him onto the pitch with a massive roar. Nothing of note happened until the full-time whistle.
Next up for Hajduk
Next week’s 2nd leg is on Thursday, July 16th at 20:30 CET at Žilina’s stadium, Štadión pod Dubňom. Hopefully, Hajduk will use this two-goal advantage to go through to the 2nd qualifying round of the Europa League. If that happens, Hajduk will face Cypriot side Pafos.
Pafos played in the Champions League last season, finishing 26th in the league phase, just outside the top 24.
The controversies have become so intense that FIFA altered its own review procedures in the middle of the tournament, moving from a centralized operation in Dallas to placing dedicated VAR officials inside every remaining stadium.
Maybe it is getting to be about that time when we should have Ante, Lovro, Markus, and/or Peter Novakovic assess our top 10 or 20 Croatian prospects?
I’d like to see that list.
In particular, maybe we should have a separate ranking of top 10 wingers/strikers, as our forwards/forward prospects seem to be the weakest part of our team right now. We need to produce some goal scorers, a Davor Suker clone would be great . . . Matanovic has jumped big in transfermarket value to 22 million. Hopefully he has a great upcoming season in the Bundesliga.
Our defence looks good for the next 5-10 years, and the midfield looks strong especially if Majer can regain his form (where are those Majer-to-Como rumours at?), Luka Sucic gets on track, and Jagusic reaches his potential. Petar Sucic, Baturina, and Kovacic can anchor a strong midfield, and the supporting case is there.
But we need some dangerous forwards . . . what has happened with Durdov? I am not seeing his name mentioned much anymore. Is he progressing? Segecic is billed as a midfielder but can also play right wing, and seems to be a goal scorer . . . Lisica is about the fastest Croatian player alive with excellent acceleration. Any thoughts on his potential?
Matanovic, Beljo and Ivanovic are our strikers that we have to keep an eye on.
Beljo turned it on late last season at Dinamo, and Matanovic did the same in his last 20 or so Bundesliga games.
Ivanovic wasn’t really given a chance last season but if he successfully transfers to Como this season, then it could propel him back onto the National Team.
Stojkovic, Jagusic and Segecic are all CAMs who can play on the wing.
I think Stojkovic and Jagusic are the real deal and will make our team interesting. Anything Segecic brings will be a bonus.
These are probably our top offensive prospects that Bilic should be looking to integrate right away if they are in form and start the season strong.
Can we please stop with this the defense look goof for the next 5-10years? Why you say this? The defense was not good at World Cup. The defending on corners was not good. Corluka was benched. OK, he had injury. Coaching staff had no confidence in Vuskovic. We still do not have a quality left back. The Portugal 2nd goal was a result of terrible defending.
Our defense was bad due to our coaching.
At this tourney, we went three at the back (without really trying it much in friendlies or qualifiers) then suddenly jumped back to four at the back (strictly out of panic).
Lack of preparation and defensive discipline has been bad for over three years, proven by the fact that we always get scored on (or heavily pressured) early in the game and we often give up goals in injury time (at the end of games).
We have the talent back there (the top EPL and Bundesliga scouts seem to think so).
But our problems stemmed entirely from our coaching staff not knowing how to get organized and use the talent they have.
https://youtu.be/qFu-VIgQZZE?si=CqJDTVWxTMwmB-rr
Boban was a croatian national hero who stood up to a yugo cop..the english narrator said that yugo soccer team was a favorite to win the worldcup in italy 1990..im glad it never happened.and oppressive yugo..is gone but not forgotten for what evil they did..bog hrvatska.
“Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster – Wikipedia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanjuruhan_Stadium_disaster
Only way to stop fifa is rush the field not like indonesia fans did..very sad but block stop the game with a massive protest like the 1990 boban held the yugo cop from assaulting a croatian fan..Maybe the fans of the past were more tuned to politics and soccer..ya neznam.
How corrupt and dishonest is fifa in this world cup so far. The world is watching I hope they don’t make it any more criminal than they have so far. Rankings wise the teams left deserve to be here except for one. If not for VAR mistakes and fifa help the teams left would not be here any of them . Luck is the most important after talent . VAR have no right altering that to this point. . Who wins this World Cup is baught and paid for .fifa needs to be investigated by the World to stop this from happening any more. VAR and camara evidence and 60 thousand real human people in the stands that dident get fooled by VAR weren’t wrong. No matter who wins this World Cup should think twice before celebrating to loud.
Do people here agree with these league rankings off of the internet?
Or is this list BS?
Specifically . . .
I always thought that the Dutch league was about sixth or possibly seventh in the world, and they have it outside the top 10? Is this correct? Or has the Eredivisie dropped in recent times in terms of competitiveness?
I’m surprised to see the Greek league ranked that low, so far below the MLS. (MLS at 10 versus Greek league at 25). Can this be true?
Do people agree the Croatian HNL is properly placed at 18, and within the world top 20?
I thought the Czech league was better than 29?
If this list is incorrect, what is the most accurate list that gives the top 30 leagues ranking?
1–10: The World Elite
1. Premier League (England) – The global financial juggernaut.
2. Serie A (Italy) – Tactically elite and highly competitive.
3. La Liga (Spain) – Home to historic European heavyweights.
4. Ligue 1 (France) – A premier production ground for elite global talent.
5. Bundesliga (Germany) – Famed for high scoring and fan-owned clubs.
6. Belgian Pro League (Belgium) – Surged significantly in modern analytical models.
7. EFL Championship (England) – The highest-ranked second-tier division globally.
8. Portugal (Portugal) – Dominated by a highly competitive top three.
9. Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Brazil) – The premier league in South America.
10. Major League Soccer – MLS (USA/Canada) – Rapidly ascending due to massive investments.
11–20
11. Eredivisie (Netherlands) – Widely celebrated for attacking football and academies.
12. Argentine Primera División (Argentina) – Famous for intensely passionate rivalries.
13. Süper Lig (Turkey) – Driven by historic Istanbul clubs and atmosphere.
14. Liga MX (Mexico) – Possesses massive financial muscle in North America.
15. Saudi Pro League (Saudi Arabia) – Attracts massive star power with heavy backing.
16. J1 League (Japan) – Celebrated as Asia’s most balanced and organized league.
17. LigaPro (Ecuador) – Rising quickly thanks to robust youth development systems.
18. Croatian First Football League (Croatia) – Consistently produces world-class individual talent.
19. Ekstraklasa (Poland) – Highly physical league with exploding attendance numbers.
20 Danish Superliga (Denmark) – Heavily relied upon by analytical scouting networks.
21–30
21. 2. Bundesliga (Germany) – Draws massive crowds for a second division.
22. Swiss Super League (Switzerland) – A highly stable platform for European qualification.
23. Allvenskan (Sweden) – Known for fierce fan culture and unpredictability.
24. Categoría Primera A (Colombia) – Highly technical player base feeding global markets.
25. Scottish Premiership (Scotland) – Maintained by the historic Old Firm rivalry.
26. Greek Super League (Greece) – Rising after strong runs in European knockout stages.
27. Austrian Bundesliga (Austria) – A modern hotbed for pressing-based tactics.
28. Russian Premier League (Russia) – Remains physically strong despite continental limitations.
29 Czech First League (Czech Republic) – Highly disciplined and difficult defensive tier.
30. Eliteserien (Norway) – Gaining global visibility through fast-paced, high-scoring matches.
I know my opinion is unpopular but I do think HNL has and produces very good talent. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past 5-6 years , watching several games/teams in HNL and have been pleasantly surprised at several younger kids that play in the league.
Croatia has a decent system although many call it corrupt. kids as young as 13 can make €3000 per month or far more. in many cases its not a pay to play system. if you’re a good player the teams have sponsorships and raise money to pay for talent…quite opposite than here in North America.
the major difference’s I see in several leagues listed above is that most of the countries on the list you provided have more money invested for facilities BUT, Croatia’s nogomet mentality is very encouraging and positive compared to soo many countries that are listed as better than us. the basic learning and development is measured extremely well and kids from age 7 to 15 must practice and complete several basic skills and understanding of roles, strategy, formations and mentality before they move onto the next level. this is why we see soo many kids that have good technique and are able to compete with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Man U and so many other big clubs at the junior levels.
its not unusual to see Croatian kids at clubs like Lokomotiva and even lesser names clubs that end up playing in European tournaments where you see an opposing coach being an ex superstar we’ve watched at many big clubs.
Mexico has soo much money, soo many more good facilities than we have and their league is filled with hundreds of South Americans and ex Europeans that go there for the money BUT they lack the attention to develop their youth because it ends up being political and tons of pay and you’ll get playing time.
MLS is widely criticized for its pay to play academies, I hear all sorts of ex players and pundits criticizing their system.
I think there’s something to say about the lunch-box type of system like ours where kids are not spoiled and treated extra special because they know at any moment someone else is on their tale, waiting to take their spot…and they’re willing to remain humble and work hard for that.
MENTALITY!
Thanks for the reply, Slavonac! Always appreciate your insights and observations. . . .
What is this ranking based on ?
Meaning what are the criteria to come up with this ?
Is there any data they used to rank or just finger in the air stuff ?
Anon,
I believe this ranking pulled rankings from various sites that provide rankings, each using different data sets, and somehow harmonized them all, and came up with this.
So for example, one site it pulled from was the Opta analyst world power rankings for leagues. The Opta Power Rankings. . . . That site assesses each team, and then to assess the leagues it builds from there using a formula, that tries to assess each league as a whole looking at it from top to bottom rather than go top heavy by emphasizing only the very best teams in any given league.
Opta actually has the Croatian League at 11th spot. Others have us much lower.
I was asking because I’m not sure how accurate any of this is. But yes, they’re doing more than just putting their finger up to the wind. Interestingly, almost all these sites have the same top five leagues, though they do have different orders. So Opta has 4 and 5 reversed, with the Bundesliga #4 and the French Ligue 1 at #5. It puts the Brazil league at #6, English Championship #7, us at #11, the MLS at #19 . . . The Scottish Premiership at #42. . . .
Some leagues seem stronger at the top than other leagues, that is at the top they have excellent teams, but it starts to get thin in some leagues more than others as you move along the bottom half of the table.
Some of these sites focus on the players’ transfer values, some of them throw that into the equation. . . etc . . . .
I have no idea what the best ranking site is . . .
That’s why I am asking.
Mart
Aren’t u gonna tell us about the young hand ballers (U18??) who score the winning point as the clock finished to win 33-32 vs Norway ???
Did not watch the match. Not sure if it was on TV ?
Too much soccer on.
Happy SUNDAY everyone !
Anonymous TRUST all Croats already went to Sunday Mass – it’s least u can do
Here are the PAO 3-0 highlights including Jaga’s goal
He really was imposing himself on the game (beyond the goal)
The shot off the post in the 27′ was with a bullet with this right foot (Jaga is two footed ;-)))
***.youtube.com/watch?v=eYy_E_EbIwo
But you know what’s even BETTER ? watch this interview with Jaga after the match – on the street with so so much chaos around him – poor Jaga has to deal with the interviewer starting in Greek and then flipping to English – but Jaga’s English is already very good – but u know what ?
JAGA MUST HAVE WATCHED EVERY LUKA MODRIC INTERVIEW EVER – BECAUSE IF U CLOSE UR EYES – U THINK IT’S MODRIC ANSWERING QUESTIONS – NOT JAGA – WELL OPEN UR EYES – BECAUSE THE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE ALSO IDENTICAL TO MODRIC – IT’S CRAZY – IT’S LIKE AI-GENERATED MODRIC DEEP FAKED ONTO JAGA’S HEAD
CONCLUSION: JAGA = MODRIC VERSION 2.0 (at least from the interview perspective) – no pressure Jaga, none whatsoever 😉
***.youtube.com/watch?v=eYy_E_EbIwo
Anonymous first noticed you Jaga – when nobody knew ur name – and has followed u all along – when people gave up on u – Anonymous NEVER gave up on u – F Rafa he’s a repressed homo that probably asks players to give him BJs for play time – u stuck by ur morals – and now u going STRAIGHT TO THE TOP
Jaga having the BALLS to speak English says EVERYTHING about his character and confidence
The PAO fans are ANGRY that the PAO isn’t providing a translator to Jaga for the interview – as they recognize he’s still learning English – even the PAO fans are calling out the INJUSTICE of Jaga being asked questions in English
That’s means they must REALLY LOVE him
Καλό θα ήταν όλες οι συνεντεύξεις των ξένων παικτών να γινονται πάντα υπό τη παρουσία μεταφραστή (εφόσον και ο παίκτης δεν ξέρει ούτε αγγλικά),εδώ ο Νιστρουπ που τα μιλάει άπταιστα τα εγγλέζικα είχε τον άλλον τον άλλον πάνω από το κεφάλι του να τα λέει και δεν είχε ο Γιαγκουσιτς που δε μπορεί να σταυρώσει λέξη??
I told you about Jaga.
You were all-in on the Pongračić/Šutalo CB tandem and Ivica Olić as head coach.
Looks like we will drop to 13 on the FIFA rankings and 8th on the UEFA Ranking.
With NL matches coming up against Chechia, England and Spain in particular we could drop even further if we do not win some matches.
The key is to be in the top 12 UEFA nations so that we are seeded for the next EURO 2028 qualifying draw to be held in December 2026.
Good chance that the Swiss and Italy could overtake us when the NL starts, but other European nations are still some distance behind us.
The Swiss didn’t actually beat anyone in this World Cup. Plus they drew Qatar.
I would assume they probably remain where there are since all they did was beat Algeria (#29) and Canada (#30) but they lost points to Qatar (#59).
I would assume Norway (#19) would make a big jump due to their win over Brazil.
Karmic justice: Switzerland holds on to tie with one man down, and wins on penalty kicks.
lol
Embolo dive 2nd yellow card red
IDENTICAL dive to
Griezmann 2018 – free kick goal
Unreal
Yes
LOL. I was thinking exactly the same thing.
Embolo pulls a Griezmann . . . And Embolo gets a second yellow and tossed, while Griezmann gets a free kick against us . . . And what happens happens.
We wuz robbed.
https://x.com/fifamedia/status/2076088395147723022
Also, FIFA tweets out that the sensor showed no contact with anything. Although you can clearly see the ball hitting g the cable and coming down.
The Norway players and staff asked for a review but nothing was given.
What is going on? This makes our case even stronger now.
What BBC’s the Capture (w Correction aka Deep Fakes) and it will all make sense to you then
Ask Harry Kane who he golfed with recently..
Might answer your question
Doesn’t matter game is gone fifa is going to do what they want to do.
This World Cup should be boycotted with all of the bad calls made.
Can you ever imagine Croatia playing in a Euro or WC game, and having a goal they score not reversed by VAR as it should, and then having one of our guys dive on an opponent’s goal and get that reversed by VAR. So a net of two goals given to us. That’s what England got today. England has gotten more help by VAR action or inaction in this game than Croatia has gotten in 8 years.
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1utx6yf/englands_goal_was_a_result_of_the_ball_hitting/
Apparently, England’s goal against Norway hit the camera cable but there was NO VAR check or SNICKER check. I suppose it only works when hair is involved or against “smaller” teams?
That’s just insane to me, how do you not review it??? Guess hair impacts the ball more than a cable… smh
Harry Kane
60,000 people see the ball change direction and the obvious contact, but it’s not enough!
In our case no one, including the ref, sees anything . . . no contact, no change of direction at all . . . but VAR intervenes and they invoke some alleged chip to override the call on the field, and then back it all up with some blip.
LOL.
Microsoft Paint is a powerful tool
Jagusic world class dribble and goal outside the box
Anonymous eye tests and predictions 100% hit rate !!!
You are a character that’s for sure 😂. As far as Jagusic hopefully he has a breakout campaign as his talent is at a high level. Reminds me of Majer but more athletic.
PAO fans getting aboard the Jaga choo choo train
Ο #paofc στο πρώτο ημίχρονο με την Γκρασχόπερς είχα ευκαιρίες, αλλά όχι και γκολ. Ο Γιαγκουσιτς δείχνει πως θα εξελιχθεί σε σπουδαίο παίχτη, ενώ η ομάδα δείχνει να λειτουργεί με αυτοματισμούς μέσα στο γήπεδο, στο πρώτο ημίχρονο.
Jaga
3rd start in a row ☺️☺️☺️
They almost scored from his corner at 22’ and Jaga fired a shot from a long diagonal pass which hit the post 26’
I could tell this by his body language on the field
🎙️ Andy Bara on Cardoso Varela’s behaviour:
“The boy behaves badly. He overslept and missed five or six training sessions despite being warned 50 times.
He destroyed the apartment he was living in, and the repairs cost €15,000. I personally asked the owner not to make it public.” [Index]
Nice to see Brajković do well.
I always liked him and we need to focus on developing it youth even if it means some growing pains.
He’s a 20 year old two-footed winger. Those don’t grow on trees. Hopefully he has a breakout season.
🎙️ Andy Bara on Varela’s attitude:
“Zvonimir Boban spoke to him several times, but he just looked at the floor, didn’t answer and was unhappy.
He thinks he should play automatically and that he’ll play just because I was his agent. That’s nonsense. You have to earn your place on the pitch.” [Index]
Rewatched free kick 82’ Panama
Firstly Bati kept insisting with LukaS to take it over and over again
But LukaS just locked in and wasn’t having it
But watch Perisic movement during the free kick he moves from one side of the wall to the other – and after Luka shoots and hits the wall – Ivan is staring him down with arms up asking which looks like “why didn’t u pass it to me?”
It’s not great that LukaS disregarded the set play and didn’t pass to Ivan as was the plan
Anyone see Istra vs. Celje 1-1 friendly today ?
Saranic looks emaciated in the pics (and jersey size too big for him – like how Boban wore it in 96 and 98) – what have they done to my boy – he looks at least 5kg, maybe 10 kg lighter from last season ??? WTF
This is NOT the Saranic I remember
#FeedSaranic
Ajmo Hajduk!