OFF TO AUSTRIA!

I would just like to take this chance to bid farewell to fellow CroatianSoccerReport.com writer and colleague of mine, Denis Svirčić, who will be leaving for Europe, and most importantly Euro 2008, tomorrow. Denis will be at the Croatian matches versus Austria and Poland in Vienna and Klagenfurt- and hopefully more!

CroatianSoccerReport.com will have photos and video up immediately after the games from inside the stadium and from various Croatian events in Europe. If you can't make it to Europe this summer for the tournament, this will be as close as you get.

Denis- have fun, give us lots of content and please be aware of 90's!

2 TICKETS TO PARADISE

This is how they look, ladies and gentlemen.

When Eddie Money sang "two tickets to paradise," he was referring to this.

I will be in Austria for the first and third match, and will stop in Zagreb for the Germany match. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pick up tickets in the Croatian block. Hopefully, i can sneak my way in somehow.

I happened to run across these on the net. Aren't they beautiful?

This will be going through my head on the flight to Europe:

Got a surprise especially for you,
Something that both of us have always wanted to do.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

oh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh
oh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

CROATIA STUMBLES IN BUDAPEST

Mađarska 1 Hrvatska 1

In their last friendly before the European Championship, an uninspired Croatia drew to an energetic Hungary team in Budapest. The game wasn't televised in North America.

Niko Kovač scored off a Srna free kick in the 23rd minute. However, just before the stroke of halftime, Niko was unfortunate to receive an own goal.

Summary will follow shortly...

CROATIA --- HUNGARY

Here are the starters for todays friendly match between Croatia and Hungary.

Mađarska

Fulop, Bodnar, Juhasz, Vasko, Bodor, Vadocz, Dardai, Huszti, Hajnal, Gera, Dzsudzsak

Hrvatska

Pletikosa, Pranjić Šimunić, R.Kovač, Ćorluka, Rakitić, Srna, Modrić, N.Kovač, Petrić, Olić

FRENCH OPEN AND BUDAPEST FRIENDLY

Saturday will be packed full of action for Croatian sports fans! The 'Vatreni' will be in Budapest to play Hungary in their last warm-up before they open Euro 2008 group play against the co-hosts, Austria, in Vienna on June 8th. This will be Bilić's last chance to see who is match fit and which strikers he will use for his Euro assault. The game will not be televised in America but CroatianSoccerReport.com will have all the news after the game ends.

Saturday also showcases two huge Croatian tennis stars in 3rd Round French Open action. #28 Ivan Ljubičić will play #4 in the world, Nikolay Davydenko, in what promises to be a fantastic match on clay. Should Ljubičić defeat the Russian, he should have an easy road into the French Open quarterfinal round.

Young and upcoming Croatian tennis star, 'Super' Mario Ančić, will also play the world's #1 ranked Roger Federer in the 3rd Round in the main Chatrier Stadium. This will be an incredible test for the Croatian, but we must remember that anything can happen on clay.

Both matches will be shown in America on DirectTV channel 701.

Match analysis of all three events follow immediately on the only- CroatianSoccerReport.com

CROATIAN SMALL GOALS TOURNAMENT

Here's a slideshow I put together for the tournament that went on in San Pedro, CA on 5/24/2008. The only thing that I have to do is another version where a Croatian song plays in the background. Any suggestions?

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ANY PICTURE FROM THE VIDEO

IMAGE DOWNLOADS NOW ONLY $15.00

CROATIA SLIP BY MOLDOVA

Croatian captain, Niko Kovač, scored the only goal in a 1-0 friendly victory versus Moldova in Rijeka this past Saturday. The game was merely a tune-up for the Croatian side who will open up group play for Euro 2008 in just 2 weeks time. Coach Slaven Bilić got in plenty of players in the game to gauge readiness and fitness for many of the new call-ups. Uefa.com covered the game and all the substitutions that were made in the match.

FROM THE RUMOR MILL.......

Here are a few rumors that came out of various newspapers worldwide....

Rumor #1

Knežević to Chelsea

Since Livorno is no more in Serie A, several others have interest in the 26 year old Croatian defender.

Rumor #2

Vedran Runje to Lyon

French magazine, Nord-Eclair, has confirmed that the 32 year old former Hajduk goalkeeper has caught the eye of French champion Lyon.

Rumor #3

Stipe Pletikosa to Manchester United

Remember people these are just rumors. Russian newspaper "Sovjetski sport" confirms that the technical director of Spartak, Jevgeni Smolenčev was in ManU's hotel the night of the champions league final, where they were talking transfer for the number one Croatian keeper.

Rumor #4

Ivan Klasnić to Betis, Spain

"I would like to play for Betis, however, I am not the one calling the shots. There is interest from other clubs in other leagues, also my wish is to play for a Spanish club. I'm still waiting for an invite from Sevilla. If this doesn't happen, then I will be have plan B," confirmed Ivan Klasnić for Jutarnji List.

Rumor #5

Ante Rukavina to Dinamo

The young Hajduk striker has never lived up to his potential and it looks like Hajduk has lost patience. Signing with the Devil is not a smart move. Ante, go to Turkey rather than Dinamo. Trust me on this one!

OGNJEN VUKOJEVIĆ ARRIVES IN KIEV ON PRIVATE JET

Croatian international defensive midfielder, Ognjen Vukojević, has flown into Kiev this morning on a private jet provided by Dinamo Kiev. Ognjen passed all physical tests, and in the presence of Dinamo president, Zdravko Mamić has signed a contract with the eastern European giants.

Slaven Bilić gave Dinamo Kiev the green light as soon as word came out that a private jet was in store. “Well, he’s not going over there to negotiate, nor on a bus. Under those circumstances, I would let him go to Kiev five days before the EURO. He will return satisfied with a smile on his face,” said Bilić after yesterday’s match with Moldova.

Vukojević added, “ I am happy to be going to a club with a long history and many trophies. I am confident that I will fit in and fulfill my potential. One day, I would like to return to Zagreb and help the club that made this possible.”

Good Luck Ognjen. Your future looks bright and I am sure you will prosper at the ORIGINAL Dinamo!

DINAMO DUMPS "CROATIAN GATTUSO"

Croatian international, Ognjen Vukojević, will continue to play for Dinamo next year. However, not for Dinamo Zagreb, because the Croatian champions have agreed to sell the 24 year old defensive midfielder to Dinamo Kiev for a smashing 8 million euros. Ognjen will sign a four year deal sometime next week.

"I don't have anything against the east. Why wouldn't I go there," said Ognjen late Friday night from Zagreb.

Vokojević's agent, Danka Đikić, had this to say, "I can not confirm the information, the club will have to respond."

Glasgow Celtic, last week, had offered 5 million euros for his services, however, as we all know, Dinamo is all about the $$$$. Croatian internationals, Jerko Leko and Goran Sablić, have both enjoyed stints with the Ukrainian giants.

After Modrić, Čale and most likely Koch, Vukojević will become the forth Dinamo player who will say farewell to the bad blue boys.

HRVATSKA **EURO 2008**

As all of you know by now, the final squad for Croatia has been announced long ago. Croatian has been training in Rovinj preparing for a friendly with Moldova on Saturday. Unfortunately, the game will not be televised in the United States. Even you folks that pay top dollar for Croatian satellite won't be able to see the vatreni.

Pictured is the final squad traveling to Austria!

CROATIA-MOLDOVA FRIENDLY

As Croatians from all over North America come to Los Angeles this weekend for Independence Day festivities, which includes the 2nd Annual Croatian Small Goals Tournament in San Pedro, our national team will be hosting a friendly in Rijeka on Saturday at 11:30AM (ET) to Moldova.

With only 2 weeks left before Euro 2008 kicks off, (and no disrespect towards Moldova) we shouldn't be playing a team of Moldova's caliber. The friendlies versus Netherlands and Scotland were perfect in gearing up for the competition but to go up against Moldova this Saturday and another lackluster Hungary team next week in Budapest just shouldn't happen. If I had it my way with the tournament so close, I would schedule friendlies against teams drawn in Euro 2008 Groups C and D since we can't play them until the Euro Finals anyways . Games versus Romania, Greece and Sweden can tell us exactly where we're at.

I understand friendlies aren't played for the 'W', but I just think your players should be challenged a bit harder when there isn't any pressure to win.

The game will not be televised live anywhere in North America, but the full squad, score and recap will be here on CroatianSoccerReport.com after the game.

BUTINA RETURNS.......

Today, Croatian champions, Dinamo Zagreb have completed the signing of former Olympiacos and Croatian international goalkeeper Tomislav Butina.

It will be the 34 year old goalkeeper's third stint with the most successful club in Croatia. Butina has played for Zagreb from 1991-1994 and 1997-2003.

Where is Hajduk? How long will they continue to suck on Dinamo dust?

EURO 2008 TV SCHEDULE

ESPN has just announced the schedule for the European Championship starting June 7th.

Here are the games (all times EST)....

Round Robin Phase:

Saturday 6/07

11:50 a.m.- Switzerland vs. Czech Republic A (ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Portugal vs. Turkey A (ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes)

Sunday 6/08

11:50 a.m.- Austria vs. Croatia B (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Germany vs. Poland B (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Monday 6/09

11:50 a.m.- Romania vs. France C (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Netherlands vs. Italy C (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Tuesday 6/10

11:50 a.m.- Spain vs. Russia D (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Sweden D (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Wednesday 6/11

11:50 a.m.- Czech Republic vs. Portugal A (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Switzerland vs. Turkey A (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Thursday 6/12

11:50 a.m.- Croatia vs. Germany B (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Austria vs. Poland B (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Friday 6/13

11:50 a.m.- Italy vs. Romania C (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Netherlands vs. France C (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Saturday 6/14

11:50 a.m.- Sweden vs. Spain D (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Russia D (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Sunday 6/15

2:30 p.m.- Switzerland vs. Portugal A (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Turkey vs. Czech Republic A (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
5 p.m.- Turkey vs. Czech Republic (ESPN Deportes)

Monday 6/16

2:30 p.m.- Poland vs. Croatia B (ESPN Classic)
2:30 p.m.- Austria vs. Germany B (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
5 p.m.- Poland vs. Croatia (ESPN Deportes)

Tuesday 6/17

2:30 p.m.- Netherlands vs. Romania C (ESPN Classic)
2:30 p.m.- France vs. Italy C (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
5 p.m.- Netherlands vs. Romania (ESPN Deportes)

Wednesday 6/18

2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Spain D (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Russia vs. Sweden D (ESPN2)
7 p.m.- Russia vs. Sweden (ESPN Deportes)

Quarterfinals Stage:

Thursday 6/19 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Friday 6/20 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Saturday 6/21 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group C vs. 2nd Group D (ABC)
Sunday 6/22 2:55 p.m.- 1st Group D vs. 2nd Group C (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)

Semifinals Stage:
Wednesday 6/25 2:30 p.m.- Winners (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Thursday 6/26 2:30 p.m.- Winners (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Finals:

Sunday 6/29 2:30 p.m. - Euro 2008 Title Match from Vienna (ABC)

Hmmm...I can't find any of the England matches. They must be in group E.

THE FANS HAVE SPOKEN!

The start of Euro 2008 is only 3 weeks away! Croatia opens up group play on Sunday June 8th in the Austrian capital of Vienna against the Austrian co-hosts.

I asked all of you a month ago how you expect Croatia to perform at this summer's European championships and 69 people gracefully replied. And in an absolute shocker, 52% (32 people) voted that Croatia will indeed win Euro 2008. But I'm sure there's no biased Croatian fans on this site. In a distant 2nd, 17% of the poll thought Croatia would make the final 4.

So here's the expected layout of the tournament. Croatia and Germany should get out of Group B but we definitely shouldn't underestimate a solid Polish side. We would then play one of the two teams coming out of Group A; the favorites being Portugal and the Czech Republic. Turkey can however make a good push to get out of group play. If Croatia can get past the 2nd round, we could face Germany in a rematch of the group stage game. Croatia cannot face anyone from Groups C or D until the finals. These teams include Italy, the Netherlands, France, Romania, Sweden, Russia, Greece and Spain.

So if Croatia can repeat what they did to Germany in 1998 and manage wins over Portugal or an aging Czech team, thoughts on us getting to the final day can realistically happen with this team.

If we can get out of group stage and finally end the 'Nike Curse', Croatia will make some damage on their way to the championship!

33RD AND FINAL ROUND HNL RESULTS

Well friends, yesterday was the final day of the HNL season. I keep saying to myself, "next year will be better, next year will be better." However, thinking as a realist, with Modrić taking off and the likelihood of Kalinić, Rukavina, Mandžukić, Vukojević, Etto and numerous other prospects to follow, I don't see a light in the tunnel.

Here are the results for May 10th...

Cibalia Vinkovci [3 - 0] Međimurje

Inter Zaprešić [1 - 2] NK Osijek

NK Zagreb [2 - 1] Hajduk Split

Dinamo Zagreb [6 - 1] NK Rijeka

Varteks Varaždin [5 - 2] NK Zadar

HNK Šibenik [0 - 0] Slaven Belupo

NIKO HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS????

After contemplating retirement, Niko Kovač is set to play another year for Austria's Red Bull Salzburg. After undergoing talks today with coach Co Adriaanse and Sporting Director Heinz Hochhauser, the Croatian captain has decided to extended his contract until 2009.

"I have always said that I would like to play in Salzburg for another year – and now I am officially able to celebrate," said Niko during the press conference in Salzburg.

Coach Adriaanse is, "pleased that Niko Kovač is staying. His experience and sheer class is sure to help us during the hugely important season ahead." Niko Kovač was an integral part of the Salzburg team last season, playing in 25 matches.

The former Bayern Munich player, was only once dropped to the substitute´s bench. On average Niko had more touches of the ball than any of his team-mates (87 per match). With 86% of his passes finding a team-mate he was a crucial midfield hub for the Austrian runners-up.

THE FINAL TIME LUKA WILL FLY FOR DINAMO

In just a few hours time, NK Rijeka will kick off against Dinamo at the famous Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. More importantly, this will be Luka Modrić's final game in the Dinamo blue.

As a Hajduk fan, I have been waiting for this day for many years. As a Luka fan, I have been waiting for his transfer to a bigger club, where Luka can finally spread his wings and fly.

What will you remember the most about Luka and his days in Zagreb?

Good luck Luka. We at CroatianSoccerReport wish you as much success with Tottenham as you had here in Zagreb with Dinamo.

BILIC NAMES FINAL SQUAD FOR EURO 2008

Croatian manager, Slaven Bilić, has announced the final squad for this summer's European Championship in Austria and Switzerland.

Who made the final cut?

Croatia

Keepers

.............................(caps, goals)....Club

Stipe Pletikosa.............(age 29) (67,0) Spartak Moscow
Vedran Runje................(age 32) (4,0) RC Lens
Mario Galinović.............(age 31) (2,0) Panathinaikos

Defenders

Robert Kovač (vice-captain).(age 34) (72,0) Borussia Dortmund
Dario Šimić (vice-captain)..(age 32) (97,3) AC Milan
Josip Šimunić...............(age 30) (60,3) Hertha Berlin
Vedran Ćorluka..............(age 22) (18,0) Manchester City
Dario Knežević..............(age 26) (6,1) Livorno
Hrvoje Vejić................(age 30) (1,0) Tom Tomsk

Midfielders

Niko Kovač(captain).........(age 36) (75,12) Red Bull Salzburg
Luka Modrić.................(age 22) (24,3) Tottenham Hotspur
Niko Kranjčar...............(age 23) (40,6) Portsmouth
Darijo Srna.................(age 26) (54,15) Shakhtar Donetsk
Danijel Pranjić.............(age 26) (9,0) Heerenveen
Ivan Rakitić................(age 20) (6,1) Schalke 04
Jerko Leko..................(age 28) (51,2) AS Monaco
Ognjen Vukojević............(age 24) (3,1) Dinamo Zagreb
Nikola Pokrivač.............(age 22) (0,0) AS Monaco

Strikers

Mladen Petrić...............(age 27) (23,9) Borussia Dortmund
Ivica Olić..................(age 28) (52,9) Hamburger SV
Ivan Klasnić................(age 28) (27,8) Werder Bremen
Igor Budan..................(age 28) (4,0) Parma
Nikola Kalinić..............(age 20) (0,0) Hajduk Split

Reserves

DF Manuel Pamić (age 21) (0,0) Red Bull Salzburg
MF Anas Sharbini (age 21) (0,0) NK Rijeka

How do you feel about the squad? Who should have been included? Who should have been left out?

I will share my analysis today or tomorrow!

CROATIAN CUP FINAL......

DINAMO --- HAJDUK

It looks like the new Hajduk away jersey is a curse....

3-0 Dinamo first leg result

Let me know what you think of the new away kit....

RIDING INTO EURO

With just over a month before Euro 2008 begins, we here at CroatianSoccerReport.com want our readers to know everything and anything pertaining to the Croatian national soccer team. Even if it's letting you know what bus they will be riding to the games. Sure, this isn't the most relevant news we could find but check out the other 15 teams and their slogans.

Is this seriously the best they can do with slogans? I mean come on. I'd like to hear insight from you all on what you would give each country as their slogan. And let's try to keep the bashing to a minimum.

BILIĆ LOCKS IN NEW CONTRACT

Slaven Bilić will coach Croatia 2 more years! The Croatian Soccer Federation (HNS) and their beloved coach agreed to a 2-year extension Wednesday that will pay Bilić 1.2 million kuna ($257,300) per year. This would keep Croatia under Bilić for Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 qualifying. Should they qualify for South Africa, Bilić would end his stint with the club after the tournament to pursue a coaching job abroad.

Good move on part of the Savez. Now it's time to gear up for Euro. Only 1 month away!

32ND ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for May 3rd...

Međimurje [4 - 0] Inter Zaprešić

NK Osijek [2 - 0] Varteks Varaždin

NK Rijeka [2 - 0] Cibalia Vinkovci

NK Zadar [0 - 2] HNK Šibenik

Slaven Belupo [1 - 0] NK Zagreb

Hajduk Split [1 - 1] Dinamo Zagreb

31ST ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for April 30th...

Cibalia Vinkovci [2 - 0] HNK Šibenik

Hajduk Split [0 - 2] NK Osijek

NK Zagreb [3 - 1] Varteks Varaždin

Dinamo Zagreb [1 - 0] Inter Zaprešić

NK Rijeka [5 - 2] Međimurje

Slaven Belupo [2 - 0] NK Zadar

50,000 CROATIANS ---->>> KLAGENFURT

Are you one of the 50,000 die hard Croatian fans going to Klagenfurt for the European Cup this summer?

If so, make sure to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow, because every hotel in this southeast Austrian city is booked for the month.

Klagenfurt, with a population roughly the size of Osijek(92,404), is expected to double or even triple this summer due to the European Championship. Today, Croatian football Federation president, Vlatko Marković, has told the Austrian Football Federation, "you can count on 50,000 Croatian fans."

Fellow CroatianSportsReport writer, Ante and I are in the works to be one of the lucky 50,000. Which one of you is brave enough to join us? Let me restate myself, which one of you is crazy enough to join us?

You only live once, no regrets!