Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitić had to be helped off the field Sunday in Schalke's third place game against Ivica Olić and new team Bayern Munich in the 2009 T-Home Cup. Hamburg and Stuttgart also participated in the German pre-season tournament. Rakitić hurt his right ankle five minutes into the match and could only hop off the field with the assistance of trainers. … [Read more...] about RAKITIĆ INJURED IN OLIĆ’S BAYERN DEBUT
Soccer
TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN…
By 9 CommentsNow that construction has resumed on numerous South African stadiums after a short one week labor strike, the 2010 World Cup should go on as originally planned. With the debut of the world's largest sporting event on African soil also comes the inception of some of Africa's cultures and traditions- in this case the Vuvuzela. Some football commentators, players and … [Read more...] about TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN…
UEFA THIRD ROUND SET
By 3 CommentsThe third qualifying rounds for Champions League and Europa League have now been set. Let's start with the Champions League. Should Dinamo Zagreb squeak by a pesky Pyunik side on July 21st, they would then face Austrian champs Red Bull Salzburg or Irish champions Bohemians. The first leg ended 1-1 in Austria. With Austria so close to Croatia, we know that hundreds of … [Read more...] about UEFA THIRD ROUND SET
SLAVEN BELUPO PLAYS TRICK, RIJEKA LOSE
By 19 CommentsHAT TRICK MAESTRO, ALJOŠA VOJNOVIĆ The first leg of the 2009-10 Europa League second qualifying round got underway today. Croatian clubs, NK Rijeka and Slaven Belupo both started their European seasons on the road. Slaven Belupo torched Macedonian side Milano (no relation with AC Milan) as they pulled some 'tricks' out of the bag in a 4-0 win. Hungarian Csaba Csizmadia … [Read more...] about SLAVEN BELUPO PLAYS TRICK, RIJEKA LOSE
EUROPEAN CUP SEASON BEGINS
By 38 CommentsDINAMO HELD TO GOALLESS DRAW IN FIRST LEG AGAINST PYUNIK. I DID NOT WATCH THE GAME BUT CSR'S ELITE CLAIM THAT DINAMO PLAYED AWFUL WITH A SHAMEFUL DISPLAY OF SOCCER. Dinamo Zagreb start their UEFA Champions League campaign tomorrow (July 14th) as they travel to Armenia to take on Pyunik in the second qualifying round. It shouldn't be too tough for Dinamo to get past … [Read more...] about EUROPEAN CUP SEASON BEGINS
‘POLJUD’ NAME NO MORE?
By 26 CommentsRumors are circulating around Croatia that Hajduk Split have put a 7.5 million Kuna per year price tag on current naming rights for Poljud stadium. This is an obvious attempt at bolstering the team bank account but we're going to have to see if any company takes the bait. I'm a soccer traditionalist but this move by Hajduk wouldn't really bother me if it ever went through. … [Read more...] about ‘POLJUD’ NAME NO MORE?
KRIŽANAC SCORES BEAUTY FOR ZENIT VICTORY
By 11 CommentsWhile the rest of Europe is still on summer vacation, Croatian central defender Ivica Križanac made the most of his return from a one month break in the Russian Premier League with the lone goal in Zenit's win over FC Moscow. Križanac doesn't score often, but when he does he certainly makes the highlight reel. Check out Ivica's bicycle kick goal from earlier in the … [Read more...] about KRIŽANAC SCORES BEAUTY FOR ZENIT VICTORY
KOVAČ CALLS IT A CAREER
By 32 CommentsNiko Kovač, one of Croatia's all-time legends, has finally decided to hang up his cleats after a spectacular 20-year club career. Niko went out with class Friday evening in a 0-0 friendly against Bayern Munich. Players from both squads gave Kovač big hugs after the final whistle as he then made a lap around the field to thank all the fans for their support with tears in his … [Read more...] about KOVAČ CALLS IT A CAREER
PLETIKOSA IN LIMBO, STILL NO MOVE FOR KLASNIĆ
By 14 CommentsPLETIKOSA PRAYS FOR A TRANSFER The Russian Premier League will resume its season this Saturday after a short one-month long summer break. Spartak Moscow currently sit in third place only four points behind leaders FK Rubin Kazan. Although Spartak is doing well this season, Croatian goalie Stipe Pletikosa has not been involved in any of his club's games since a 3-1 loss to … [Read more...] about PLETIKOSA IN LIMBO, STILL NO MOVE FOR KLASNIĆ
