Osijek are up first. They enter the first round of Europa League qualifying on Thursday against Andorran champions, FC Santa Coloma. I know, not the most prestigious matches on earth, the opening round of a less tournament, but this is crucial for Croatia's growth of the Prva Liga. Osijek will be facing a familiar opponent. The two clubs met each other … [Read more...] about Croatian Clubs in Europe: What are Their Chances? Osijek v. Santa Coloma
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Champions and Europa League Qualifying Draws Set
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Real Madrid have barely been champions of Europe for two weeks and the 2017/18 European season is ready to begin. The first and second qualifying rounds have been drawn in both the Champions and Europa Leagues and Croatians have received some very favorable opponents. HNK Rijeka will enter the second round of Champions League qualifying after wining the HNL this … [Read more...] about Champions and Europa League Qualifying Draws Set
Who To Blame?
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Re: Iceland. Croatia has one of these matches every qualifying campaign. Sometimes it even happens multiple times. In Euro 2016 qualifying, in the final stretch of games, Croatia drew with Azerbaijan and lost to Norway; in the same weekend! For the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Croatia didn't just lose to Scotland once, but twice. Who can remember 2005 when the good 'ol … [Read more...] about Who To Blame?
Croatia Go On Vacation 90 Minutes Too Early, Fall 1-0 To Iceland
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Oh boy. This was not good. Even if that match ended in a scoreless draw, which wouldn't have been the worst result, Croatia should have hung their heads after the game. But a 90th minute Iceland goal from a corner kick will send Croatia to their first defeat in World Cup 2018 qualifying and completely open up Group I for everyone involved. After … [Read more...] about Croatia Go On Vacation 90 Minutes Too Early, Fall 1-0 To Iceland
Cibalia Secures Safety, 2017 Attendance Figures
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Believe it or not, HNK Cibalia pulled off one of the most unlikely efforts to stave off relegation. After spending an upwards of 15 weeks in last place, and as recently as May 2 lagging behind Split by five points, the club not only ought their way above Split - finishing three points ahead - but also held off HNK Gorica with ease in the promotion/relegation … [Read more...] about Cibalia Secures Safety, 2017 Attendance Figures
Modrić: The Best Ever?
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The dust has settled since Saturday night's Champions League Final. And although 'Super Mario' Mandžukić scored one of the best Champions League Final goals of all time, it was Luka Modrić and Real Madrid who stole the show; sticking in four goals against Juventus. The same Juventus that kept Lionel Messi and Barcelona scoreless over two matches. Since coming to Real … [Read more...] about Modrić: The Best Ever?
Mandza Scores, Real Madrid Win Record 12th CL Title
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It was all Luka Modric and Real Madrid Saturday night in Wales as the Spanish champs defeated Juventus 4-1 for their record 12th Champions League title. Modric played the full 90 minutes and beautifully assisted on Ronaldo's second goal which would put the game away in the second half. However, it was the other Croatian on the pitch who was the lone hope for … [Read more...] about Mandza Scores, Real Madrid Win Record 12th CL Title
Rijeka Secures Double in Cup Win
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The Croatian footballing world has been turned upside down. Not only has Dinamo Zagreb been bested in the HNL, giving up the championship for the first time in 12 years, they also gave way for the new champions, Rijeka, to win the Croatian double on Wednesday by relinquishing the Croatian Cup to them as well. Rijeka have been crowned kings of Croatia twice this month, … [Read more...] about Rijeka Secures Double in Cup Win
Croatia Defeat Mexico 2-1 At The Coliseum
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We called it the 'Z Squad' all week long, but the 'Z Squad' showed up to play. Going into their game with Mexico on Saturday, the collective Croatian team only had one goal between them alongside a mere 29 caps. But knowing possible future spots on a 24-team Croatia 'A' team were on the line, the kids came to play. Gent goalkeeper Lovre Kalinić stood on his head for … [Read more...] about Croatia Defeat Mexico 2-1 At The Coliseum
