INJURY UPDATE....

Photo: Index.hr

Slaven Bilić received a scare late Wednesday night as both Dario Knežević and Danijel Pranjić went down with injuries Wednesday night.

Croatian international stopper, Dario Knežević, played the entire match for Juventus in a league match at Bologna. Towards the end of the match, Knežević's left knee swelled up like a softball. Juventus medical staff was quickly at the scene and later confirmed that loose knee cartilage was a result of the swelling.

After arthroscopic knee surgery, Dario should return after a month. However, if the operation escalates into something more serious he could be out of action for up to three months.

The operation is most likely going to be performed in Turin. However, Livorno, still hold Dario's rights and they have the final say.

Just when the 26 year old, former Rijeka player, finally was starting for Juventus, an unfortunate injury sidelines him for most likely the rest of the year.

There is also bad news coming from the Netherlands.

Heerenveen leading goalscorer, Danijel Pranjić will be sidelined three weeks after picking up a knock in the 61st minute against Eredivisie side Vitesse. Danijel felt a sharp pain in his right foot after one of his regular sprints and was immediately subbed out. X-Rays were negative, however, Danijel will be out of action for at least 4 matches.

I'm not so big on Knežević, but Danijel was definitely one of my favorite vatreni. Hopefully, this is just a minor knock and Danijel returns right where he left off in time to get Eredivisie player of the year.

Photo: Reuters

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

HAZDOVAC KEEPS ON SHINING FOR DUBROVNIK

With world markets currently in distress and the global economy in complete turmoil, where can anyone turn to invest anymore? I've officially found you something if that's what you're looking for- especially if you're a Croatian soccer fan. I haven't discovered a place to invest; rather a person. And it wouldn't involve money, rather your energy and passion for the game of Croatian soccer while watching one of your own young and unknowns rise.

Peter Hazdovac is his name and he's still on fire. CroatianSoccerReport.com recently did a story on him and his stock has only skyrocketed since. Hazdovac has scored 4 goals in his last 2 Treća Liga games while playing for NK GOŠK Dubrovnik. He also scored the lone goal for GOŠK in a 4-1 loss to Dinamo Zagreb. Yes, the same Dinamo Zagreb that is currently leading the Prva Liga standings.

Sure, the Dinamo game was only a friendly and Hazdovac is tearing up a 3rd League which has never turned any heads- but then I ask: Why is Peter Hazdovac, an American-born 3rd League player, receiving so much love from Slobodna Dalmacija?

Hazdovac has been in SD twice in the past week; and they're not exactly small stories.

So I leave it up to my readers when I say: What do they know in Croatia about this kid that we don't right now? I can only report the scores and stats, but everything else is left to your interpretation.

Peter's next game is against Zagora next Monday. Zagora just defeated Karlovac, a 2nd League team, to qualify for the Croatian Cup quarterfinals. This should be Hazdovac's greatest test up to this point in his early Croatian soccer career as the winter break will soon be here; where he ultimately has another important decision to make. Stay or go.

HAJDUK IN CROATIAN CUP ACTION

Earlier today, Hajduk took on Konavljanin, a Treća Liga team, in the 2nd round of the Croatian Cup. The game was a 1-match affair that took place in Gruda, a small town 35 kilometers south of Dubrovnik. With no suprise, Hajduk easily won 2-0 on their way to the quarterfinals. Even though it wasn't a high profile game, (Kalinić didn't even make the trip) Torcida treated it as if it would be their last.

Hajduk's Goran Rubil, left, chases down Ivan Ćeliković of Konavljanina during the first half of their match Wednesday in Gruda.

Hajduk's Boris Pandža, left, received a yellow for this "under the belt" kick to Zoran Karamatić of Konavljanin.

Srđan Andrić of Hajduk bends in this free kick for Hajduk's first goal of two against Konavljanin.

Here's some shots of Torcida...being Torcida.

CROATIAN CUP RESULTS

Here are the results for October 29th...

Hrvatski Dragovoljac [0 - 6] Dinamo Zagreb

Konavljanin [0 - 2] Hajduk Split

Moslavina [0 - 2] Slaven Belupo

Oriolik [0 - 1] Cibalia Vinkovci

Pomorac Kostrena [1 - 0] Varteks Varaždin

Inter Zaprešić [0 - 2] NK Zagreb

NK Zadar [2 - 2*] NK Rijeka

Zagora [2 - 1]Karlovac

* - Rijeka wins on Penalty kicks (7-6)

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HAJDUK

Hajduk was in Gruda on Tuesday, a town 35 kilometers south of Dubrovnik, to train for their 1/8 finals HN Cup match with Treća Liga side Konavljanin on October 29th. Here's a few exclusive pictures I got my hands on from Hajduk's training session.

Young Hajduk players get stuck with returning a practice goal after a training session in Gruda. Notice that there is no net. The Prva Liga is sinking so quickly that not even Hajduk can get a proper training facility while on the road.

Hajduk players scrimmage with each other in preparation for what should be an easy win against Treća Liga Side, Konavljanin. Nikola Kalinić did not make the trip and will not play.

Hajduk goalie, Danijel Subašić, lies on his back after letting an easy ball get by him in practice.

Hajduk ends the practice session with a friendly game of handball (rukomet), which is also a very popular sport in Croatia.

Hajduk goalie, Danijel Subašić, climbs an old, rusty fence to get a ball that got jammed in it during the practice session. I can guarantee you that we would never see the likes of Edwin van der Sar or Gianluigi Buffon have to climb a rusty fence during practice. Where are the ball boys Hajduk? I'm sure 5 Kune an hour will do!

PHOTOS BY BRANIMIR KVARTUČ

12TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for October 26th...

NK Zagreb [0 - 3] Varteks Varaždin

Slaven Belupo [1 - 0] Cibalia Vinkovci

NK Osijek [4 - 2] Croatia Sesvete

NK Zadar [1 - 0] Hajduk Split

HNK Šibenik [1 - 1] Inter Zaprešić

NK Rijeka [postponed] Dinamo Zagreb

CROATIANS IN UEFA CUP ACTION

Well, by now you are accustomed to "Croatians around Europe" column here on the undisputed leader of Croatian soccer news for the English speaking world. With so many Croats participating in this years UEFA Cup, Ante and I have also decided to start "Croatians in UEFA Cup Action." Hopefully, one day, "Croatians in UEFA Cup Action" will turn into "Croatians in Champions League Action." But with only Srna and Križanac in action for most likely soon to be eliminated teams, we wait and dream for next season.

UEFA CUP

Žilina - HSV 1:2

Mladen Petrić and Ivica Olić once again started up front for Hamburg and like a broken tape scored a goal a piece in as many games to give Hamburg a 2-1 victory over the Slovaks. Petrić had been out a few days with the flu, scored 16 minutes into it. Fellow Croatian international Ivica Olić added a second during first half injury time and that proved enough to claim three points in Group F. Mladen scored his eighth goal of the season, just two ahead of Ivica and his tally of six.

Photo:Sportske Novosti

Schalke - PSG 3:1

Ivan Rakitić came on in the 71st minute and didn't have much time to impress.

Hertha Berlin - Benefica 1:1

Croatian international Josip Šimunić, played the entire 90 minutes in an opening draw for Berlin.

Heerenveen – Milan 1:3

Danijel Pranjić, converted an 86 minute penalty for Heerenveen, fooling Brazilian goalkeeper Dida. Danijel played the full 90 minutes for Heerenveen in the loss.

Udinese – Tottenham 2:0

Tottenham lacked heart, fight and spirit in another lackluster performance that will surely cost Manager Ramos his job. Luka Modrić came in for the Spurs at the break. However, couldn't get anything going. Luka had to drop back on numerous occasions just to receive the ball. The Spurs looked as though there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Confidence has been eroded and they need to bring someone in for Ramos. I wouldn't be surprised with Luka being transferred this winter. He just hasn't adapted to the much faster and more physical English premiere league.

Photo: Index.hr

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

EDUARDO TO RETURN AGAINST WIGAN?

The Sun today has reported that Eduardo da Silva has fully recovered from injury and is possibly three weeks away from a return. The Croatia international suffered a horrific leg injury following a challenge by Birmingham's Martin Taylor in February which was expected to keep him out until Christmas.

Eduardo Injury : Eduardo

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sounded more than optimistic on a quick return for the 25 year old Croatian international. "Eduardo is three weeks away from playing competitive football," Wenger told Arsenal's website. "What I mean by competitive football is joining in completely with a normal training session. "After that he has to come back to match-fitness - but he is ahead of where we expected him to be and that is fantastic news."

Hopefully, Arsenal will not try to force Eduardo into an early start. After suffering one of the worst injuries in English Premiere league history, it is safe to say that Eduardo isn't expected to make a huge impact on an already heavily talented Arsenal squad. Eddie, take your time buddy. We need you big guy. However, we are waiting patiently for your return!

Source : The Sun

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

DINAMO RUNS AWAY WITH VICTORY

What looked like another UEFA Cup loss to Dinamo turned into a magical victory for the Bad Blue Boys. Dinamo scored twice in the final ten minutes to defeat Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen 3-2.

Mario Mandukikic opened up the scoring for Dinamo in the fifth minute, blasting in a Pedro morales corner after a terrible clear attempt by the NEC goalkeeper-Babos. Later in the 23rd minute, it was Dinamo goalkeeper, Keleva’s blunder that allowed NEC to equalize. Keleva came out of his box to challenge a long ball and unluckily, a deflection by Dinamo defender Carlos saw the ball gently sail 20 feet into an empty net. Minutes later, Keleva would redeem himself with a fine kicksave.

After a pretty dull and boring first half, Ivankovic brought in Bosko Balaban at the break hoping to change the pace for Dinamo. Balaban looked like Lionel Messi and dominated the NEC defense. Dinamo dominated for most of the second half, however a 78th minute counter attack by NEC caused Dinamo goalie Keleva to make almost an identical mistake which led to a 2-1 NEC lead. Keleva once again came out of his goal to his right a little late and Jannson picks up a rebound and blasts in the second goal.

In the 81st minute, Balaban caught NEC goalkeeper Babos off his line and lobbed a beauty in the left hand corner to even things up.

Dinamo pressed in the final 15 minutes and Vrdoljak capitalized on a header of a Mikic corner in the 84th minute to seal victory for Dinamo.

Overall, it was an exciting and interesting match. I think that both goalies will get chewed out after this contest. As sad as it might seem, a world class goalie would have saved all five goals. Great win for Dinamo, the heart was there, however, the talent was missing. Maybe a victory in such a dramatic fashion will bring Dinamo confidence when they face an up and coming Udinese and Moscow.

For those of you that are interested, I caught the match free of charge on myp2p.eu. The video quality was great, even the Dutch commentators weren’t that bad.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

PETER HAZDOVAC MAKING WAVES IN CROATIA

A few months ago, CroatianSoccerReport.com did a story on up-and-coming Croatian-American soccer player, Peter Hazdovac. After attending the Kranjčar Soccer Academy in Zagreb and then training with Prva Liga side, NK Zadar, Hazdovac was loaned out to NK GOŠK Dubrovnik of the Croatian Treća Liga (Third League).

Since then, he's been absolutely tearing the league apart with almost a goal in every game as well as leading GOŠK to the top of the table. Hazdovac is unsure of what he will do when the winter break hits; as he will come back home to Los Angeles for the holidays. Currently, teammates desperately want Peter to return after the break to finish what they all started.

In his most recent game in Split, Peter scored 2 goals in a 2-0 GOŠK win. He was also tripped up in the first 5 minutes of the game by the opposing keeper, who was given a straight red.

Nick Green, author of 100% Soccer and sports columnist at the 100,000 circulation Daily Breeze newspaper, based out of Torrance, Ca. recently had an interview with Peter which ran on October 20th.

PETER HAZDOVAC INTERVIEW

One reader left a comment that I think justifies Peter's current situation:

"I am fortunate to be currently living in Dubrovnik where I am working as a photographer for the two national newspapers, Jutarnji List and Slobodna Dalmacija and have photographed several of Peter's games with GOŠK. After seeing him play, I agree that Peter is too good for his entire League. The team he is playing for was a pathetic afterthought in the city. After his arrival, Peter brought a new energy and spirit to his teammates, was responsible for goals in every game he played in and took his team straight to first place in the standings. Peter's energy transcends just physical talent and this is what the "secret sauce" is to being a pro athlete. I agree that Peter most definitely belongs in the MLS. Your team would be crushed to see you go and would most definitely return to being an afterthought, but the MLS is waiting..."

So now the question is: What is the better position to be in? Dominating a 3rd League in Europe where you are most likely to be promoted or start from scratch in America with a nice resume at the age of 22? If you had a kid that was in Peter's situation- what would you suggest he do?

CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE

Germany

The Hamburg Croatian attack of Ivica Olić and Mladen Petrić were in action this weekend for Hamburger SV against Ivan Rakitić and Schalke 04 for the right to stay atop of the Bundesliga table.

Photo: SkySports

Ivan was on the pine for Schalke, Ivica once again played an excellent 90 minutes and Mladen has been infected by the "Ivica Olić post" disease by hitting the crossbar for a second straight week.

photo: Sportske Novosti

Netherlands

Danijel Pranjić continued his fine form for SC Heerenveen contributing to a 2-2 draw away to Roda Kerkrade.

England

Tottenham's Luke Modrić and Vedran Ćorluka both started for the Spurs against Stoke City. Luka played all 90 minutes and received a 5 out of 10 from BBC, while Vedran went down with a horrific injury in the 77th minute.

Photo: Skysports

Vedran was caught by the knee of his own keeper, Heurelho Gomes, full on his chin and required medical attention on the pitch. Lengthy medical attention on the pitch followed before the Spurs defender left on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask and was taken straight into a pitch-side ambulance. There was 10 minutes of stoppage time!

Croatian radio has just reported that the Croatian defender has had head and neck X-rays but has suffered no serious injury.

Photo: Reuters

France

Ivan Klasnić played a decent 90 minutes for Nantes in a 1-0 victory over St. Etienne. Dario Simić also played the entire match for collapsing Monaco.

Jerko Leko came on in the 62nd minute for Monaco, and in the 89th minute was shown a straight red because of an awful challenge on Nice defender Anthony Modeste.

Vedran Runje will be out of action for a minimum of four weeks. Hopefully, he will continue to lead Lens back inot the first division come next year.

Ukraine

Dario Srna continues to impress for Shakhtar Donetsk, scoring in the 48th minute of a 4-2 victory over Kryvbas Krivyi Rig. Rumors have it that Real Madrid is looking for a possible winter swoop for the Shakhtar captain.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

11TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for October 19th...

Hajduk Split [2 - 0] Cibalia Vinkovci

Slaven Belupo [4 - 0] Croatia Sesvete

NK Osijek [2 - 1] Inter Zaprešić

Varteks Varaždin [3 - 3] NK Rijeka

HNK Šibenik [2 - 2] Dinamo Zagreb

NK Zagreb [0 - 0] NK Zadar

CROATIANS AROUND THE WORLD

As the winter break nears and news dies down, I'd like to add another little feature to our site that our readers can contribute to. "Croatians Around the World" will work in the same way as "Fan Zone" does. But this time, as our readers travel the world, whether it be for business or pleasure; or just stay home for the holidays, they can send in their pictures wearing their Croatian gear.

Whether it's standing in front of the Eiffel Tower with your girlfriend or sailing a boat passed the Sydney Opera house, as long as you have your checkers on we want to see the picture. Even if you're at other sporting events, like the Australian Open which is coming up fast, show yourself supporting Ćilić and the gang.

"FANZONE" (ASTORIA, NY)

Croatian fans have gathered together on Saturday October 11th at 1pm in Café Bar Scorpio in Astoria, New York City, NY for what could be a decisive game between Croatia and Ukraine for the right to represent Europe in the World Cup 2010. As you can tell by the picture, hundreds of Croatian fans were packed like sardines, mostly standing all game during the match.

Local New Yorker, Mate Rumora asked, “Why didn’t Croatia have any wing play, instead of a constant central attack?”

Mate Rumora(center) Ivan Zanki(right)

Fellow Long Islander, Ivan Olić (no relation, he even showed id), remained confident after the draw, “we will qualify, however it won’t be easy.” “Ivica Olić is once again was the best player on the pitch.”

Ivan Zanki(Left), Ivan Olić(Center), Ivan Svirčić(Right)

Astorian, Ivan Zanki also remained confident of qualification. He concludes that Ivica Olić is “trying to hard and just can’t find the back of the net.”

I would like to thank Albina Svirčić for her work in New York.

"Torcida Krapanj"

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

"FANZONE"

Ante and I are always trying to think up of fresh ideas for the website to make CroatiaSoccerReport.com more entertaining and informative for you—the fans. In less than a year, we are now roughly 15 or so contributing regulars deep and have been viewed in over 100 countries worldwide. I have started the “Rumor mill” “Croatians Around Europe” “Polls” “T-shirts” and “HNL scores.” Ante has, well, he’s getting warmed up. It’s still early. He’s in charge of spending all the millions coming in from ads.

My next bright idea is to have you the fans get more involved. Why should I have to work hard getting you the latest news, rumors, pictures, videos, and such while I can just take a day off and get the info from you. We appreciate all the regulars that voice their opinions on a weekly and sometimes hourly basis. CSR wants this to continue to rise.

Here is what I am looking for from you:

After every qualifying or friendly game, Ante and I want you to email us pictures and a report of where you caught the big game. We don’t want five page reports evaluating the establishment, food and hospitality. All we want is to know how it would be like to view a Croatia game in your neck of the woods. A few pictures, identify the location, and a few words is all we need. Pretty simple task right?

Even if you are catching the game on a black and white TV, or a six inch laptop, send us a picture and tell us what you are experiencing. Maybe we can help you find a local pub, where you can meet local Torcida and Bad Blue Boys that you can fight after the match. If this does happen, please send us before and after the fight pictures!

Imagine looking at pictures from someone in Cameroon watching the Croatia game with the entire village outside on a ten inch television. How does Dario watch the game in Singapore? What about Joze in Australia? Now imagine a list of 20 of you around the world? I'm getting excited just thinking about it. The idea is out there, now we must perform.

Also, if you have any ideas for the website, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’d like to thank everyone that gave me positive feedback on “Croatians around Europe” and “Rumor Mill.” Ante and I will continue those on a weekly basis.

The next post will be the first “FanZone” post and will hopefully, answer all questions as to what we are looking for. If any of you have any Croatia-Ukraine or Croatia-Andorra footage that you would like to share, please feel free to email us. If not, you have until November, where Croatia will most certainly lineup a friendly.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

CROATIA DANCES AROUND ANDORRA

Well, Ivan Klasnić cost me my 5-0 prediction! Congrats to Ante, Marko, and Matt for correctly predicting a 4-0 result. Hey, I had Ivica Olić scoring once that counts for something, right?

Being a meaningless game, there wasn’t much to look forward to in this match. Croatia pretty much dominated the game from start to finish. Andorra didn’t have a shot on target and managed one corner. Maybe we should give them a goal if they manage a corner.

Photo: Slobodna Dalmacija

After “warming up” for much of the first fifteen minutes of the match, Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute when Ivan Rakitić fired home a free-kick from 25 yards, the ball curling into the top left-hand corner. Luka Modrić managed to miss another penalty kick, however, redeemed himself in the second half with an easy strike in front of the goal. Ivica Olić scored on an empty netter right in front of the goal. Ivan Klasnić had 2 great chances to score, one of them a last second shot late in injury time that would have gave JP and I the 5-0 prediction. Unless Ivan turns it around in Nantes, and barring an injury, with Eduardo coming back next year, there won’t be any room for “killer.”

Photo: Marko Lukunić, Goran Stanzl

Photo: Marko Lukunić, Goran Stanzl

There isn’t much left to say about this game. To brag about how we dominated Andorra would be childish. We played decent, our strikers still struggled, however we got the result. That’s all that matters. Soccer is a result sport. You can win 1-0 on a penalty kick in the 94th minute after being dominated the entire match.

Photo: Slobodna Dalmacija

Teams

Croatia

Pletikosa, Šimunić, Križanac (Knežević 80), Ćorluka, Pranjić, Rakitić, Vukojević (Leko 58), Modrić, Petrić, Klasnić, Olić (Mandžukić 60).

Subs Not Used: Subasić, Vejić, Pokrivač, Kalinić.

Booked: Simunić.

Goals: Rakitić 17, Olić 32, Modrić 75, Rakitić 87.

Andorra

Alvarez, Ildefons Lima, Rodriguez, Vales,Escura (Txema Garcia 80), Ayala, Pujol, Jimenez (Moreno 87),Andorra, Vieira, Silva (Toscano 88).

Subs Not Used: Josep Anton Gomez, Fernandez, Somoza, Riera.

Booked: Rodriguez, Ayala, Ildefons Lima.

Att: 18,000

Ref: Istvan Vad (Hungary).

We aren’t even half way through the qualification yet, but with how Capello has prepared England, it is almost safe to say that we are playing for second. For those of you that might be uninformed here is what will happen with teams that finish second.

UEFA second place teams

The best eight of the nine second-placed teams will contest home and away play-off matches for the remaining four places. Meaning the 9th best second place team goes home.

Tiebreakers

If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will
be ranked as follows:

1. goal difference in all group matches
2. greater number of goals scored in all group matches
3. greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams
4. goal difference in matches between the tied teams
5. greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams
6. drawing of lots, or a play-off (if approved by FIFA)

Ranking of second-placed teams

As of right now, Croatia is 8th out of 9 second place teams.

Matches against the sixth-placed team in the group are not included in this ranking.

1. Points obtained
2. Goal difference
3. Total goals scored
4. Goals scored in away matches

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

CROATIA-ANDORRA PREDICTION TIME

Croatia takes on Andorra later today in what should be an easy 3 points for the 'Vatreni'. It will be the last World Cup qualifier for 2008 as play resumes another 5 months from now due to a lengthy winter break. So what will the final result read at the last whistle and how do you think Bilić will mix up this Croatian side?

I have Croatia in a 4-0 landslide victory with 2 goals by Petrić, 1 by Srna and another by Vukojević. I also think we will see some younger subs in the game to gain some key national experience.

CONSERVATIVE CROATIA GRABS IMPORTANT POINT IN UKRAINE

Sure it was a disappointing game for Croatian fans to watch; but we must remember that Croatia got the all-important "1 point" they were looking for to remain in World Cup 2010 contention. Obviously, the full three points would have put Croatia back into the qualifying driver's seat for a berth, but the draw will do for now. Things would not have looked good should the Vatreni have lost in Ukraine, which is why Croatia decided to play conservative and control tempo of the game instead of pushing forward on a full-pledged attack.

Croatia absolutely dominated the second half after the first 45 was mediocre with few scoring chances for both teams. Croatia's attack picked up right after the break; but still couldn't find the back of the net. Although Olić didn't play as well as he needed to as he botched a couple solid opportunities, he had the two best scoring chances for Croatia. Both coming off his head, Olić struck one off the crossbar after a nicely placed corner and the other right past the post. Both had the Ukrainian goalie completely beat but were inches away from being goals as the Ukrainians pulled out a 0-0 draw at home.

Later in the 2nd half, Modrić almost put Croatia on the board taking a beautiful cross-field pass and heading it just on target, only to be saved at the last possible second by the keeper. It was a nice save and the Ukrainian goalie deserves a pat on the back for single-handedly saving his nation's World Cup hopes and dreams.

Mandžukić came on late for Rakitić which gave Croatia a little bit more fire power with a 4-4-2 formation. He absolutely stunk it up in the last 10 minutes as he had some good chances for passes in front of the goal but chose to shoot wildly instead. Boy!...how we miss Eduardo!

Between Croatia not being able to finish for one goal and playing super right-wing conservative almost the entire game (I think I saw Križanac and Pletikosa complete the most passes in the match), Ukraine not getting one shot on frame, and our next 2 games against Andorra- I think Croatia will be just fine, especially with help on the way.

What did you take away from the game???

CROATIA-UKRAINE PREDICTION TIME

Round 3 of Croatia's World Cup 2010 qualification game on CSR is back. With no one getting near the correct result in the England match, Joze and Denis #2 are the only ones on the board with correct results against Kazakhstan. Remember, whoever picks the most correct results gets something nice from us; probably a shirt but that could always change.

So let's begin!

I have Croatia winning in Ukraine 1-0 on a Srna penalty kick.

RUNJE OUT FOR UKRAINE

Just a few days after we started the "WHO WOULD YOU PUT BETWEEN THE PIPES FOR CROATIA?" poll, Vedran Runje pulled out of the race with a broken pinkie. Vedran punched out a Jerko Leko shot and slammed his left hand onto the post causing the injury.

Croatian doctor Nemec confirmed the injury stating:

"The situation isn't good, the MRI showed that the pinkie of his left hand is broken. There is no chance of Vedran playing either of the two Croatia matches!"

Runje was disappointing to say the least:

"Here I am still in the hospital, I feel great and I am prepared - for a cast! My finger is broken on three spots, hurts, shouldn't stay here much longer, and will return to my hotel. Obviously, there is no point staying with the national team, and it would be logical to return to France and recover. Well, this is my luck."

After he has finally earned the right to start for the Vatreni, a freak injury rules him out. I was hoping to see Pletikosa start against the Ukrainians and for Runje to get his chance on Wednesday.

Vedran, you have had an amazing season thus far in France. I look forward to seeing you back in no time starting for the Vatreni!

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville

MODRIĆ & ĆORLUKA TO FACE DINAMO

Former Dinamo Zagreb players, Luka Modrić and Vedran Ćorluka are thrilled to have the chance to play against the Croatian champion in the UEFA Cup group stage starting October 23rd. Dinamo Zagreb was paired with Tottenham, Spartak Moscow, Udinese and Nijmegen following Today's UEFA Cup group stage draw in Nyon.

Modrić moved to White Hart Lane from Dinamo Zagreb in a £16 million deal during the summer and said: “We were given quite a powerful group with attractive opponents and all I can say is that I'm exceptionally happy to be playing against my old club.”

Former Hajduk keeper Stipe Pletikosa still has fond memories of the Hajduk-Dinamo clashes. His Spartak Moskow team will make a visit to Maksimir on November 27th.

"I think that I should be happy to return to Maksimir and play in Croatia. Our league is almost at the end and we are all fatigued. Our last three matches are derbies, so we have a lot to look forward to”, concluded the Croatian keeper.

Dinamo starter Mario Mandžukić was also delighted with the draw. "I can’t wait for the group matches to start. I have faith in the fans and in our team and we have a great chance to progress. Also, it is great to play against my friends from the national team, where we can see who is stronger," concluded Mario.

Dinamo -UEFA CUP- Schedule:

October 23 Dinamo - NEC Nijmegen

November 6 Tottenham – Dinamo

November 27 Dinamo - Spartak Moskva

December 4 Udinese - Dinamo

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Lakerville