CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE * XV*

ENGLAND

NIKO KRANJČAR PLAYING SOME D

Niko Kranjčar arguably had his finest day in the Premiership Saturday afternoon as Tottenham Hotspur traveled north to Birmingham to take on Aston Villa- and he didn't even score a goal. Kranjčar started for the Spurs at Villa Park in a battle that ended in a 1-1 draw. Tottenham controlled the ball for 64% of the game but still could not stop Aston Villa's lone attempt on frame. Kranjčar was absolutely masterful in the midfield and was taking on Villa defenders like it was nobody's business. He managed to fire two missiles on goal which were stopped by the quick hands of American Brad Friedel. Kranjčar even made a goal line to goal line sprint to aid his defenders on an Aston Villa counter attack. It was a success.



Kranjčar received a 9/10 rating from Skysports for his play and was labeled the Spurs' best player. Jermain Defoe scored five goals last game and received a 9 grade. That should be an indication of how well Kranjčar played on the day. Niko was subbed after Tottenham's equalizer in the 79th minute for some added firepower from captain Robbie Keane. The fire never came and the game ended 1-1 with Tottenham dominating the second half.

We're in for a real treat if Kranjčar keeps this form up when Croatia starts qualifiers in August. He seems possessed in recent weeks and I can only imagine what he and a healthy Luka Modrić could do at club and international level together.

FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

ĆARLI

Vedran Ćorluka was once again a rock at defense for Tottenham as he played his usual 90 minutes. Ćarli was not to blame for the sloppy goal Tottenham gave up in the box as he was on his man like white on rice. In recent weeks, Ćorluka has been including himself in the Tottenham offense by bringing balls up the right flank as well as sending in crisp passes to teammates in the attacking third. He is becoming one of the elite right backs in world football right in front of out eyes. Ćorluka received an 8/10 rating for his solid play.

Luka Modrić has finally returned to light training with Tottenham after breaking his leg against Birmingham nearly three months ago. If everything goes well, expect Modrić to be at 100% and ready to go once play resumes after the winter break.

IVAN KLASNIĆ AKA KILLER

Ivan Klasnić made the most of his first ever start for the Bolton Wanderers as he opened up the scoring against Fulham in the 35th minute with a nice strike from inside the box with his back to goal. The goal didn't stand up as the winner as Fulham equalized late in the game to force a 1-1 draw. Klasnić has been impressive in recent weeks for Bolton and should earn more starts this season based on his production. He was subbed out in the 61st.

On the flip-side, Klasnić needs to learn how to celebrate goals at the Premiership level. What was he trying to do? And why were teammates trying to break his back when he went to the ground?

FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Eduardo had another horrible game as English leaders Chelsea traveled across London to face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on a rain soaked afternoon. Eduardo got the start in place of injured strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner but did not use the opportunity to impress Arsenal and Croatian fans alike. Yes, Chelsea are firing on all cylinders right now and will win the Premiership and Champions League titles this season, in my opinion, but Dudu was absolutely shut down in Arsenal's 3-0 loss. The Chelsea defense did smother him but Eduardo is playing scared, to say the least. He's dribbling into three defenders at a time and not taking shots on goal when the window presents itself. He still hasn't scored a quality goal this season and I don't see how Arsene Wenger and Arsenal could have extended his contract on this current form. Hopefully 2010 will be a better year for Eduardo.

DROGBA'S GOALS WERE RIDICULOUS!

Nikola Kalinić remained on the bench as an unused sub for the second week in a row as his Blackburn Rovers side played out a scoreless draw versus Stoke City at Ewood Park Saturday.

GERMANY

PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de, Caption anyone?

Bayern Munich defeated hosts Hannover 96 3-0 from a sold-out AWD-Arena to move into 4th place in the German Bundesliga standings. Ivica Olić and Danijel Pranjić both started the match, providing stellar performances for their Bavarian side to contribute to the crushing victory. Thomas Muller scored Bayern's opening goal in the 19', converting a cross from Olić for his eighth tally of the season. In the 47' (already up 1-0), Pranjić was given plenty of space on the left flank, setting up a perfect cross for Olić at the back post which was headed in past goalkeeper Florian Fromlowitz.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de, Danijel Pranjić

After an exhausting yet terrific performance from both players, Pranjić and Olić came out of the game to standing ovations in the 76' and 85', respectively. Bayern Munich host Borussia Monchengladbach this Friday in German Bundesliga action.

Mladen Petrić is back in full training

Mladen Petrić is back in full training with Hamburg and should be ready to return to the lineup in the coming weeks. His return couldn't come any sooner, as Hamburg has been hit hard this season with long term injuries to striker Paolo Guerrero, winger Romeo Castelen, defenders Collin Benjamin, Alex Silva and Bastian Reinhardt.

PHOTO: scfreiburg.com, Ivica Banović (#20) waves the SC Freiburg colors

Ivica Banović played the entire match for SC Freiburg in a 1-0 win against FC Nurnberg from the EasyCredit-Stadion with 40,824 spectators in attendance. The game-winning goal came in the 12' from Stefan Reisinger and SC Freiburg never looked back despite only having possession of the ball for 31% of the match. Banović and company, who are in 13th place in the German Bundesliga standings, are away next week at VfL Wolfsburg.

PHOTO: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić in the background

Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-1 victory over TSG Hoffenheim in the 79' of the contest when Nuri Sahin converted a disputed penalty, awarded when Josip Šimunić was flagged by the referee for pulling down Neven Subotić. Šimunić, who played the entire contest for his team, was also given a yellow card on the play. Are we seeing the Šimunić of old, or was Joey given the short end of the stick on the play by Subotić's acting skills? The loss keeps TSG Hoffenheim in 6th place of the German Bundesliga standings as they head into next weekend's clash away at Hamburg SV.

Penalty? You decide at 1:17

PHOTO: skysports.com, Ivan Rakitić

Ivan Rakitić played a disappointing half of soccer on Sunday against Borussia Monchengladbach before being subbed in the 45' for Jan Morávek. Schalke 04 lost the contest 1-0, retaining 3rd place in the German Bundesliga standings as they head into next week's contest against guests Hertha Berlin. Could today's short appearance by Rakitić be the final case for him to ship out come January?

FRANCE

PHOTO: om.net, Vedran Runje earned the shutout this weekend

Hosts FC Lens defeated French giants Olympique de Marseille this weekend by a final score of 1-0 thanks in large part to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Vedran Runje. A header from Marseille forward Brandao allowed Benoit Cheyrou to fire a shot to provide a potentially troublesome deflection in front of Runje’s goal. The Croatian goalkeeper read the play well and made a solid save to further frustrate the French powerhouse. Marseille’s best effort came from Niang, who made his way past defender Yohan Demont before having his shot deflected off target by Runje. This win is easily the high-point of the season for FC Lens, who are in 15th place in French Ligue 1 and are away at Boulogne next weekend.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

At the point in his career where most players begin to show their faults, Runje seems to constantly fool us all and show that he can still play the game very well against some of the best competition in the world. Slaven Bilić looks certain to add a few more new young players to the Croatian NT before the start of EURO 2012 qualifiers. Considering this performance, does Vedran Runje still deserve a spot on the NT, or has he already seen his last major game?

ITALY

IVAN JURIĆ

Ivan Jurić made his long-awaited return to the Genoa lineup on Saturday, playing the entire contest in a 3-0 win against a stellar Sampdoria squad at the Comunale Luigi Ferraris with 31,000 in attendance. Genoa, despite having ball possesson for only 41% of the match time, capitalized on their chances effectively. For Jurić, time will tell if his 35 year old body will be able to cope with being thrown right back into the mix of things. Genoa will be looking for inspiration from the veteran Croat as they cling to 5th place of the Serie A standings. On Wednesday afternoon, Genoa take on Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League.

Dario Knežević

Livorno once again tasted defeat this weekend by a score of 2-0 at the hands of Udinese with a modest crowd of 15,000 in attendence at the Stadio Friuli. Dario Knežević, who received a yellow card in the 28', played the entire match for Livorno but was unable to help contain the Udinese attack. This most recent loss keeps Livorno in the relegation zone of the Italian Serie A as the head in to their Tuesday Coppa Italia contest with Sampdoria before next weekend's league match against Chievo Verona.

Igor Budan

Palermo was defetated 1-0 by Chievo Verona with 18,000 in attendance at the Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday afternoon. Igor Budan started the match on the bench for Palermo but was brought into the match as a substitute in the 70' for Edison Cavani. Despite having ball possession for a whopping 66% of the match, Palermo was unable to get on the scoreboard. With the loss, Palermo sit in 14th position of the Italian Serie A standings, flirting dangerously close to the relegation zone. Next weekend, Budan and company take on Cagliari. Does anyone else feel Igor Budan might want out of Palermo come January?

Mato Jajalo

Mato Jajalo was an unused substitute for AC Siena in a 2-1 loss to Bari. Siena remain dead last in the Italian Serie A standings and host Catania next weekend.

SPAIN

MATE BILIĆ HEADS SPORTING'S VICTORY AGAINST VILLARREAL

THANKS TO SIEMPRE SPORTING FOR THE WRITE-UP

Mate Bilić did not start the match but his performance was crucial for Sporting de Gijón. In the 21st minute of the second half and the game still scoreless, Sporting coach, Manolo Preciado, decided to make a striker's change and bring Bilić onto the field.

Sporting played exceptionally well but were missing many of their chances. In the 75' a Villarreal defender was charged with a penalty and red card. Sporting midfield player Rivera took the penalty kick but Villarreal's keeper cleared the ball. However, Bilić appeared suddenly to get the ball and score the only goal of the match from a difficult angle. Once again he showed himself to be the cleverest inside the penalty area.

This goal meant victory for Sporting. After his successful strike there was another penalty kick for Sporting in the 89'. Bilić took it this time but the goalie guessed right. In the end it was not important as he had already scored and Sporting won an important match to get closer to European League positions.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

This surprising Sporting Gijon side (unbeaten through their last six matches) currently sit in 7th place of the Spanish Primera standings, looking sure to challenge for a spot in Europe for next fall. The club recently rewarded head coach Manuel Preciado with a new two-year contract as a result of the spectacular current form. Sporting Gijon are away at Tenerife next weekend.

UKRAINE

Darijo Srna started for Shakhtar Donetsk in an easy 3-0 away win against Tavriya Simferopol. After Shakhtar went up 2-0 midway through the second, Srna was subbed out in the 70th minute. Shakhtar gains some ground in the Ukrainian table as current leaders Dynamo Kyiv could only manage a draw on Sunday. Shakhtar will play five games within 13 days in December between domestic and Europa League competition before going on winter hiatus.

Ognjen Vukojević played the entire match in a yellow card filled 0-0 draw with Metalurg Zaporizhya. The scoreless draw lets Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalisy Kharkiv creep up in the standings as winter break approaches.

RUSSIA

On the last day of the Russian Premier League season and with a Champions League spot on the line, Ivica Križanac was not listed on Zenit St. Petersburg's squad list for their home closer against a tough Spartak Moscow side. With Spartak already locked into second spot in Russia, they had nothing to gain from this game. It is not known why Križanac was not part of the team. With a 2-1 over Spartak, Zenit earned themselves a 2010-11 Champions League playoff round birth beating out fellow compatriots Lokomotiv Moscow on goal differential.

Tomislav Dujmović played the entire match in Lokomotiv Moscow's season finale against FC Khimki. Lokomotiv won the match 3-1 but it was not enough for a Champions League playoff spot as Zenit won as well. Dujmović does however receive a consolation prize: a 2010-11 Europa League playoff round birth

Have a nice, long vacation boys, we're counting on you both next year..

2009 FINAL RUSSIAN STANDINGS

(?EX)-CROATIAN GOALIE STIPE PLETIKOSA

Could Stipe Pletikosa have gotten Spartak Moscow to the Champions League group stage? It's been a rough year for Pleti as he was benched early in the season and then tore ligaments in his knee the day he was supposed to be transfered to Tottenham Hotspur. Watch for Pletikosa's name to pop up this upcoming winter transfer window.

AUSTRIA

PHOTO: skrapid.at, Nikica Jelavić

Nikica Jelavić scored in the 16' for Rapid Vienna in a 2-1 victory for his squad against Gordon Schildenfeld and SK Sturm Graz on Wednesday afternoon at the Gerhard-Hanappi Stadium. Each player started for his respective squad and played the entire contest. Tempers flared towards the end of the contest, as three SK Sturm Graz players received yellow cards in the final seven minutes, one of which being Gordon Schildenfeld.

On Sunday afternoon, Schildenfeld and SK Sturm Graz were at it again with LASK Linz, a match with a 2-2 final score. The Šibenik native played the entire match for his team, this time without any incident. This week's results put SK Sturm Graz in 4th place of the Austrian Bundesliga standings with 28 points. The Austrian outfit travel to Romania on Thursday to face Dinamo Bucharest in a meaningless UEFA Europa League Group F game.

PHOTO: skrapid.at, Nikica Jelavić

Sunday afternoon saw the top two teams of the Austrian Bundesliga meet in a hard fought battle. Nikica Jelavić of guests Rapid Vienna and Nikola Pokrivać of Red Bull Salzburg played the entire contest for their teams in 0-0 draw. The draw means the two teams stay deadlocked atop the Austrian Bundesliga standings with 35 points each. Both teams will be participating in UEFA Europa League games this Wednesday, as Rapid Vienna are guests to Hamburg SV (Group C) while Red Bull Salzburg host Lazio in Group G action.

TURKEY

PHOTO: trabzonspor.org.tk, Drago Gabrić

Trabzonspor defeated guests Eskisehirspor K 2-1 from the H. Avni Aker Stadium in Turkish Super League Play. Both Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale started the match for Trabzonspor, with Gabrić playing the entire contest while Čale, who received a yellow card in the 60', was subbed in the 90' for Baris Memis.

PHOTO: trabzonspor.org.tr, Hrvoje Čale

With the victory, Trabzonspor sit in 9th place of the Turkish Super League standings, tied at 18 points with Gaziantepspor. Next weekend, Trabzonspor take on Ankaragucu.

BELGIUM

PHOTO: clubbrugge.be, Ivan Perišić battling for possession

Club Brugge defeated Royal Charleroi SC 1-0 today on a goal from Rostand Dorge Kouemaha in the 77' at the Jan Breydel Stadium. Ivan Perišić played the entire contest for his Belgium side, who remain in 2nd place of the Jupiler League standings behind Anderlecht. Club Brugge travel to Ukraine this week for a UEFA Europa League Group J contest against Darjio Srna and company at Shakhtar Donetsk.

~Ivica Peroš reporting from Cibalia headquarters with Ante Kvartuč writing from the 'Swollen Tonsils Suck!' convention while Denis Svirčić is on assignment in Croatia.

16TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Written by dinamofan:), CSR HNL correspondent

Here are the results for Nov. 28th...

NK Istra 1961 [0 - 0] Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo missed a golden opportunity to extend their gap at the top of the Croatian table after they were held to a goalless draw by Istra 1961. Dinamo were without Robert Kovač, Miroslav Slepička, Ilija Sivonjić and Pedro Morales for the trip to Pula, so they gave a start to Sammir; with Andrej Kramarić supporting Mario Mandžukić in attack. Istra however proved difficult to breakdown and coped admirably as Dinamo struggled to make chances in the first half. Papadopoulos entered the game at half time but failed to improve things as Istra had the best opportunity from the penalty spot. However, Asim Sehić's weak penalty was stopped by Butina. Istra, who were beaten 7-1 by Dinamo on the opening day of the season, have now picked up four points from three games under new coach Valdi Sumberac. Dinamo face Anderlecht in the Europa Liga at midweek and will hope to get Morales back as soon as possible. Elsewhere, ex-Dinamo defender Mirko Hrgović is due to once again be a free agent after being sacked by German Bundesliga 2 club Greunther Furth. The 30 year old is due for talks with the club over the termination of his three year contract this week.

Hajduk Split [1 - 0] NK Osijek

Hajduk showed their first signs of recovery at the weekend after bypassing a tough Osijek side at the Poljud. Hajduk coach Edy Reja was without Hrvoje Vejić and Srđjan Andrić so he finally turned to Marijan Buljat at right back, with Goran Rubil pushed into midfield. Marin Tomasov dropped out to be replaced by Mirko Oremus with Ahmad Sharbini playing the lone striker role. The first real chance fell to the visitors as Josip Knežević's shot went inches past Subašić's post. Further opportunities for Hajduk's Ibričić and Ahmad Sharbini then came and went as the sides went in goalless at half time.

Reja immediately changed Tičinović in place of Oremus. The youngster immediately got in the action with a few sighters at Kardum's goal. It was Senijad Ibričić who came to the fore however. First supplying a chance for Maloča before sealing the win from the penalty spot after Vedran Jugović had handled the ball with his hand on 85 minutes. Hajduk are now starting to climb the ladder and are just three points from Osijek in fourth. There is still a long way to go to catch Šibenik, but Reja's team are making steps in the right direction. Osijek will be happy to see Karlo Primorac return to the action as a late substitute while Reja gave a first league appearance to Dario Jertec as a late substitute.

NK Zagreb [3 - 3] Slaven Belupo

This was the game of the day in HNL1 as NK Zagreb and new friend of CSR Igor Štimac pulled off a remarkable come back to draw 3-3 with Slaven Belupo. Belupo looked comfortable for much of the match and took the lead from the penalty spot with a Srebrenko Posavec strike. Defender Kara Rogulj got the second just before half time struck in a crowded penalty area. With Zagreb attempting to reduce the rears, space was left for Belupo to counter and they grabbed their third when Under 21 international Mateas Delić beat Zagreb keeper Marin Skender. With only 20 minutes remaining it appeared the game was over, but the rejuvenated Ivan Kristanović headed home on 74 minutes to set up an interesting last 10 minutes. Zagreb got their opening on 85 minutes when Kristanović headed down a Jethron long ball for Davor Piskor to score. It was then Jethon himself who grabbed the important morale boosting equalizing goal in the last minute of the match when he fired home from 16 meters. Zagreb remain six points adrift of fourth from bottom Međimurje, but have lost ground on Varteks whose victory took them up to 11th place.

NK Zagreb have already begun their search for reinforcements and are close to signing four foriegn players - two unnamed Brazilians and two players with the North Korean National Team. The club should also tie up the purchase of Krunoslav Lovrek when the Croatian league comes back from its winter break in February.

HNK Šibenik [2 - 0] Croatia Sesvete

Šibenik closed Dinamo Zagreb's lead at the top of HNL1 to just three points after a comfortable win over relegation favorites Sesvete. With Ermin Zec returning from suspension, Šibenik were able to make light work of the match taking the lead 39 minutes in through Ivan Božić. With the January transfer window almost upon us, Zec was eager to add to his tally and recorded his eighth goal of the campaign on 84 minutes to seal the victory. Sesvete look all but doomed as ten points adrift of fourth from bottom Međimurje. Šibenik's hope of Europa Liga football however still looks good. With one match to go until winter break, attentions will soon turn to find a replacement for Zec.

Cibalia Vinkovci [2 - 0] NK Zadar

Cibalia moved into third place after another solid performance against out of form NK Zadar. Branko Karačić's men took the lead on 37 minutes when Josip Lukačević struck from 15 metres. Then a moment of significance in the second half when substitute Tomislav Jurić fired in a beautiful goal only minutes after coming on in the second half. Jurić was the young midfielder involved in the collision that resulted in Zadar's Hrvoje Ćustić suffering a fatal head injury two years ago. It was only Jurić's fifth match of the season and his first goal. By this stage, both sides were down to ten men after red cards for Šime Maruna and Edin Hušić. Cibalia continue to look good for a top four place whilst Zadar urgently need a victory to stop their slide down the table. Zadar have been fending off questions in midweek over allegations that last season's match with Hajduk Split was fixed. Zadar disputed the claims pointing to Marin Ljubičić's red card as a deciding factor in the game.

Lokomotiva [3 - 0] NK Rijeka

Lokomotiva showed their top flight credentials with an excellent 3-0 pounding of HNK Rijeka. Whilst Lokomotiva is brimming with youthful promise, it was a couple of old heads that stole the show. Former Borussia Monchengladbach defender Zeljko Sopić opened the scoring driving home a free kick for a much deserved lead. Nino Bule was then on hand to grab his eighth of the season in the second half turning home a cross by Bajto. Lokomotiva piled straight in from the kick off for a third and it came on 81 minutes when Alen Pamić turned passed his own keeper whilst trying to fend off Bule. Rijeka's dismal afternoon got no better as Slovenian Nastja Čeh went for an early bath after a straight red for a bad challenge. Lokomotiva have now moved level on points with Rijeka in 9th place and are still looking good for survival. Rijeka however could be looking to overhaul the squad in the winter after failing to challenge for the top 5 in the first half of the campaign.

Karlovac [2 - 0] Međimurje

Karlovac put an immediate stop to their slide at midtable with an excellent 2-0 win over Međimurje. In form striker Enes Novičić got the opener when he followed in after Stefančić's shot which was saved by Banović. That's the way it stayed for a long period of the match until Ivan Latjman showed some real quality in the last minutes of the match to fire home a second. Igor Pamić's men stay in sixth place, but have put some breathing space between themself and 7th place Hajduk Split who are attempting to chase them down. Međimurje are now the team positioned fourth from bottom who Zagreb and Istra 1961 are chasing for a return to the Prva Liga next season. However, with 20 goals already to their name this season, Međimurje can still be helpful of moving back into midtable.

Varteks Varaždin [2 - 1] Inter Zaprešić

Varteks recorded a crucial win over fellow strugglers Inter Zaprešić to move themselves six points clear of the relegation zone. However it was Zaprešić who drew first blood as Miroslav Sarić scored from the penalty spot. The lead lasted no more than a minute when Matija Smrekar showed his quality to equalize after being set up by Goran Mujanović. It stayed that way until midway through the second half when Smrekar was fouled by Tomislav Sarić. Miljenko Mumlek stepped up to the spot and dispatched the penalty with ease. Zaprešić welcomed back Matej Delač for the match who has spent a short time away with Chelsea upon recovering from illness.

Next Matches: Round 17

Friday, December 4th

NK Zagreb at Inter

Saturday, December 5th

Hajduk Split at Zadar

Karlovac at Croatia Sesvete

Istra at Lokomotiva

Cibalia at Slaven Belupo

Varteks at Rijeka

Šibenik at Osijek

Sunday, December 6th

Dinamo Zagreb at Međimurje

ŠTIMAC INTERVIEW

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Igor Štimac, NK Zagreb Press Conference

After today's lengthy press conference, I managed to catch up with NK Zagreb manager Igor Štimac for a behind doors private interview. I am interested in your comments before I mention anything else on this post.


NK Zagreb Manager, Igor Štimac

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Zagreb, Croatia

WILL BILIĆ BAIL ON CROATIA?

DOES BILIĆ HAVE OTHER PLANS IN MIND?

Football.uk and Soccernet.com are reporting that Croatian manager Slaven Bilić has been approached by the Scottish FA to take reins as head coach. Although Bilić has already said no to Scotland, a number of clubs in England and Germany still seem to want his services.

Would Bilić dare leave Croatia for a pay raise in the next nine months before Euro 2012 qualifying begins? Time will tell but I would say no. I believe Bilić and Co. are on a mission this time around and want to finish what they started in late 2006. However, the right dollar amount can sway anyone's mind these days.

HAJDUK ESCAPES ZAGREB SCORELESS

Photo: Denis Svirčić; NK Zagreb-Hajduk Split Press Pass

Hajduk managed to escape Zagreb with a scoreless draw in the first leg of a quarterfinal cup tie against NK Zagreb. Davor Vugrinec missed a potential game winning penalty kick in the 56th minute and Edoardo Reja's men dodged seven yellow cards and one red card given to Hrvoje Vejić in the 83rd minute.


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Zagreb police were on hand in great numbers


Photo: Denis Svirčić; View from the 'suite'

CroatianSoccerReport.com was issued media credentials for this match and was upgraded with a seat with the elite. Unfortunately, besides the numerous yellow cards, missed penalty kick, and fouls every 30 seconds it seemed, there was nothing to report. A Zagreb fan said it best, "as if Hajduk and Zagreb agreed for a scoreless tie."


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Hajduk-Zagreb take field




Photo: Denis Svirčić; Hajduk manager was shouting orders in Italian. Question now is, did anyone understand?



Photo: Denis Svirčić; NK Zagreb manager, Igor Štimac can't watch anymore



Photo: Denis Svirčić; NK Zagreb cushioned vinyl seats for the elite, helped on a cold night


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Dražen Ladić was part of the elite club


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Ladić with fellow elites




Vugrinec missed penalty kick


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Torcida celebrated Zagreb missed penalty kick


Torcida showed up in numbers


Zagreb fans were limited by size


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Eager autograph seekers await for their favorite players after the game.


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Vugrinec: 'I will take a kick from the spot once again'


Photo: Denis Svirčić; NK Zagreb manager Igor Štimac after the game


Vugrinec press conference


Photo: Denis Svirčić; Hajduk's Mirko Oremuš signing autographs after the game

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Zagreb, Croatia

CROATIANS AROUND CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

PHOTO: AFP, Mario Gómez (left) celebrates with Ivica Olić

Ivica Olić's goal (of typical Ivica Olić fashion) in the 62' propelled Bayern Munich to victory today against Maccabi Haifa FC from a packed-to-capacity Allianz Arena.

Having been picked out by Van Bommel's precise pass, Gómez cleverly worked himself the space to shoot, and though Davidovitch parried, Olić swept the ball into the empty net to spark celebrations tinged as much with relief as joy (COURTESY: uefa.com).

ANOTHER TAP-IN REBOUND GOAL FOR OLIĆ

Though an underwhelming performance by the Bavarian giants, the team keeps alive their hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with the victory, trailing Juventus by one point heading into Matchday 6. If Bayern Munich do beat Juventus, they will reach the Final 16 of the tournament.

Danijel Pranjić also got the start for Bayern in this must win game before being subbed out in the 70th minute. Will the Croatians get a chance to play against Juventus in Torino, Italy come two weeks time in another must win game? Anything less than a win will see Bayern Munich join Liverpool in Europa League.

PHOTO: uefa, Ognjen Vukojević

Dynamo Kiev tied Russian champions Rubin Kazan 0-0 in Group F action on Tuesday. Ognjen Vukojević had quite a game despite playing the entire match in the wet and frigid conditions wit a light snow falling at times. Third place in Group F for a place in the UEFA Europa League seems to be up for grabs between Dynamo Kiev, Inter Milan and Rubin Kazan, as Barcelona look destined to win the group and advance onto the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League where they would defend their European title.

Eduardo was on Arsenal's bench for the 2-0 win against Belgium side Standard de Liège, but did not see action during the match. Arsenal (Group H winners) easily cruised through the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, so this match was meaningless. Arsène Wenger rested Dudu for this match in preparation for this weekend's upcoming Premiership showdown with Chelsea.

INSIDE TORCIDA

Story and photos by John Doević

This past weekend, I attended my first Hajduk game at Poljud Stadion in Split when they faced off against Croatia Sesvete. I am not a big fan of the HNL nor the team, but I really wanted to experience what it was like sitting with Torcida. As a professional photographer, the visuals Torcida create even during the most meaningless games are amazing and I wanted to be in the middle of it! Also, as a photographer, I have been working on a project creating artistic photography with my iPhone. It's a project that challenges me to create artistic photography using only a two megapixel "cell phone" camera. Sitting with Torcida during a Hajduk game would offer me a fantastic opportunity for creating the type of visuals that I was hoping to make.

OUR PROTAGONIST LEARNS A VALUABLE LESSON ABOUT TORCIDA ON THIS DAY. THEY HATE COPS AND THEY HATE REPORTERS. TORCIDA THINKS HE'S BOTH!

During the first half, I did not shoot many photos. I basically observed and got into the mood of being in the crowd. Around the 30th minute, the fans set fire to two seats. They burned for about 10 minutes before two fireman with a police officer showed up to extinguish the flames. The police officer jokingly said to the fireman, "Leave one to burn so they can warm themselves."



During the second half at about the 65th minute, lots of flares were set and cherry bomb type of explosives. I was directly in the middle of Torcida and I was shooting photos as discretely as possible. I made a bunch of photos and a couple that I was really proud of. Nobody in the photos was recognizable mostly because of the massive amount of flares, smoke and movement in the photos.

Then towards the end of the game, which was a 6-0 blowout, dozens of flares and smoke bombs were set. It was an awsome scene, exactly what I was hoping for. Completely amazing. I was not threatened by the fire and smoke, however, a young fan who noticed I was shooting photos with my iPhone came up to me and told me not to shoot. In hopes of minimizing the situation, I said ok, and moved away, up the stairs. I shot a few more photos when the same guy came up to me and again asked me to stop taking photos. His concern was that fans lighting the flares and smoke bombs can be identified by my photos. I argued my point telling him that "nisam tu da jeben nekoga." (I'm not here to fuck anyone.)



Still he insisted. I moved far away from the scene to the other side of the section and shot some wide shots of the fans with the smoke floating over their heads just as the game was ending, when all of the sudden, three guys approached me including the young fan whom approached me twice before along with a 350 pound dude that was three times my size. They demanded to see my photos, then demanded I erase about 10 of the photos. They also wanted to know where I was from, asked if I was a Croatian citizen and demanded proof, and in the most hypocritical move of the night, demanded to take my photo with his cell phone camera. (The conversation was recorded by the same iPhone as the demands were made. I happened to be recording natural sound of the fans at the game and inadvertanly left the recorder on.)



The thing that makes the least amount of sense in the completely senseless incident where I completely feared for my physical safety is that there are several still and video cameras that exclusively record Torcida's every move, every moment of the game from the field level. Additionally, police officers are stationed inside the Torcida section of the stadium. I personally feel that if setting fires, flares and smoke bombs was not permitted, then actions would have been taken long before I came along.

I feel the fear that Torcida exhibited about the identification of fans setting fires, flares and smoke bombs is unnessesary as there are obviously no actions being taken to slow them down. There is nobody at the stadium, including the police, who had any interest in busting anyone participating in "fire" activities.



In the end, after experiencing the sound and fury of watching a game deep in the heart of Torcida territory, being engulfed in red fire and smoke, followed by physical and emotional threats, I had gotten exactly what I had come for....not a Hajduk game, but the real experience of soccer hooliganism at the most personal level.

I made a photo that defines the emotion, realism, danger and passion of what is Torcida. I recorded a poignant moment and some thug made me delete it. I'll do better next time.