Dinamo Zagreb traveled to Vinkovci Saturday and took all three points with a routine 2-0 shutout. El Arbi Hillel Soudani scored the first goal in the 18th minute. Dinamo played with the 1-0 lead until Cibalia captain Frane Vitaić mistakenly put the ball in his own net to make it 2-0. Apparently, no real harm was done by Vitaić, as he officially extended his contract with … [Read more...] about HNL Week 4
Soccer
Hajduk and Lokomotiva Advance to Playoff Round; Rijeka Falls Short
By 10 Comments
It could have been a historical day for Croatian football if all three Europa League participants advanced to the third qualifying rounds, but Rijeka were unable to follow suit of their counterparts. NK Lokomotiva defeated Ukrainian Premier League side Vorskla in Ukraine today after drawing 0-0 in Zagreb last week. The Lokosi set the tone with a first-minute goal scored … [Read more...] about Hajduk and Lokomotiva Advance to Playoff Round; Rijeka Falls Short
HNL Week Three – Cibalia and Inter draw in six-goal thriller
By 14 Comments
90 minutes of scoreless action ended in a 1-1 draw for Dinamo Zagreb and Slaven Belupo on Friday after each team scored a stoppage-time goal. The match at Maksimir saw a stale mate perpetuated by Slaven’s tactics of putting 10 men on defense and trying quick counter attacks that proved unsuccessful for the the majority of the match. Dinamo knocked on the door with … [Read more...] about HNL Week Three – Cibalia and Inter draw in six-goal thriller
HNL Week 2
By 23 Comments
The scheduled Dinamo-Hajduk match up has been rescheduled to August 10, due to Dinamo’s Champions League match that was played on Tuesday against Dinamo Tbilisi. The Modri made the best of the extra two day’s rest and defeated the Georgian side at Maksimir 2-0. The return leg will be played on August 2. In the meantime, NK Lokomotiva and RNK Split … [Read more...] about HNL Week 2
Marko Pjaca Joins Juventus for Record Amount
By 225 Comments
Marko Pjaca of Dinamo Zagreb sets a new HNL with his hefty price tag as he departs the Modri for the Italian giants, Juventus. The 21-year-old Pjaca heads to Serie A for the reported amount of 23 million euros, which roughly equals $25 million. This makes him the most expensive transfer in HNL history. The previous record was held by Luka Modric's 21 million euro … [Read more...] about Marko Pjaca Joins Juventus for Record Amount
HNL Week 1 – Coaches Depart After One Week
By 7 Comments
The first week is in the books and ended just as you could predict it. After going down 1-0 in the 16th minute when Ivan Folić scored, Dinamo Zagreb rallied back and beat Lokomotiva 3-1 on Sunday. El Abri Soudani tied the match with a 29th minute goal and was followed by two goals from Dinamo’s top scorer from last season, Armin Hodžić. Antonijo Jezina once again … [Read more...] about HNL Week 1 – Coaches Depart After One Week
The HNL is Back!
By 110 Comments
You know you missed it. Saturday marks the beginning of the 2016/17 HNL season and teams are making final preparations for in efforts to strengthen their squads. Dinamo Zagreb recently defeated Macedonia’s FK Vardar 2-1 in Skopje in their first match of the second round of the Champions League. This was the first competitive match under the new leadership of … [Read more...] about The HNL is Back!
Why Does Croatia Underachieve In Major Soccer Tournaments?
By 112 Comments
Written by Branko "King Bronk" Tomasović Why does the Croatian National Soccer team always seem to underachieve at major soccer tournaments? Some casual observers may attribute it to the "mental weakness" of the team during big games, poor coaching, and at times, "bad luck." However, when one examines this situation more closely, it becomes evident that Croatia has also … [Read more...] about Why Does Croatia Underachieve In Major Soccer Tournaments?
Evaluating Croatia’s national team following Euro 2016
By 21 Comments
After two weeks of processing Croatia’s harsh exit from Euro 2016, it’s time to evaluate the entire squad’s performance and future. This was a very productive tournament for almost every player on the national team. With only one player expected to retire, they should carry the positive momentum going into 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Here is my brief evaluation for every … [Read more...] about Evaluating Croatia’s national team following Euro 2016
