OLIĆ MISSED A GOLEN OPPORTUNITY IN THE OPENING MINUTE
OLIĆ MISS
Ivica Olić started for Hamburg in their UEFA Cup semifinal clash with Werder Bremen while Mladen Petrić sat out due to an injured chin. Olić had a fantastic chance to get things off the right way in the first minute as he found himself one-on-one with the Bremen goalkeeper. Ivica decided to take an extra touch on the ball and then shanked it off the keeper.
CHECK OUT THE SIGN IN THE BACKGROUND
Hamburg are in complete control with this 1-0 away win. Petrić might have to return from injury early for next week's second leg as Hamburg striker, Jose Paolo Guerrero, received a yellow card today and is out for the return match.
VUKOJEVIĆ CELEBRATING EARLY LEAD
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk had a fine away draw to Ukrainian foes, Dynamo Kyiv, in the first leg of their UEFA Cup semifinal round. Ognjen Vukojević and Goran Sablić played the entire match for Kyiv, which resulted In a 1-1 final. The game was boring to say the least as most first leg encounters are.
SRNA APPRECIATES THE EQUALIZER
Vukojević and Sablić hardly touched the ball for Dynamo as they played conservative in the back. However, 'Vuki' did receive a yellow card in the first half for a hard mistimed tackle. Srna put in his usual crosses but couldn't find any solid connections for Shakhtar chances.
Although UEFA credits Dynamo's first goal as an 'own goal', it's irrelevant as the free kick was blistered into the box full of players and 'pinballed' its way into goal. The return leg in Donetsk should be a bit more entertaining with a ticket to Istanbul on the line. Shakhtar will be the early favorite to progress as they scored an all-important away goal today.
Niko Kranjčar will be out the rest of the season for Portsmouth with an ankle injury. Bone damage was found around Niko's ankle after he was tackled from behind last week in a 1-0 win over Bolton. Portsmouth has five games left in the season and are seven points clear of relegation.
Kranjčar was expected to be ready for Ukraine in June. This now seems unlikely.
Luka Modrić and Tottenham were on top of the world Saturday afternoon as they were leading Manchester United 2-0 at halftime. Modrić increased the Spurs lead minutes before halftime as he was found all by himself on the back post.
So what happened? Manchester United won the game 5-2! They scored all five within 22 minutes of the second half and completely dismantled Tottenham. That's why Manchester United is in fact Manchester United. They have an extra gear that only few other teams possess.
SORRY THAT IT'S IN FRENCH
Vedran Ćorluka gave Wayne Rooney too much respect on United's second goal as he got crossed up and ultimately 'nut-megged' (ball through the legs) for the goal. Regardless of the loss, Tottenham is still in Europa League contention for next year.
Eduardo was left off of Arsenal's squad all together in a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough's expense. Will Eduardo be a part of Arsenal's attack on Wednesday, April 29th against Manchester United in their first leg Champion's League semifinal?
I would say NO. But you never know what Arsene Wenger has up his sleeve.
Germany
Photo: HSV.de
Ivica Olić came on at half time for Hamburg hoping to reverse a 1-0 Borussia Dortmund lead. Ivica looked like he was saving himself for this Thursday's UEFA Cup semifinal against Werder Bremen, however, did manage to pick up a yellow card in the 82nd minute of play. Hamburg ended up losing 2-0, dropping them in a three-way tie with VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich; and only three points back of league leaders, VfL Wolfsburg. On Sunday we shall see Ivica Olić and Hamburg go up against Josip Šimunić and Hertha Berlin.
Mladen Petrić is set to miss the next two weeks and both legs of their UEFA Cup semi-final bout against Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen. The 28-year-old was injured in a clash with Bremen defender, Naldo, and was substituted in the 68th minute before his side went on to lose the penalty shoot-out.
Photo: Daniel Maurer, Hoffenheim's Demba Ba, right, challenges for the ball with Berlin's Josip Šimunić
Josip Šimunić started and helped Hertha in a 1-0 away victory to TSG Hoffenheim. Joe played the full 90 minutes and now twelve straight yellow card free games. With the victory, Hertha finds themselves just two points back of VfL Wolfsburg for first place in the Bundesliga.
Marko Babić warmed the bench for a third straight week for Hertha Berlin.
Photo: Roberto Pfeil, Leverkusen's Arturo Vidal, right, challenges for the ball with Karlsruhe's Dino Drpić
Dino Drpić was in action for Karlsruhe away to Bayer Leverkusen, needing a win to stay alive in its fight with relegation. Karlsruhe did just that scoring on one of only two shots on target in a 1-0 victory. Dino played the full 90 minutes and started his 12th consecutive match since joining Karlsruhe from Dinamo Zagreb this last winter.
Ivan Rakitić was left on the bench for a third consecutive game as Schalke celebrated a 1-0 away victory to Bayern Munich in front of 69,000 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, ultimately resulting in the firing of Jürgen Klinsmann. With the victory, Schalke find themselves in sixth place, 5 points back of Hamburg with five to go in the race for a UEFA Cup spot next season.
Netherlands
Photo: Feanfans, Pranjić(far right) watching as FC Twente score in the final seconds of the game
Danijel Pranjić and Heerenveen dropped valuable points over the weekend, giving up a 90th minute free kick goal to split points with FC Twente 1-1. Danijel once again played the full 90 minutes, assisting on the lone Heerenveen goal in the 77th minute after sending in a signature corner.
SC Heerenveen 1 - 1 FC Twente Enschede
With the draw, Heerenveen drops to fifth place in the Dutch Eredivisie, two points back of PSV Eindhoven in the fight for a place in UEFA Cup next season.
Croatian favorite manager, current FC Twente manager Steve McClaren after the match
France
Photo: FCNantes.com
Ivan Klasnić and Nantes continue to sink ever so closer to the relegation zone, losing 2-0 to AS Nancy Lorraine on Sunday. Ivan played 78 minute for Nantes and registered one shot on target. In the 57th minute, Ivan failed to connect on a beautiful cross in the box, his first strike on goal. Ten minutes later, Ivan squeezed his way past two defenders but Nancy keeper, Gregorini dove smartly to grab his effort. "Killer" just looks frustrated at Nantes and is almost certain to be at a new club next summer.
"Killer" in action for Nantes
Dario Simić and Nikola Pokrivač were both on the bench this weekend in a 1-0 Monaco away victory to Le Mans. Dario has been on the sidelines due to a bad back, while Nikola has been off form as of late.
Jerko Leko was serving another one of his yellow card suspensions. Something tells me that Jerko will be looking for a new club next summer.
Photo: RCLens.fr, Runje, sporting a buzz-cut for the game
A 70th minute goal from Maoulida was all Vedran Runje and Lens needed on Friday in a 1-0 victory over Bastia to keep Lens seven points adrift of second placed Boulogne. With only five games left in the season, Lens only needs six points to assure promotion to the French first division next year.
Lens 1 - 0 Bastia
Greece
The Greek season ended this past Sunday with Panathinaikos going out on a winning note; beating OFI Crete 3-1. Mario Galinović was once again between the pipes for Panathinaikos while Ante Rukavina watched the entire match from the bench following his DUI charge in Croatia last weekend.
Panathinaikos finishes the 2008-09 Greek Super League in third place behind arch rivals Olympiakos, who clinched the title weeks ago, and PAOK Salonika. Even though it appears that Panathinaikos misses out on a Champion's League spot for next season, as Greece only receives two places, a Greek playoff system is in place to allocate berths for Europe. Personally, I'm not a fan of a playoff system but like it or not, it still gives Galinović and Rukavina to play amongst Europe's best again next season.
Ivan Jurić and Genoa missed a golden opportunity to keep pace with Fiorentina for Italy's fourth and final Champion's League spot as they were shocked by Bologna, 2-0. Jurić played the entire match, yellow card free to his credit, and only has five more games with Genoa before the summer vacationing begins.
Will Genoa catch Fiorentina?
Ukraine
Photo: Shakhtar.com, Darijo in action against Chornomorets
Darijo Srna's Shakhtar Donetsk were looking for a third straight league victory last Saturday at home to Chornomorets. From the kickoff it was obvious that Shakhtar wasn't interested in this game and was looking ahead to Thursdays UEFA Cup semi final against Dynamo Kyiv. Darijo played the full 90 minutes and was denied by the post in the 52nd minute as Shakhtar came away with a 1-0 victory over Chornomorets Odesa.
Photo: A Lukatsky
Ognjen Vukojević and fellow countryman Goran Sablić, were both featured for Dynamo Kyiv in a 1-0 home victory over UEFA Cup Quarter finalists FC Kharkiv. Ognjen and Goran both played the full 90 minutes on Sunday and will be looking forward to Thursday's UEFA Cup semifinal match at home to Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk. Dynamo still hold a 12 point lead over second place Shakhtar Donetsk.
Photo: A Lukatsky, Goran and Vuki before kickoff
Russia
Stipe Pletikosa was benched a second straight week as Spartak Moscow cruised by Rubin Kazan 2-0. This is slowly becoming a problem as Croatia's #1 goalkeeper can't even buy a minute in Russia. So let the debate begin!
How long can Pletikosa remain a Croatian starter, if at all, if he remains on the bench at Spartak? And who should replace him?
Ivica Križanac played the first 60 minutes of Zenit's 4-2 home win against FC Khimki. Križanac has been subbed out of games early lately and should have an eye kept on him regarding his fitness for the national squad.
Zenit have had a nice first six games to the season as they currently sit in second with 12 points.
Spain
Mate Bilić was in action for Sporting Gijon in front of 38,000 rowdy fans at Vicente Calderon stadium to face Atlético Madrid on Sunday. After going down 3-0, Diego Castro Gimenez broke free on the left side and squared to a wide open Bilić, who scored on a "Ognjen Vukojević goal" past a stranded Atlético keeper. Mate played the full 90 minutes in his 100th game in a Sporting shirt as Gijon slipped into the relegation zone, dropping to 18th place.
Bilić Goal!
Turkey
Hrvoje Ćale and his Trabzonspor side missed a fantastic opportunity to gain ground against current Turkish leaders, Sivasspor, as they lost 3-0 to them. Ćale once again played the entire match. With only five games left in the Turkish season, Trabzonspor sit in third place and seven points out of first.
Next Matches:
Wednesday, 4/29 Arsenal at Manchester United(Champions League)
Thursday, 4/30 Hamburg at Werder Bremen (UEFA Cup), Shakhtar Donetsk at Dynamo Kyiv(UEFA Cup)
Saturday, 5/2 Auxerre at Monaco, Energie Cottbus at Karlsruhe, Bayer Leverkusen at Schalke 04, Dinamo Moscow at Spartak Moscow, Kayserispor at Trabzonspor, Arsenal at Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham
Sunday, 5/3 Le Havre AC at Nantes, Hertha Berlin at Hamburg, Sampdoria at Genoa, Athletic Bilbao at Sporting Gijon, ADO Den Haag at Heerenveen, Zenit St Petersburg at FK Rostov-Na-Donu, Dynamo Kyiv at Zarja Lugansk, Shakhtar Donetsk at Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
Monday, 5/4 Lens at Sedan
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Staples Center, California
Ante and I are always looking to spice up this site and a few months back we asked you, the fans, to contribute pictures, videos, reports, interviews and anything else you would like to share about up to the minute news about Croatian soccer. Today, SC Freiburg and Ivica Banovic are in the spotlight, as long time Croatian Soccer Report follower and Freiburg, Germany resident Manu debuts “CSR FANS CHIME IN.” Manu will report on former NK Zagreb, Werder Bremen, Nuremburg, and Croatia striker Ivica Banović.
Banović is a former Croatian international, receiving two caps under Zlatko Kranjčar, his first cap coming for Croatia in their friendly match against Israel on 18 August 2004 in Varaždin. Later in 2006 world cup qualifying he made an appearance, playing as a substitute in the final 14 minutes against Bulgaria in Zagreb.
Manu at a home game in Freiburg
The following report was brought to you by Manu:
Freiburg Stadium
Sport-Club Freiburg, commonly known as SC Freiburg, is a German football club, based in the city of Freiburg in the Breisgau district of Baden-Wuerttemberg. SC Freiburg is currently in first place of Bundesliga II with 58 points out of 29 games, up 7 points on second place Mainz with five matches left to play. Freiburg will most likely be looking forward to playing in the Bundesliga next season for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
Ivica playing with the fans
Ivica Banović, born August 2, 1980, is a Croatian football midfielder, who plays for SC Freiburg since the summer of 2007. This season he received an injury at a pre season game against the national team of Cuba, with recovery taking longer than expected, he lost his starting position. Therefore he spent most of his time on the bench as a substitute. The last away game he came on in the 58th minute and scored the game winner and surprised all Freiburg fans because none expected three away points.
Manu at Freiburg game in Munich
Ivica started the last weeks home game because of another players suspension. He was at fault for a back pass to the goalkeeper which gave FC Ingolstadt 04 an equalizing goal to make it 2:2. However, Ivica made up for his mistake with the seond game winner in as many weeks to give Freiburg a 3:2 victory and itch ever so closely to promotion. The bench time seems to inspire his ambition and goal instinct as he isn’t known as a goal getter.
Manu at Freiburg game in Munich
"If you’re not playing you are not happy, but I am most of all pleased that I am healthy again”, he told and hoping that next summer he can “finally complete a pre season”. Also, that he will still be at the Breisgau, no matter moving up or not, there is no doubt about it: “I like it here, I am not planning to change, but next season it should be different”, said Banović, who’s contract will end this summer with an option for renewal.
That he sometimes seems huffy leaving the grass, not happy paying attention to the success of the team, the 28 year old disagreed: “Everyone will attest that I celebrate with everyone like the others.” To underscore of his priorities he explained: “If someone will came and told you: You are moving up, but you spent the rest of the games on the bench, then I would sign it. Promotion with the SC is something special."
interview from Kicker Magazine from 2-13-2009
Freiburg highlights 2008-2009
Song played before every Freiburg home game
~“Manu, Croatia and SC Freiburg fan from Freiburg, Germany”
The Croatian attack of Mladen Petrić and Ivica Olić was in action on Wednesday to take on Werder Bremen with a ticket to the German Cup Final in Berlin at stake. After going down 1-0 at half-time, Hamburg equalized after Olić scored a typical "Ivica Olić goal" in the 67th minute. Ivica had a one-on-one with the keeper but had his shot blocked; only for the rebound to fly out to Hamburg midfielder, Guy Demel. Demel shot back and Olic stuck out his leg just seconds after getting up off the ground to watch the ball slam off the post and into the net.
OLIĆ AFTER SCORING GOAL
Bremen-Hamburg highlights
The match ended 1-1; and with no team scoring in extra time, a birth to the German Cup Final had to be settled by penalty kicks. Hamburg had a horrible round of kicks from the spot as even our own, Ivica Olić, seems to still have Turkey on his mind as he completely botched his chance. The clip below speaks for itself.
OLIĆ AFTER MISSING PENALTY
Bremen 3 Hamburg 1 on Penalty Kicks
Mladen Petrić followed up last weekend's double with a goose egg getting subbed out in the 69th minute after picking up a small knock. The small knock actually turned out to be a big one as Petrić will most likely be out the next three weeks as he received stitches in his chin. This means he would miss both legs of the UEFA Cup semifinals against Werder Bremen.
This was the first of four meetings between the two sides, who will meet each other twice in the UEFA Cup semi-finals within the next three weeks, and then again in the Bundesliga on May 10th.
Heerenveen 2 Volendam 0
Swedish international, Viktor Elm, opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Danijel Pranjić sealed the deal late for Heerenveen with a nice rip from 18 yards out; making it 2-0 with six minutes to play and booking a trip to face Steve McClaren and FC Twente in the Dutch Cup Final. We all remember Steve McClaren (former England coach during Euro 2008 qualifying.)
Hopefully it rains so I can see that famous umbrella once again. Ironically, FC Twente will be at Heerenveen this Saturday in a league match which will preview the Dutch Cup final. Danijel Pranjić, who served a one game suspension following a red card last weekend, will be available against FC Twente in this Eredivisie encounter.
Heerenveen highlights
Heerenveen, looking for its first ever Dutch Cup, will be hoping that the 'third time is the charm' after losing their only other two Dutch Cup finals. FC Twente will be in familiar territory after lifting the Cup last in 2001. The final will be played May 17 at Feyenoord's Kuip stadium.
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Staples Center, California
Dinamo struggled at home to Zadar, however, managed two second half goals, including a 90 minute goal by super Mario to keep Dinamo in first. Hajduk continued to keep the pressure on Dinamo, smashing on Croatia Sesvete 5-0. Šibenik lost precious points at home to Rijeka in fight for a UEFA Cup spot.
Next Matches:
4/26
NK Osijek@Croatia Sesvete
Dinamo Zagreb@Varteks Varaždin
NK Zagreb@HNK Šibenik
Cibalia@Inter Zaprešić
Hajduk Split@NK Zadar
Slaven Belupo@NK Rijeka
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from the Hajduk "je u banani" Network
As June slowly approaches; so does Croatia's vital World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Zagreb. In CSR's latest poll, we asked all of you:
AS OF RIGHT NOW, WHO WOULD YOU RATHER START AGAINST UKRAINE?
It was a 'loaded question' as Vukojević currently plays in Ukraine, as does the entire Ukrainian national squad- minus four keys players. This means that 'Vuki' has either played alongside these players or against them.
Out of 67 votes, Vukojević easily beat Jurić: 46-21.
So for those of you who would rather take Vukojević's familiarity with Ukrainian players over Jurić's experience and current level in Serie A: Why?
I personally thought the vote would be much closer but Vukojević easily won in a landslide. So who voted for Jurić out there?
Mladen Petrić didn't forget to bring his scoring boots to the game on Sunday as he put two in the back of the net to help Hamburg stay in title contention with a 2-1 win over Hannover. Petrić apparently couldn't wait to get started as he volleyed in a cross-field lob only seconds into the game. It was definitely one of Mladen's better goals this season.
Petrić secured his double with an 'Ivica Olić rebound goal' midway through the second half. It wasn't as nice as his first goal but it got Hamburg the win. Speaking of Olić, he was subbed into the game with 15 minutes left but didn't receive a solid chance on net as Hannover were pushing hard to tie the game. Hamburg currently sit in third place but only three points behind leaders Wolfsburg, with six games left to play.
ŠIMUNIĆ PLAYING ROUGH AGAINST BREMEN
Josip Šimunić scored a beautiful header off a cross to tie up the game late for Hertha Berlin in their Sunday matinee against Werder Bremen. With Hertha desperately needing to claim maximum points to stay in title contention, Šimunić came through like no other. Hertha ultimately won the game in the 87' when the Bremen defense committed a fatal error in losing the ball deep in their own zone. Hertha Berlin now sit in fourth and five points behind leaders Wolfsburg on the scoring power of unlikely candidate, Mr. Joe Šimunić.
ŠIMUNIĆ IS PUMPED UP!
Marko Babić was not included in Hertha Berlin's squad for this match.
ŠIMUNIĆ'S BEAUTIFUL HEADER
Ivan Rakitić rode the pine the entire game for Schalke in their 4-0 dismantling of Energie Cottbus. There's only six more games for Rakitić with Schalke this season before he can test the European transfer market this summer.
England
Luka Modrić and Vedran Ćorluka had an easy day against Newcastle United as Tottenham won 1-0. The Spurs dominated the entire match and gave Newcastle very few chances. Modrić ran the field well and put a nice ball into the box which lead to Tottenham's goal. Luka once again received 'Man of the Match' honors. I know I say this every week; but Luka is becoming the real deal in the Premiership. I can't wait to watch him play with the experience he now has next season.
Ćorluka basically had the day off as Newcastle couldn't do anything offensively. However, Ćarli did miss a couple of easy passes during the game. It's not a big deal but will only add to his reputation lately of not giving 100% while playing in England.
Tottenham now sits on 44 points with only five games left. They are one point behind West Ham for a 2009-10 Europa League spot. The Spurs have caught fire winning six of their last eight and should finish the season strong giving West Ham and Fulham trouble for the right to play in Europe.
Niko Kranjčar had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher Saturday afternoon after he appeared to have rolled his ankle after a bad tackle. Reports say that it is not that serious and Niko should be back in a few weeks. There is no danger to his availability for Ukraine in June.
Moments after the Kranjčar injury, Portsmouth scored an all-important goal to beat Bolton 1-0. Pompey can now breath a sigh of relief as they seem to have beat relegation worries- for the time being.
DROGBA CELEBRATING AFTER THE MATCH
Eduardo was merely a spectator in Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Chelsea in a FA Cup semifinal match at Wembley on Saturday. Even though Eduardo was an available substitute but not used earlier in the week against Villareal, it's a surprise to me that Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, did not utilize 'Dudu' in the same role against Chelsea.
I think it's now safe to say that we shouldn't expect much more from Eduardo this season. Wenger looks to be keeping him sharp in practice sessions but ultimately saving Eduardo for next season. Every time 'Dudu' makes a recovery he seems to pick up another injury.
ARSENAL VS. CHELSEA FA CUP HIGHLIGHTS
France
Jerko Leko converted a penalty kick for Monaco's first goal in their 3-1 win over Stade Rennes on the weekend. He also added a yellow card to his match resume- no surprise there. With six games left in the French season, Monaco should end up in the middle of the pack without a chance to play in Europe next season.
Nikola Pokrivač came into the game in the 88' only to witness Monaco's final goal in injury time first hand. Dario Šimić was not included in the roster for this match. He sat out last week's game due to a red card suspension.
LEKO'S GUTSY PEANLTY KICK
Ivan Klasnić was left out of Nantes' squad for their 2-0 win against Nice. 'Killer' could have been taking care of some legal business regarding doctors at his old club, Werder Bremen. KLASNIĆ LAWSUIT.
Thank you Ivica for bringing this to our attention. You are the first member to break the CSR v2.0 plateau.
Italy
Ivan Jurić and Genoa couldn't keep the magic going as they lost to Lazio 1-0. Genoa played without star striker, Diego Milito, which accounted for them not being able to finish attacks. Lazio scored on a quickly devised counter-attack and Genoa couldn't respond with numerous chances. Luckily for Genoa, Fiorentina was beaten by Udinese and still trail Genoa by two points for the final Champion's League spot.
Jurić played well once again and received yet another yellow card for a late tackle. His role for Genoa is to roam the midfield while enforcing his presence. He creates contact with the opposition on nearly every play. Although he has yet to play a 'real competitive' game with Croatia, I doubt he will be able to mirror his role for Croatia as international football demands for more of a 'bunkered defense'.
Will Jurić get a starting spot over Vukojević against Ukraine in June?
Russia
Is there trouble in Moscow? Stipe Pletikosa's new manager benched him in Spartak's 2-0 win over Terek Grozny. We'll have to wait until next week to find out if this was a one-time occurance or if Pletikosa is officially Spartak's backup.
Ivica Križanac and Zenit St. Petersburg managed a 1-1 away draw to Lokomotiv Moscow. Križanac received a yellow card early in the second half and was subbed out of the game in the 85'. As most leagues in Europe are approaching the end of the season, Russia is only five games into theirs. Defenders need to stay well rested and out of card trouble early in the season. It's a marathon, not a race!
Ukraine
Darijo Srna received 'Man of the Match' in Shakhtar's 2-1 win over city rival, Metalurg Donetsk. Shakhtar seems to be heating up at the right time even though they are stuck in second place; 12 points behind leaders, Dynamo Kyiv, with only six games left. Even though Shakhtar will not catch Dynamo for the Ukrainian league title this year, they will have a shot at their hated rivals when the two face off in the UEFA Cup semifinals on April 30th and May 7th.
Ognjen Vukojević and Goran Sablić played the entire game for Dynamo Kyiv as they were shocked by Kryvbas Krivyi Rig 2-1. It looks as if Dynamo is getting lazy towards the end of the season, but this is only a small bump in the road for them as they have basically locked up their 13th Ukrainian Premier League title. They are 12 points up on Shakhtar Donetsk with only six games left to play.
Greece
RUKAVINA'S RIDE. ZAGREB PLATES?
Mario Galinović and Ante Rukavina had the weekend off as Greek football took a break before they wrap up the season next Sunday. Panathinaikos must win against OFI Crete and pray for a PAOK Salonika loss or draw next week to gain a 2009-10 Champion's League spot.
So what was Ante Rukavina doing with some free time this weekend? He was busy getting drunk driving charges slapped on him in Šibenik. Police reports said that Rukavina blew a 0.61. I'm not sure if Europe is on a different 'Blood Alcohol Level' than the States, but if Ante did in fact blow a 0.61 while driving; he's insane! Is Rukavina depressed that Bilić won't give him a call up and is taking it out on bottles of booze? Don't look for Rukavina to be driving in Croatia anytime soon as his license has been suspended.
Netherlands
Danijel Pranjić sat out Heerenveen's 2-1 loss at FC Utrecht for receiving a red card in last week's game. Heerenveen is slowly crumbling as they now sit fourth in the Dutch Eredivisie. Will Pranjić be back next season though?
