CSR Writer, Denis Svirčić
CroatianSoccerReport.com has exciting news to share with our loyal fans! We have received credentials from the Hrvatski Nogometni Savez (HNS), aka Croatian Football Federation, to cover the Croatia-Ukraine match in Zagreb this Saturday.
Denis will be embarking on this journey solo as I am unable to travel at the moment. He took off from Los Angeles early Monday morning and should be in Zagreb ready to report Wednesday. Denis however did make a small stop in Munich for a German wiener and a tall glass of Hefeweizen.
Denis will have access to player training sessions throughout the week, the press box at Stadion Maksimir during the match and pre/post game press conferences.
GROUND ZERO
Stay tuned throughout the week for realtime CSR updates from Zagreb and Rovinj!
CSR thanks all Prva Generacija members for sticking with us since the beginning! It’s only going to get better boys and girls!
~Ante Kvartuč on behalf of Denis Svirčić, who is soon to be reporting from Zagreb, Croatia. No Joke This Time!
Aliev is officially out of the game now. I'm a lot more positive. I think we could even win this game 2-0 now. I don't believe Nazarenko, Kalinchenko and Voronin are in the same class. Its all up to us. But we need a big performance.
@Croatiafan
yea its true that Pranjic isn't exactly a youngster, put he's only been a prominent member of the national team for 2 years and this will be his first big time club…
I heard it on Javno.com
and on some croatian sites,
sportski novosti and index.hr
Pranjic and, possibly, Srna to Bayern Munchen with Olic…that would be fantastic. I'm sure they'll be on top of the Bundesleague and strong contenders for the top of the Champions League. Srna to Barca would be excellent too. These rumours sure keep us in suspense.
hey guys thanks, ill give you a call today. I know it was a long shot but I figured why not ask. Worst comes to worst we can get a beer or something.
RE: Dennis
Pranjic is 27. He's not young no more. I think this next move is key. Mate Bilic is 28 and some are saying he's too old to play for Croatia so hehe Pranjic is not a young guy no more. I think he's got to break into a big club and at his proper position at international level sooner rather than later. It also looks likely that Niko Kranjcar is staying at Portsmouth now for one more year whilst they have new money. Think this is a very very big game for Mandza, Klasnic and Rakitic to try and attract new clubs. Petric might feel a bit left out too with Olic and Jol deserting him and may make a big performance to get himself a big transfer. Whilst all these players have big incentives too perform i'm happier now.
If Aliev is injured i'm a lot more positive. Aliev isn't gonna run at you like Andrei Arshavin, but he can pick a killer pass and his long range shoot is kinda destructive as he's dead accurate and his shots move in strange ways. If he's not playing then i think we can deal with replacements like Kalinichenko and Nazarenko a lot easier. Not sure why anyone would want Srna at Barca. They have Dani Alves – favorite of the Barca fans in his position. That would be the one club that's a nightmare move for him. Personally i don't think Srna's going anywhere. He's too expensive. He must be about £15-£20m and Shaktar don't need to sell.
Oh, and lots of rumblings about Darijo Srna going to Barcelona…. stay tuned…
@ Ante Yea I agree with you on that. Its also gonna depend on Ribery leaving. If Franck does decide to go, it'll allow Schweinsteiger more room on the right and Pranjic can play his natural position.
According to my sources, Kalinic could be on the move to Spain or Italy… further details to follow..
Denis, how is the mood in Zagreb. The people must be excited but pretty nervous. i know i am.
@ Dennis Fistonich,
Pranjic is a natural left-winger. I would think he could play opposite side of Schweinsteiger. I don't know why he is still play defense for Croatia.
@ Matt,
Please let us know where you heard this info. Always give us a link where we could look into more. Good stuff!
@JP,
I will be tweeting the match live during the game. This is good for those of you who get stuck not being able to watch live. Find CSR @ Twitter.com/CroatianSoccer. You can also set up you cell phone to receive text message tweets. Ask me how if you have any questions.
Gents,
Big congrats on the credentials that's very amazing, and full marks to the two of you for having a vision and sticking with it!
As for the game, I say 3-0 for us.
Srna, Petric, Olic
Will you be Tweeting from the match?
Ps. That Dida and cake story is awesome! 🙂
Where did you hear that Matt, if so that is some good news
Pranjic to Bayern Munchen is a great move for both parties. Bayern needs a fullback on the left and this is a good way for Pranjic to grow his young career.
Lets kick some ass on Saturday. All of you in So Cal come to the Croatian Hall in San Pedro, great atmosphere as usual. Vatreni 2 – 1 Ukraine….
@Denis Good luck in getting access to great coverage for us….
supposedly Aliev is injured for Ukraine, anyone else hear this, is it true? thats good news for us if he is
Yes it appears that Pranjic will be headed to Munich to play alongside Olic. He didn't make it to Liverpool but he will playing Champions League next season.
I'll put a post up in the next 12 hours.
Will Srna join them?
NEWSFLASH:
Danijel Pranjic to Bayern Munich!!
http://goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2009/06/04/1304873/danijel-pranjic-delighted-to-join-bayern-munich
Thank you very much Darijo. I'm glad you're enjoying the show.
Leave and comeback is an inside joke between Denis and I. It can relate to anything though.
@ Ante,
Thanks for the affirmation, being part of the Prva Generacija means a whole lot to me! CSR has become a staple site for me over the past year and it has certainly progressed by leaps and bounds since I started following it. The exclusive coverage for this match (with the media access and on-site live reporting)… that to me, goes down as a real achievement and milestone!
p.s. Hey I noticed Denis is in tandem with you, bolding the words “leave and come back" – how odd.
Good to hear Denis.
Wednesday:
I tried to get a hold of someone in the HNS regarding credentials, scheduled media events, etc. etc. At first, I was only able to get through to their secretary. She must have received hundreds of calls over the last few days, so she wasn't in a friendly mood. She did give me information when and where to pick up the credentials(Im not allowed to tell, the last thing I want is the HNS after me to revoke my special privileges.)
In the late afternoon, I receieved an email from one of the heads at HNS informing me that there will be no credentials for the practice in Rovinj(3-4hour bus ride from Zagreb), there will be a 15 minute pres interview(which I dont have any paperwork whatsoever).
In the late evening, I spoke with the lead internet sports writer for 24sata Croatian newspaper. He informed me that a trip to Rovinj wouldn't be worth my time, and only if I am lucky would I be able to squeeze through and have a chance to interview anyone. The players at this level of football dont like to be disturbed during training and only give 15 minutes to a select few people of the press.
On Thursday, I will begin to interview local fans, promoting the website and bring you the local point of view on Croatian soccer, which we dont have much of here at CSR.
Please feel free to make any requests as far of what to ask players, coaches, also what you are hoping and expected from me to hopefully bring forth on CSR within the next few days.
@Petar, Im way ahead of you my friend. This would be my second or third question after warming up with a few soft ones.
@everyone else, thanks for the support, stay tuned the next couple of days should be interesting…
almost forgot… There is a scheduled light training at Maksimir on Friday. I will be there then leave and come back on Saturday… On Saturday, I will have the opportunity to pick up credentials anywhere from 10am-6pm…
Keep up the great work guys!!
Denis, have a blast in Croatia, hopefully you will be able to celebrate a victory!!!
=)
I'm not even sure when I started posting lol.
@ Darijo,
Of course you're a PG member. You were one of the first ever to leave comments on CSR. I was worried when you left for a while, but I'm glad you came back.
It's ok with Denis and I if you Leave and Come Back!!
@ Denis – If you do have a chance to speak with Slaven, please ask why Ante Rukavina was not called up to the National Team. Best Regards, enjoy!
That's great news- you've earned it by keeping this site going…
Btw, the Prva Generacija members are mentioned in this blog post. Do I qualify as one?
@ Alexander,
Of course meeting players is out of the question for obvious reasons. This is our first shot at this and we are trying to establish ourselves as the real deal so we can do it again.
But when you say "Can you meet the players"; that's what CSR is attempting to do. So our faithful readers can have a more intimate look into Croatian Football and its players.
Let's see what Denis can do. Wish him luck.
Congrats on getting credentials guys!! that's awesome and you guys are doing a great job for us croatian-americans out here. keep up the good work. Croatia 2 Ukraine 0
@Denis
I'm sure it'll be worth it! Rest well mate.
@IVICA B
The game is listed on bet365 streaming schedule so can give it a try there, just need to register an account for free.
Great job guy's!!!!!
im a prva generacija !!! oleleleleeee
Agent Argentina, Joze, Ivica, Petar Radman —– Thanks for the kind words. I just arrived in Zagreb after a 4.5hr La to Atlanta flight, a 9 hour Atlanta to Munich flight, and a 8 hour Munich to Zagreb train ride. Ićm tired, hungry and exhausted. Was it worth it? stay tuned!
Alexander and anyone else in Zagreb, you can reach me on my cell 0955401099
I will update the site periodically over the next few days…
@ Slaven,
Chelsea is out of the question. Ex AC Milan manager, Ancelotti, already has been confirmed as the new Chelsea coach.
This may be old news for some of you here but I just read Bilic may go to Chelsea. Here’s the link:
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/04/29/1236016/chelsea-line-up-slaven-bilic-to-take-over-from-guus-hiddink–rep
I read last week about him going to Celtic. I guess he has a lot of chocies. Good for him. Whoever replaces him for the national team has big shoes to fill.
That’s AMAZING news, Congrats to you guys.
Kalinic to Palermo? They have been rumored together for sometime. Perhaps an all Croatian Starting striking partnership?
2-0 To Croatia this weekend. kalinic celebrates his new move to Italy with a bicycle Kick from half that destroys the net. After the game, he and Super prospect Mat Wieters team up to cure cancer.
**TRANSFER ALERT**
Inside Italian source, Robert Italia, has just let me know that Nikola Kalinic to Palermo is just about to be wrapped up.
Stay tuned for more info….
I try to put a post while I’m at work.
Can you guys hook me up so I can meet some players? It would be a great part of your willingness to unit Croatian fans, and I would love you guys even more. Ill be on the sjever side up top.
Were can i watch the game online? I know VideoSport.com but anywere for free? AJMO VATRENI
Great news guys!!! It’s been a pleasure watching this site grow the past year and a half. I am soo thrilled to see the direction in which it is all going. This is big time stuff! Expect A LOT more traffic to CSR once this Saturday comes. Sretan Put Denis! Keep us updated.
p.s.
Get cozy with the HNS. Maybe they’ll consider bringing the team to the USA for an exhibition eventually lol
The match can be seen online at VideoSport.com for 5 Euros. I highly recommend it as the picture quality is fantastic. PC only however.
good work guys
I’ll be watching over the net
PS: Other goal will be scored by Cvitanich…oh wait he can’t play, haha 😉
I am glad he was able to recieve the credentials, Congratulations, looking forward to catching the game with you guys!!!!
Croatia 3 – 1
Srna Hat-trick
or
Srna x 2 at least!!!