CroatianSoccerReport.com caught up with 33 year-old Croatian backup goalkeeper, Vedran Runje, earlier this week in Rovinj; and found out in shocking fashion that he has quit the Croatian national team after only being capped six times in the past three years.
Allegedly, Runje was extremely upset when coach Slaven Bilić named Hajduk goalie, Danijel Subašić, ahead of Runje on the depth chart. With Runje pushed to emergency keeper; he had a complete falling out with the entire coaching staff.
Runje stated that he has enjoyed putting everything he's had into being part of the 'Vatreni'. He loves all his teammates and will miss them dearly but this is purely professional. His current club, RC Lens, will be promoted to the French first division next season and Runje has made the decision to put all his time and energy into that squad.
Runje feels like a complete 'fool' as he was dealt a 'cheap shot' by Bilić. Thinking he was in contention for the first keeper spot with Pletikosa but instead being pushed behind rookie Danijel Subašić. It was simply embarrassing for Runje as he thought he 'deserved better' for all the time he put into the Croatian side.
Does Galinović fill his spot now? It would be a complete 'joke' if he didn't!
More news on the 'Runje Scandal' as it develops...
~Ante Kvartuč, reporting on a very sad day in Croatian soccer :(
Croatia travel to Andorra on Wednesday in what should be an easy walkthrough victory for the 'Vatreni'. Although this game and all its goals won't count towards a playoff spot, it can still help Croatia catch England on goal differential. So what will the scoreboard show at the final whistle and how do you think Bilić will mix up this Croatian side?
Darijo (Ukraine), Adrien (Kazakhstan), Joze (Kazakstan) and Ante Kvartuč (Andorra #1) are all tied with one correct game predicted in 'CroatianSoccerReport.com Fantasy Pick'em'. Winner of the entire qualifying campaign will get something nice from us! (If I missed anyone, let me know.)
I have Croatia in a 5-0 landslide victory with 2 goals by Eduardo, a free kick from Srna, a nice volley by Modrić and a first-ever strike from Kalinić. I believe a lot of new, young players will be on the pitch for Croatia playing at full steam to impress the coaching staff.
CroatianSoccerReport.com will be 'Twittering' the Andorra game live on Wednesday, April 1st. For those of you unable to catch the game live or are stuck at work/school, you can follow the match with play-by-play and a bit of commentary by Denis and I. We thought this would be a good game to do a test run for the 'Twitter Experiment'.
All you have to do is create a free account at Twitter.com. You can find CSR by searching for 'croatian soccer' or adding us as a friend at Twitter.com/croatiansoccer.
The game will be available live online at VideoSport.com at the cost of 5 Euros. This is the only site as of right now that will be showing the game 100%. The match kicks off at 2:30 PM (Eastern).
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The Croatian squad landed in Zagreb earlier this week as they once again reunite for their 2010 World Cup qualifier against Andorra next Wednesday. Pure excitement could be felt as players touched down from all over Europe to join the rest of the team.
I might be biased in saying this, but I have never seen an international team show this much love for one another. Players are happy to see each other upon arrival and coaches are smothering their stars with kisses and hugs while continuing old conversations. It's more than just business or playing for your country.
It's hard not to love these guys. (Notice that Bilić and his crew are already hitting the bar as players arrive.)
VRUČINA IN CROATIAN GEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME
Slaven Belupo frontman, Bojan Vručina, was called up to the squad after the fact. It is unsure if Klasnić, Olić, or Mandžukić will be 100% for the game as they all have small knocks to tend to. Olić appears to have a small problem with his ear; possibly an infection. With Petrić already ruled out for the match, coach Bilić thought it would be necessary to bring up one more striker just in case.
It's nice to see a non-Hajduk/Dinamo player called up to the squad; but it poses an important question:
WHAT ABOUT ANTE RUKAVINA?
BILIĆ PRESS CONFERENCE
The team is currently training in Rovinj, which is located just up the coast from Pula in the Istrian peninsula. From there they will fly to Andorra.
NOTES: Šimunić is in fact ruled out for the Andorra match for accumulating two yellow cards thus far in qualification.
I would like to invite all Croatians to come participate in the
3RD ANNUAL CROATIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SMALL GOALS TOURNAMENT
Saturday, May 23, 2009 San Pedro, CA - Field of Dreams (San Pedro is located 20 minutes south of Downtown Los Angeles)
There will be two divisions to participate in: 1st Division- Competitive 2nd Division- Recreational
Games will consist of 5 field players and 1 goalie. Teams will play a minimum of 3 games. All games will be played on Saturday.
Last year's tournament was another huge success. There was a total of 16 teams that came out to play and I would like to praise those players that made the extra effort to come from Rolling Hills, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Jose and especially NK Karlovačko that made the trip all the way down from New York. Hopefully we see you all again this year.
This tournament is quickly becoming a staple in the Croatian-American community. It gives Croatians from all over North America the chance to to get together for an entire weekend and celebrate Croatia's independence while playing soccer, eating native food and most importantly meeting new friends. This tournament allows family and friends of all the players involved a chance to watch them play competitive soccer in the 1st division or just kick the ball around and have a few laughs in the recreational 2nd division (usually ages 30 and up).
I highly recommend that you make the effort to come out to Los Angeles for this unique Croatian event; as it truly will be a fantastic time!
The tournament will also have its own professional photographer shooting the entire day with photos being made available to the public immediately thereafter.
HERE'S SOME SHOTS FROM LAST YEAR
(FEEL FREE TO USE YOUR OWN SOUNDTRACK)
The weekend will be full of festivities. We are planning to hold an after-tournament party at a local bar/club. That Sunday, Hrvatski Dom will be hosting its annual Croatian Independence Day block party. Fresh čevape off the grill, beer, dancing in the street and live music by Zrinski until the late hours of the night are just some of the festivities on tap for the day.
We would love to see Croatians from all over North America come and represent their cities (San Jose, Phoenix, Cleveland, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Vancouver). Adriatic SC from San Pedro has won this tournament by large margins the past two years. Who out there can assemble a Croatian team that can challenge these 'small goal juggernauts'?
If you plan to be in town that weekend but don't have a team, please do not hesitate to contact us as we will find you a spot; no matter what your skill level may be.
To register or receive more information, please leave a comment below or email tournament organizer, Peter Hazdovac, at phazdovac@gmail.com. Peter is also offering hotel rooms for the weekend at group discounted rates for all people coming into town for Independence Day festivities.
We look forward to having another successful weekend that brings together Croatians from Southern California as well as the rest of the country.
As teams start to assemble, we will post their club names and players below in the 'Comments' section.
Niko Kranjčar had another good game as his Portsmouth side stunned Everton 2-1 with a late Peter Crouch goal. Kranjčar flipped the ball into the box which led to Pompey's first goal. Niko's stock is still rising as he plans to leave the club in the summer for a better opportunity. Does anyone think Kranjčar will stay with Portsmouth past this season?
With this win, Portsmouth has temporarily delayed any relegation worries.
Eduardo was part of the bench Saturday evening but never used as a substitute in Arsenal's 4-1 win over Newcastle United. Looks like Eduardo is all healed up with his latest leg injury. The next chance he will get to play is against Manchester City on April 4th. Expect so see 'Dudu' on the pitch!
FOR A FULL REPORT ON LUKA MODRIĆ, VEDRAN ĆORLUKA AND TOTTENHAM, click here.
Germany
ŠIMUNIĆ FEELING ALONE AFTER HERTHA'S LOSS
Josip Šimunić and Marko Babić were stunned in Stuttgart as the home side beat current German leaders, Hertha Berlin, 2-0. Babić couldn't muster up anything in the first half and was subbed out at halftime. Šimunić played his usual 90 minutes, yellow card free, but lost a crucial header that lead to Stuttgart's first goal. Not entirely his fault but most days he would take care of that ball in the air.
With this loss, Hertha remains in first by only one point. Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich and Hamburg are all right behind Berlin for the BundesLiga title.
Hamburg were without Croatian duo Ivica Olić and Mladen Petrić in their match against Schalke and fellow Croat, Ivan Rakitić. Petrić is still out after tearing his thigh muscle in last week's game. I was a bit surprised Olić did not play but did read in a few articles that he was very tired after Thursday's UEFA Cup match in Turkey. Does anyone know 100% why Olić didn't play? Hamburg are now only one point behind leaders Hertha Berlin.
Ivan Rakitić only played the first 60 minutes for Schalke as they ultimately lost 2-1 to Hamburg. Less and less playing time for Raki is not helping him at all as he should be moving clubs this summer.
Check out the scuffle in net after Schalke scores. Simply hilarious!
Dino Drpić played the entire game for Karlsruhe in their 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich. Karlsruhe sit by themselves at the bottom of the BundesLiga table waiting to be officially relegated. Where will Drpić play next season now that he'll be playing with the Croatian national team?
Russia
Ivica Krizanac scored a beautiful bicycle kick goal in the 9th minute to put Zenit St. Petersburg up early. I didn't think the guy had it in him. It's even harder to do with a defender on your back like that.
If Petrić and Olić keep disappointing up front for Croatia, we can always put Križanac up there to see what he can do with Eduardo. Zenit won the game 2-1.
Stipe Pletikosa let a goal go by in Spartak Moscow's 1-0 loss to Kuban Krasnodar. With absolutely no offense and only one goal in two games, Spartak hasn't started the way they had planned this season.
I apologize as I could not find a video for this game. However, here is Stipe's penalty save over the weekend.
Ukraine
Darijo Srna scored a very nice free kick for Shakhtar Donetsk as they squeezed by Vorskla Poltava 1-0. The shot completely froze the goalie as it started dipping once it cleared the wall. Bravo Darijo!
THANK YOU ADRIEN FOR THE VIDEOS
Ognjen Vukojević and his Dynamo Kyiv side cruised by Arsenal Kyiv on March 23rd with a 3-0 win.
France
Ivan Klasnić was said to have had his most disappointing performance yet in a Nantes jersey by French media. They completely tore him up as Nantes lost 2-0 to Marseille.
For all of you who can't wait for 'Killer' to return to the Croatian squad, do you still feel the same way?
Vedran Runje once again posted a shutout in Lens' 0-0 draw with Guingamp. Lens will be promoted to French Ligue 1 next season as they currently sit in first in the second division. Runje has been playing exceptionally; can he be bought by a much larger club around Europe?
The Croatian triplets of Dario Simić, Nikola Pokrivač and Jerko Leko played the entire match for Monaco in their 1-0 win over AS Nancy. There are no goals or bookings to report for the Croatians, but it is nice to hear that the three of them got a chance to play with each other for a full game.
Earlier in the week, Monaco was ousted from the Coupe de France competition by a 2-0 loss to Grenoble. Pokrivač was the only Croat to play in that game.
Greece
Mario Galinović, Ante Rukavina and Panathinaikos slipped up against Asteras Tripoli in a 1-1 draw. Panathinaikos' defense completely fell asleep as Galinović was not at fault for the goal. Rukavina was once again subbed in late (85') and could not do anything with the few minutes he was given on the pitch.
What does the Greek coach expect from Rukavina? He gives him 3-5 minutes to play every game. At least give the kid a solid 15 minutes to establish his presence on the field between him and his teammates. Panathinaikos are now being pressured by two other teams for that last Champion's League spot.
Italy
Ivan Jurić and Genoa keep on rolling as they easily cruised past a 10-man Udinese club, 2-0. This is Genoa's second shutout in a row that Jurić has contributed to. He didn't even receive a yellow card in this game.
Genoa sit by themselves in fourth place; two points in front of Fiorentina and four points behind AC Milan. The top four teams from Italy receive a Champion's League spot for next season; can Genoa hold on?
Netherlands
Danijel Pranjić and Heerenveen were upset 2-0 by second to last place team in the Erdivisie, De Graafschap. Heerenveen has been stuck in fourth position the entire season and do not look like they will lock up a Champion's League spot for next season. Is it officially time for Pranjić to get out of there?
Next Matches:
ALL CLUB TEAMS WILL BE TAKING A TWO WEEK BREAK IN ORDER TO RETURN PLAYERS TO THEIR INTERNATIONAL SQUADS. CLUB COMPETITION WILL RESUME THE WEEKEND OF APRIL 3RD.
With Hajduk's easy 2-0 win over NK Zagreb and Dinamo's scoreless slip-up against Osijek, Hajduk now sit by themselves in first place; with a two point lead over Dinamo. there's 10 games left in the season- anything can happen!
Luka Modrić scored the biggest goal of his life Saturday afternoon as Tottenham beat Premier League giants Chelsea; 1-0 at White Heart Lane. Modrić took a rifled cross from Aaron Lennon and 'one-timed' the ball right into the corner of the net. There was nothing Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, could do.
MODRIĆ GOAL AND CELEBRATION
MODRIĆ TAKES ON CHELSEA'S MICHAEL ESSIEN
Luka's latest goal brings his tally up to two for the Premiership this season. Although he has not scored many goals this season, Modrić is becoming much more comfortable with the ball in offense and is earning immediate respect from defenders he encounters. Modrić also received a yellow card in the 79' for 'playing rough'. This is now his second yellow in as many games. Better watch out Luka- one more and you'll have to sit out.
MODRIĆ FEELING RIGHT AT HOME
Modrić celebrated ecstatically by sliding on his chest with his arms spread out. Vedran Ćorluka was even affected by Modrić's goal as I believe I even saw him crack a smile. But with all joking aside, I have never seen Ćorluka run so fast to celebrate a goal in the Premiership. He looked like a 100 meter runner getting to Modrić to pick him up and give him a kiss on the head.
ĆORLUKA GETTING BY NICOLAS ANELKA
Ćorluka was once again a brick wall on defense. He played any tricky balls and situations out of bounds and overall kept the world-class striking line of Chelsea at bay. With Chelsea's loss at Tottenham and Manchester United's 2-0 shalacking at the expense of Fulham; the Premiership has re-opened its doors for a 2009 champion. Liverpool is still in the mix as they are only four points behind current champs- Manchester United.
ĆORLUKA TAKING DOWN ENGLAND'S ASHELY COLE
(A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?)
As much as I love watching Modrić become a world-class player (which I believe he will achieve), he still needs to become consistent with his play and shooting opportunities. Hopefully this goal gets him out of his 'scared to shoot' funk. Ćorluka remains a physical nuisance on defense for the opposition. I'm actually surprised other top clubs around Europe don't try to lure Vedran away. I have Ćorluka in the same boat as Sergio Ramos. Anyone else?
The 2009 UEFA Champion's League quarterfinal and semifinal draws are set.
Quarterfinal #1
Eduardo and his Arsenal FC club will take on Villareal.
Thoughts: An incredibly favorable draw for the Gunners. They should move onto the semis.
Quarterfinal #2
Manchester United lock horns with FC Porto.
Thoughts: United should lock up a birth to the semis in the first leg.
Quarterfinal #3
Liverpool face common foes Chelsea in an all-England battle.
Thoughts: It'll be a solid two-legger, but I have Liverpool moving on. They're playing too good right now not to go through.
Quarterfinal #4
Barcelona will be tested by the Kings of Bavaria, Bayern Munich.
Thoughts: Bayern will have their hands full as Barca is no Sporting Lisbon. Barcelona easily advances.
*Teams shown in italics are at home for the first leg on April 7th/8th.
The winners of Quarterfinal #1 and #2 will play each other in the semifinal round while winners of Quarterfinal #3 and #4 will face off in the 'Final Four'.
This gives the possibility of Arsenal taking on Manchester United and Liverpool facing Barcelona in the semifinals.
Meaning everyone's dream finale matchup of ManU v. Barca is now realistic.
In the UEFA Cup draw...
Ivica Olić, Mladen Petrić and Hamburg will take on Manchester City in the quarterfinals. Should be a hell of a two-legged affair. If you're going to watch any UEFA Cup matches, this is the one you want to keep your eyes on!
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk face off against Marseille.
Ognjen Vukojević's Dynamo Kyiv side pairs up with Paris Saint-Germain.
Ivica Olić sealed the deal late for Hamburg as the German club moves on to the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. With Petrić sidelined due to a torn thigh muscle, Guerrero and Olić picked up the slack for Hamburg scoring three goals in the last half hour of play. These goals came in handy as Galatasaray picked up an early 2-0 lead.
In other UEFA Cup Round of 16 news, current champions, Zenit St. Petersburg, have been ousted from the tournament. Ivica Križanac played the full 90 and helped Zenit post a shutout in their 1-0 second leg match, however Udinese's 2-0 first leg win in Italy was enough to put them through on aggregate.
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk are through to the quarterfinals with an impressive 2-0 win over CSKA Moscow. With Moscow winning the first leg 1-0 at home, Shakhtar had their backs against the wall. A solid win for Srna and his Ukrainian side to say the least.
Staying in Ukraine, Ognjen Vukojević sat out Dynamo Kyiv's second leg match against Metalist Kharkiv. Kiev lost the game 3-2 but advance to the quarterfinals on the 'away goals' aggregate rule. Former Hajduk player, Goran Sablić, got a chance to play in place of Vukojević on defense and scored Kyiv's first goal off an easy tap-in. A goal nonetheless.
With Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv both progressing; this will be the first time ever that a Ukrainian club has reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup.
With Dinamo Zagreb's 4-1 win over NK Zagreb and Hajduk's 0-0 stalemate away to Cibalia, the two storied Croatian clubs will once again meet in the Croatian Cup Final. Who didn't see that coming?
Mario Mandžukić scored a 'hat trick' in the first half against NK Zagreb in front of only 1,000 fans at Maksimir. I believe that number will increase when Hajduk and Torcida come to town on May 13th. The return leg at the Poljud will take place on May 27th. It should be a fun one. B.Y.O.F (Bring Your Own Flares!)
Surprises in net: Danijel Subašić still sits ahead of Champion's League Greek goalie, Mario Galinović. At age 32, will Galinović ever get another call up to the national team?
Surprises in defense: Vejić gets a call up in what can realistically be his fifth senior cap for the Vatreni. Can the 31 year-old impress should he receive some playing time? What is Knežević doing in the squad? He has only played in three games for Juventus this season due to injury. I believe Robert Kovač has to sit out this game for his red card against England.
Midfielders:
Luka Modrić (Tottenham) Ivan Jurić (Genoa) Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk) Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth) Ivan Rakitić (Schalke 04) Nikola Pokrivač (Monaco) Ognjen Vukojević (Dynamo Kiev) Jerko Leko (Monaco) Drago Gabrić (Hajduk Split)
Surprises in midfield: Gabrić makes the national squad for the first time. Will the 22 year-old receive his first cap though? Gabrić is the fourth Hajduk player to be named to this squad.
Strikers:
Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal) Ivica Olić (Hamburg) Ivan Klasnić (Nantes) Mario Mandžukić (Dinamo Zagreb) Nikola Kalinić (Hajduk Split)
Surprises in attack: Eduardo has been named to the squad even with Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, pleading with Bilić not to call him due to injury. Klasnić, Mandžukić, and Kalinić all make the squad ahead of Ante Rukavina. How much corruption is going on in Croatia to where Rukavina does not get a shot at this squad?
Luka Modrić chases down Aston Villa's James Milner
Luka Modrić and Vedran Ćorluka helped Tottenham secure a 2-1 upset against Aston Villa on Sunday. Modrić started the play that led to the Spurs first goal in the 5th minute as he put a nice ball on the wing, which was crossed back to the middle. American goalie, Brad Friedel, mishandled the ball which was then easily headed in by Jermaine Jenas.
Modrić is playing fabulous ball and is becoming a wizard in the midfield. He should be feared to play against; not questioned to if he belongs in the Premiership.
Vedran Ćorluka surprisingly did not start for Tottenham but was subbed in at the 35' mark for Didier Zokora who could not stop numerous Villa attacks as he earned an early caution. Ćorluka put all worries aside as he shut down the Aston Villa offense throughout the rest of the game.
Niko Kranjčar and Portsmouth took on Middlesbrough in a Premiership relegation battle. As Peter Crouch scored an early goal for Pompey and Middlesbrough losing a man to a red card in the 77', it looked as if Portsmouth would be earning an all-important three points. Kranjčar was subbed out in 90th minute injury time for a defensive replacement. Moments later- Middlesbrough tied the game.
Kranjčar received 1st team honors for the Premiership's 29th round even though he is playing for an unlucky and almost relegated Portsmouth side. Only makes his value rise. Should Pompey stay in the Premiership, I still see Kranjčar leaving for a better club and a better opportunity.
Eduardo sat out Arsenal's 4-0 win over Blackburn as he tends to a pulled muscle in his leg. Reports also have him out of this Tuesday's (3/17) FA Cup quarterfinal match with Hull City. Arsenal's next Premiership match is Saturday, March 21st away to Newcastle. It would be nice to see Eduardo in the lineup; but don't count on it.
Germany
Ivica Olić and Mladen Petrić started their week off by taking on Turkish side, Galatasaray, in UEFA Cup Round of 16 action on March 12th in Hamburg. Petrić played the full 90 while Olić was given a chance to rest as he was subbed in at the 71' mark to add some fire power to the 1-1 game.
Petrić missed a point blank chance on goal early in the first half as he was one-on-one with the Turkish keeper while Olić missed a turnaround shot with the goalie out of position with only seconds left in the match. As much as Olić and Petrić have been goal scoring machines for Hamburg, both of them still have the bad habit of having horrible games; and this was one of them. The match ended 1-1 and the return leg will be played Thursday, March 19th in Turkey.
PETRIĆ INJURY
Both Olić and Petrić returned to action and started three days later as Hamburg took on Energie Cottbus in the BundesLiga 24th round. Half an hour into the match, Mladen Petrić came up limping and had to be subbed out with a torn thigh muscle. Petrić will be out 2-3 weeks and will miss the UEFA Cup return leg as well as Croatia's April 1st qualifier away to Andorra.
Moments after Petrić's substitution, Ivica Olić scored a beautiful header to put Hamburg up 1-0. Olić missed golden opportunities in his UEFA Cup match earlier in the week but surely made up for it with this goal.
Meanwhile in other BundesLiga news, Josip Šimunić, Marko Babić and Hertha Berlin keep on rolling as they beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 to remain in 1st place. It's going to be a dead heat down the stretch as four teams are within 4 points of each other for first. Babić made a cameo appearance for Hertha as he came in late to run around a few minutes in injury time.
Šimunić once again helped Berlin post a shutout as he has been a complete beast on defense this season. He's receiving much praise and should receive 'Defender of the Year' for Germany. I can't even remember the last time he was booked!
Ivan Rakitic played the entire game as Schalke lost the dual with Wolfsburg, 4-3. Ivan hasn't produced recently with what looks like his last couple games with Schalke. Where will he land this summer?
Netherlands
Danijel Pranjić netted yet another penalty for Heerenveen in a 5-1 whooping over Sparta Rotterdam. Pranjić now has 16 goals and 3 assists in 24 games for Heerenveen this season. His stock only keeps rising as Heerenveen fights for a Champion's League spot and Pranjić auditions for teams across Europe for a possible summer transfer.
Italy
Ivan Jurić and Genoa shutout Cagliari 1-0 to take sole position of fourth place in Serie A. With only 10 games left in the season, Genoa might grab a Champion's League spot after all. Jurić might have to sit out this week's game as he once again received another yellow card. It looks like Šimunić has passed his yellow card reputation to Jurić in Italy.
France
A MESSAGE TO THE COACH?
Ivan Klasnić was left on the pine. For all of you wanting Klasnić to be a part of the squad vs. Andorra, do you still think he deserves a spot when he's not even playing for a 16th place team in the French league?
Dario Simić and Jerko Leko started for Monaco in a 3-2 victory over Toulouse.
Nikola Pokrivač came in for Leko in the 66th minute. Looks like all the Croatians got in the game for Monaco in a relatively important game. All three were card-free. Monaco now sits 11th in France.
Vedran before the match
Vedran Runje was back in action for RC Lens at home to Ajaccio on Friday. After a series of fine saves, Vedran let one slip by which ultimately cost Lens in a 1-0 loss. Lens controlled most of the match and had multiple chances on goal. Even after this loss, Lens still tops the table, six points ahead of second place Metz.
Runje (center right) before the match
Vedran didn't train with his teammates on Monday because of a pulled hamstring. Sportske Novosti has confirmed that Runje picked up a minor knock, trained on the bike, and should be back in time for next Friday's match at Guingamp. Anyone interested in seeing Runje in net vs. Andorra? Not that they're going to get a shot off or anything like that.
Russia
The 2009 Russian season is underway and what better way to do it here at CSR than have the two Croatians go at it. Stipe Pletikosa and Spartak Moscow took on Ivica Križanac's Zenit St. Petersburg side. Both Croats played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw.
WAS PLETIKOSA AT FAULT FOR THE GOAL?
It was a solid free kick but Pletikosa didn't even attempt to block the shot. Was it the wall's fault or just plain bad goaltending by Pleti? Or just a solid kick by Pogrebniak?
Earlier in the week, Zenit lost its Uefa Cup Round of 16 match to Udinese in Italy 2-0. The return leg will take place Thursday, March 19th in Russia.
Ukraine
Dario Srna started the week off in UEFA Cup with a 1-0 away loss to CSKA Moscow. The return leg this Thursday in Ukraine should be a great test for Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar returned to Ukrainian league action on the weekend with a 3-0 away win at Metalist Kharkiv. Darijo Srna assisted on one of the goals off a crisp free kick. Shakhtar now sits alone in second place but are still 12 points behind Ognjen Vukojević's Dynamo Kiev side.
SRNA ASSIST
Meanwhile, Ognjen Vukojević scored the lone goal of the game in Kiev's 1-0 win over fellow Ukrainian side, Metalist Kharkiv, in UEFA Cup Round of 16. It was a quick-reflex header off of a corner. The return leg is this Thursday in Kharkiv.
VUKOJEVIĆ HEADER
Dynamo Kiev won again on the weekend as they trampled over Metalurg Zaporizhya 3-1. Vukojević did not score or receive a card in this game.
Next Matches:
3/18 Monaco at Grenoble (Coupe de France)
3/19 Hamburg at Galatasaray (Uefa Cup)
Udinese at Zenit St. Petersburg (Uefa Cup)
Dynamo Kiev at Metalist Kharkiv (Uefa Cup)
3/20 Heerenveen at De Graafschap, Lens at Guingamp
3/21 Chelsea at Tottenham, Everton at Portsmouth, Nantes at Marseille, Monaco at AS Nancy, Karlsruhe at Bayern Munich, Hertha Berln at VfB Stuttgart, Spartak Moscow at Kuban Krasnodar
3/22 Sporting Gijon at Numancia, Hamburg at Schalke 04, Asteras Tripoli at Panathinaikos, Udinese at Genoa, Saturn Moscow at Zenit St Petersburg, Vorskla-Naftohaz Poltava at Shakhtar Donetsk
3/23 Arsenal Kyiv at Dynamo Kyiv
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Indian Wells, California
~Ante Kvartuč, reporting from his bed at 3 o'clock in the morning after a 7 hour post (which is already past due as it is)
Croatian striker Mladen Petrić tore a thigh muscle in Hamburg’s 2-0 win over Energie Cottbus on Sunday and will miss the UEFA Cup round of 16 return leg against Turkish side Galatasaray this week as well as Croatia's April 1st qualifier against Andorra. After a sprint, Mladen went down on his own in the 26th minute and couldn't continue.
Petrić has scored 10 times this season for Hamburg, as well as ten times for Croatia and will be out 2-3 weeks. Hopefully, Eduardo will be fit in time for Andorra, otherwise Slaven Bilić will have plenty to think about come Wednesday, when he is scheduled to announce the Croatian squad for Andorra.
“I felt a sting in the muscle. I must now sit out between two and three weeks.”
~ Mladen Petrić
Who should replace Mladen for Croatia?
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from the Hajduk "Co-Champion" Network
Tomislav Pavličić scored on a beautiful free-kick in the 90th minute for Cibalia in a 1-1 draw against Haduk Split in Vinkovci. Dinamo Zagreb smashed on Šibenik 3-0 in Zagreb to catch Hajduk at the top of the table at 48 points, 13 points ahead of Slaven Belupo.
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from the Hajduk "Co-Champion" Network
