After an unimpressive showing in group stage, the Croatian handball team managed to squeak into the final on Sunday beat Poland 24-21 in the semifinals on Saturday of the European championship for a rematch with France in the final. France was very convincing against Iceland in the other semifinal, winning their game with a result of 36:28.
Photo: Pixsell; oh me oh my
Croatia didn't play well from the very start of the game and was forced to chase the result the whole first halftime. Poland constantly had a two to three goals lead throughout the first half and it didn’t look good for the Kauboji. However, it was a tale of two halves, as Croatia turned the game around in the second half with four goals in a row from Domagoj Duvnjak. Without a doubt, the player of the match was keeper Mirko Alilović who saved some important shots down the stretch of the game.
Červar and Vuković post game interview
In the finals, Croatia will take on France, looking to avenge last years 24-19 defeat in the world championships final in Zagreb on February 1st. Croatia will also look to win their first European championship on Sunday after losing the 2008 final to Denmark. France finished third that year and won the previous tournament in 2006 in Switzerland. The game will take place on Sunday at 5:30pm local Austrian time. We are looking into a live feed. Please link us if you come across a live feed.
Team CSR is always looking for new ideas to jazz up the website and keep it fresh. Our next idea has long been overdue and will benefit all Croatian soccer supporters. Ante, Ivica, and I have decided to post all the important events coming up in 2010. Please feel free to add to this list, even other Croatian sporting or cultural events. We will continue to update this page, which you can easily access in the upper right hand corner of CSR.
Important Dates
2010 Russian Premier League begins 3/13 Croatian Cup Semifinals3/24 Hajduk at Dinamo5/1 Last day of HNL season5/16 U-21 Qualifying Croatia at Slovakia5/19 Croatia at Austria,(Klagenfurt) Friendly5/19 Wales at Croatia Friendly5/23 Champions League Final @ Santiago Bernabéu 5/22
Euro 2016(France,Italy,Turkey) host nation announced5/28 World Cup 2010 opening day6/11 World Cup 2010 Final @Johannesburg7/11
We all know that Nike and the HNS are due to put out a new home and away kit for EURO 2012 qualifying. There have been rumors that the new kits would contain elements of gold, which we clearly see here in these depictions. Although this may just be an amateur design, I could definitely picture our boys running around in these threads.
With hit post after hit post haunting him recently like he was bitten by the 'bad luck' bug, 22 year-old former Hajduk Split star Nikola Kalinić has finally lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders by scoring his first goal in the English Premiership. Kalinić started for the Blackburn Rovers Wednesday night against Wigan Athletic continuing with his usual ways- hitting the post in the fifth minute with a right footed shot.
With the match tied up at 1-1 in the 76th minute, Kalinić finally broke his bad luck streak with a game-winning header off a corner kick. Kalinić has scored Carling Cup and FA Cup goals this season, but he now has a Premiership goal to his name. We can only pray that he repeats good performances like today's throughout the rest of the season and his English career.
So, has Kalinić finally broke out of his slump or was it just a fluke goal? Prva Generacija, what do you think?
Nikola Kalinić started the week off in England with a bang on Wednesday as his Blackburn Rovers took on Aston Villa in the second leg of their Carling Cup semifinal match. Things were looking good for the Rovers as Kalinić scored two goals inside of 26 minutes to put Blackburn up 2-0 early. Kalinić had to climb the ladder to score his first goal as he headed the ball down and off a Villa defender's back before crossing the line. Moments later, Kale scored an easy Ivica Olić 'right place at the right time' tap in goal as backup Aston Villa goalie Brad Guzan could only get a finger on the first shot.
The effort was not enough as Aston Villa poured on goals after Blackburn player C.S. Veijeany received a red card in the 39th minute. Aston Villa won the match 6-4 and will face the winner of the Manchester United/Manchester City tie in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.
Contrary to many beliefs on CSR that Kalinić is only scoring goals in meaningless Carling Cup or FA Cup matches, I'd (Ante Kvartuč) have to disagree using this match as a prime example. Since Blackburn has already been ousted out of the FA Cup for this season, they only have two things on their agenda for the next five months: avoid relegation and win the Carling Cup. Blackburn are sitting comfortably in middle position of the Premiership table with only a total collapse causing them any relegation zone worries. They have nothing to play for as a European spot is too far in front of them. Therefore, as long as they don't start flirting with relegation, the Carling Cup is all they had. Kalinić stepped up in their second leg match and scored two quick goals. What more can you ask for? Aston Villa played their big boys and Kalinić still got two in on them. We just have to wait until he reproduces these performances in Premiership matches.
KALINIĆ EARNS THE DOUBLE
KRANJČAR GETTING CLIPPED BY CARRAGHER
Tottenham Hotspur were also in action on Wednesday as they travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a make-up Premiership match from last week due to the heavy snow. Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka all started for the Spurs in this pivotal match that could shake up the fourth and last Champions League spot that England receives. It looked as if Tottenham didn't even want to suit up on the day as they went down easily to Liverpool 2-0. It was a very boring game after Dirk Kuyt opened up the scoring inside of 10 minutes with a strike from the top of the box. Tottenham only had three shots on goal for the day; one being a Luka Modrić strike on the run which he should have put away.
Vedran Ćorluka was surprisingly subbed out in the 61st minute for another defender. It seemed to be a tactical move as there are no injury reports on Ćorluka, but he was also given the day off on Saturday. After an average performance from Niko Kranjčar, he was also subbed out in the 65th for some much needed firepower from striker Robbie Keane. The Spurs never got the goal they were looking for and Kuyt added an injury time penalty kick to earn a double on the day. Spurs still sit in fourth place, but Manchester City and Liverpool are breathing down their necks.
CROATIANS CELEBRATING WITH CROUCH
On Saturday, Tottenham took on Leeds United at White Heart Lane in fourth round FA Cup action. Luka Modrić and Niko Kranjčar started for the Spurs while Vedran Ćorluka got the day off. Spurs dominated the game controlling ball possession for 57% of the match while outshooting Leeds on goal 15-4; with Kranjčar contributing four of those shots. Spurs missed a penalty kick in the 9' but scored right before halftime with a goal from Peter Crouch. Leeds quickly equalized in the 52' of play but Roman Pavlyuchenko looked to have locked things up with a goal in the 75th. With tons and tons of injury time to play, Leeds got what they were looking for and converted a 96th minute penalty kick to end the game at 2-2. A replay must now be played.
Kranjčar played well with plenty of shots before finally being subbed out in the 71'. Luka Modrić once again played the full 90 minutes and looks to be at full strength. Here's what Luka had to say about the game afterwords:
Luka Modric felt we should have wrapped up the win against Leeds long before Jermaine Beckford's last-gasp leveller in Saturday's FA Cup tie at the Lane.
We dominated the early stages and Leeds had goalkeeper Casper Ankergren to thank for keeping them in the tie.
However, we took the lead just before half-time through Peter Crouch and following Beckford's first equaliser, led again when Roman Pavlyuchenko finished off a fine move for 2-1 in the 75th minute.
Leeds kept going though and found a second equaliser in the fifth minute of added time when Michael Dawson was judged to have fouled Beckford and the striker slotted home from the spot.
We now go to Elland Road for the replay scheduled for Tuesday, February 2 - subject to change pending television coverage - with the winners travelling to Bolton in the fifth round on February 13/14.
"We're all disappointed," said Luka. "We had the game in our hands but Leeds managed to score in the last minute.
"We all knew that Leeds are a good team and it was going to be tough, they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, after all, but we deserved the win.
"We didn't take our chances and in the end we conceded a bit of an unlucky goal. I'm not sure if it was a penalty or not, but it was given and we need to quickly move on because we have another big game against Fulham on Tuesday."
Luka said he was delighted to see Roman get on the scoresheet - he was first on the scene to congratulate him. "Yes, I was pleased for him. Pav's a great player and a great lad and it was an excellent goal. It was a good moment for him."
EDUARDO AGAINST BOLTON
Eduardo started on Wednesday for Arsenal in a Premiership clash against Ivan Klasnić and Bolton. The Gunners took on an early 2-0 deficit as Bolton quickly jumped on them. Eduardo had a few mediocre shots on goal including a free kick but was no threat to score. He has been very active in the Arsenal offense utilizing his view of the field and cheeky passing ability to set up teammates. Arsenal ultimately came back to win the game 4-2 under controversy as they scored the go-ahead goal as a Bolton player lied injured on the pitch. Eduardo's play as of late has been fantastic and his health looks to be 100%. Klasnić came on late in the match and only had two touches on the ball. Even 'Killer' needs some rest.
On Sunday, Arsenal travelled to Stoke City to take on the Potters in a FA Cup match. Eduardo came on in the 67th minute with the game tied at 1-1. Arsene Wenger fielded a young team as he seemed to not care for a result in this match. Eduardo couldn't manage a shot on goal with his time on the field but witnessed two more goals from Stoke as they won 3-1. This will give Arsenal plenty of rest the next four months as they battle for Champions League and Premiership titles already falling out of the Carling and FA Cups.
Ivan Klasnić started Bolton's FA Cup Match against Sheffield United on Saturday at the Reebok. He played 76 minutes and managed three shots in Bolton's 2-0 win. Klasnić is getting some rest as his club has a quick turnaround to makeup games having to play again Tuesday against Burnley. Prediction: Killer scores!
Germany
PHOTO: Bayern; Ivica Olić(right) equalizer against Bremen
Ivica Olić and Bayern Munich continue to fire on all cylinders posting a 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday in front of 39,100 at Weserstadion. Ivica had another great performance for the Bavarian giants, scoring a 'typical Ivica Olić tap-in goal' in the 35th minute. Olić has now scored six out of the last eight matches for Bayern raising his total to 7 goals this season.
Bayern highlights, Ivica-goal
Danijel Pranjić was left on the bench for Bayern Munich.
If the actual video of Monday’s training ground scuffle between Robben and Lahm has eluded you, you’re in luck below. As a bonus, it covers other great moments in FC Bayern training ground scuffles.
Robben-Lahm scuffle and other Bayern scuffles
PHOTO: Yahoo Sports; Josip Šimunić(right) and the rest of Hoffenheim defense melted in the snow
Josip Šimunić and the Hoffenheim defense took a day off Sunday, suffering a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen. Joe played the full 90 and picked up a yellow card in the 62nd minute of play in front of 30,150 at the snowy Rhein-Neckar Arena. Hoffenheim are now winless in their last 6 and appear to be completely out of contention for a place in Europe.
Bayer 04 - Hoffenheim, check out Croatian flag
PHOTO: hsv.de; Mladen Petrić(right) in action against Dortmund
Hamburg and Mladen Petrić were in action in Dortmund on Saturday in front of 80,500 at Signal Iduna Park. Mladen played the full 90, coming close to scoring in the 62nd minute headed just inches over the crossbar from close range.
PHOTO: hsv.de; Ruud van Nistelrooy introduced to Hamburg
HSV looked to have solved their striker problem, signing 33 year old former Netherlands international, Ruud van Nistelrooy for the remainder of the season. Ruud has been out of the Real Madrid lineup since suffering a knee injury in November of 2008. Petrić and van Nistelrooy up front? This should be interesting.
Check out Mladen goofing around
Hamburg’s kit sponsor Emirates recently picked up an Airbus A380 at the Airbus factory in Hamburg. A few of the Hamburg players gave it a thorough check-up. Watch the above video as Mladen Petrić plays a disappearing act.
PHOTO: AP; Ivica Banović(left) in action against Stuttgart
Ivica Banović and Freiburg are flirting with relegation after posting another goose egg on Friday, falling 1-0 to Stuttgart in front of 23,900 at Badenova Stadion. Freiburg have now failed to score in their last 4 games and are winless in five. Ivica played 67 minutes, had one shot attempt, and failed to get anything going in the loss.
PHOTO: Bundesliga.de; Ivan Rakitić(right) celebrates goal against Bochum
Ivan Rakitić started and played the full 90 minutes for Schalke on Saturday, blowing a 2-0 lead through the 82nd minute and splitting the points with VfL Bochum. Let's see how long Felix Magath continues to start Ivan. Schalke, with the draw, drop a spot to number three in the Bundesliga. The draw snapped a Schalke 4 match winning streak.
Italy
PHOTO: Getty Images: Igor Budan scored for Palermo
Palermo climbed to 5th place in the Italian Serie A standings after embarrassing Fiorentina in a 3-0 victory from the Renzo Barbera Stadium with 12,000 fans in attendance. Igor Budan entered the contest in the 53' for Abel Hernandez and sure enough scored just five minutes later with an acrobatic effort on target. Palermo are away at Bari next weekend.
Ivan Jurić
Despite having ball possession for only 39% of the contest, Genoa defeated Atalanta 2-0 from the Comunale Luigi Ferraris with just under 26,000 in attendance. Ivan Jurić entered the already-decided contest in the 70' for teammate Omar Milanetto. The victory moves Genoa into 8th place in the Serie A standings as they head into next weekends contest at Napoli.
Mato Jajalo
Siena and Cagliari battled to a 1-1 draw from the Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena with 10,000 in attendance. Mato Jajalo started the contest for his team and was subbed out in the 87' for teammate Marcelo Larrondo. The draw keeps Siena in dead-last of the Serie A standings as they are away next weekend at AS Roma.
Dario Knežević
The injured Dario Knežević was not featured in Livorno's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Napoli.
France
PHOTO: RC Lens, Vedran couldn't believe it was snow
Vedran Runje and Lens were in action on Wednesday at home to Montpellier, looking for their first victory of 2010. Vedran started and played the full 90 minutes in snowy weather falling 1-0 on a 86th minute Víctor Hugo Montaño goal. Runje had no chance on this low blast to the corner and overall played a great match, making key saves throughout the match.
PHOTO: RC Lens, Vedran(far left) before facing Montpellier
Lens dropped to 15th in Ligue 1, however still safe from the relegation zone. Runje was not featured in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Compiegne in Coupe de France.
Lens Montpellier
Dejan Lovren made his Lyon debut today against Monaco at Stade Louis II in Coupe de France round of 32. Dejan played the full 90 minutes and received a yellow card in the 29th minute of play. No word on his overall performance. Lovren did look at fault in the above picture, giving up a goal to Chu-Young Park in the 78th minute.
PHOTO: Reuters, Lovren(center) giving up a goal to Chu-Young Park
Lovren giving up a goal to Chu-Young Park
PHOTO: AS Monaco; Jerko Leko
Jerko Leko made a rare appearance for Monaco today, checking into the game in the 85 minute for Diego Perez. This was only the third appearance for the 29 year old former Croatian international this season, coming off the bench late in all three matches.
Spain
PHOTO: AP, Mate Bilić
Sporting Gijon suffered consecutive defeats on Sunday, going down 1-0 at home to Racing Santander. Croatian international, Mate Bilić came on in the 71st minute of play for for Roberto Canella and didn't have enough time to get anything going, managing only one shot attempt. Sporting Gijon drop to tenth place after losing three of their last five contests and face powerhouse Barcelona next Saturday at El Molinon.
Belgium
PHOTO: clubbrugge.be, Ivan Perišić
Club Brugge was defeated 2-0 by Racing Genk in Belgian Jupiler League Action to open up the new year. Ivan Perišić start the contest but was subbed out in the 56' for teammate Vadis Odjija Ofoe. Club Brugge remain in 2nd place of the standings with the loss as they move onto next weekend where they will host Royal Excelsior Mouscron.
Turkey
PHOTO: trabzonspor.org.tr, Hrvoje Čale (Top row, 4th from right)
Trabzonspor defeated Sivasspor 3-1 from the H. Avni Aker Stadium in Turkish Super League action to open up the new year. Hrvoje Čale played the entire contest for Trabzonspor, receiving a yellow card in the 41'. The victory keeps Trabzonspor in 6th place of the standings as they head into next weekends contest at Diyarbakirspor.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 1/26
Fulham at Tottenham, Burnley at Bolton
Wednesday, 1/27
Wigan Athletic at Blackburn, Arsenal at Aston Villa, Lyon at Lorient(Coupe de la Ligue)
Friday, 1/29
Wolfsburg at Hamburg
Saturday, 1/30
Tottenham at Birmingham, Blackburn at West Ham, Bolton at Liverpool, Lens at Lille, Mainz at Bayern Munich, TSG Hoffenheim at Schalke 04, Palermo at Bari, Genoa at Napoli, Trabzonspor at Diyarbakirspor
Sunday, 1/31
Manchester United at Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain at Lyon, Freiburg at Bayer Leverkusen, Livorno at AC Milan, Siena at AS Roma, Barcelona at Sporting Gijon
Important Dates
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying draw 2/7 Austrian Bundesliga resumes 2/13 Europa League resumes 2/16 Champions League resumes 2/16 T-Com 1.HNL resumes 2/20 Ukrainian Premier league resumes 2/27 Croatia at Belgium,(Brussels) Friendly 3/3 Croatian Cup Semifinals 3/24 U-21 Qualifying Croatia at Slovakia 5/19 Croatia at Austria,(Klagenfurt) Friendly 5/19
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California and Ivica Peroš reporting from the "Big Apple"
This past week I met up with a highly regarded soccer talent who is well known amongst the Croatian community of the tri-state area. He is currently proving his worth on the United States Division 1 college soccer scene with Quinnipiac University, but he is also looking to make a name for himself abroad. Marijan Jurac, a native of Greenwich, Connecticut, born to Croatian parents with Dalmatian roots, was courteous enough to sit down with me and discuss the many dimensions of his playing career: from his past accomplishments, to what he is currently up to, as well as what he has in store for the future.
Superior athleticism, a tireless work ethic, superb passing and dribbling skills as well as excellent vision and ability to read the game are what make Marijan stand out from the other 21 players on the field. He has all the tools necessary to make it big, and with time he will further develop and reach his full potential. Currently, he is in the midst of his off-season training and conditioning program in preparation for upcoming tryout opportunities in Croatia as well as his sophomore season at Quinnipiac.
Astounding dribbling skills and a tireless work ethic
Marijan joins a growing list of names of North-American born Croatians that includes Petar Hazdovac, and Stefan Škrinjarić, who are all chasing the dream to not only play professionally in Croatia, but to one day suit up for the Vatreni. The staff and readers at CroatianSoccerReport.com wish Marijan the best of luck and continued success in his soccer career. We will continually monitor Marijan's progress and bring you any details as they become available.
Instincts of a natural goal-scorer
~Ivica Peroš reporting from the Long Island, New York
Most of you regulars here on Croatian Soccer Report know that we are trying to be more than just a place for great soccer minds to voice their opinions on Croatian soccer. Ivica, Ante and I are trying to 'unite Croatians around the world' through culture(sports,music, and art). We are speaking with various Croatian singers, musicians and artists in Croatia, hoping to land them a North American gig in the near future.
Croatian Soccer Report reached an agreement with the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association for a "Croatian Heritage Night" on January 11, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona and March 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. "Croatian Heritage Night" was designed to support the only Croatian born basketball player in the NBA, Roko Leni Ukić and Australian born Croatian Andrew Bogut.
PHOTO: Hürriyet Daily News; Roko Ukić(left) signing with Fenerbahçe
Unfortunately, Ukić wasn't getting any playing time in Milwaukee and asked the Bucks to release him to pursue more playing time with a team in Europe. On January 5th, Roko was a free man and a week later signed a six month deal with Fenerbahçe of Turkey. This leaves the NBA without a Croatian born basketball player for the first time in 20 years.
Suns-Bucks Flyer(Click to enlarge)
We had to cancel our trip to Phoenix, but we decided to continue with the Bucks-Clippers game in March only tweaking it a little bit. We are turning "Croatian Heritage Night" into "Hajduk Night @ Staples Center." Andrew Bogut is a Dinamo Zagreb supporter and from what I heard has a Dinamo tattoo on his back. Since most of the Croats on the west coast are from Dalmatia, we will show up in great numbers to give Andrew a "Hajduk welcome." We have been talking to Andrew and he is following us on Twitter. Hopefully, we can set up an interview with him before and after the game.
Croatian newspapers, Sportske Novosti and 24sata both love the idea and wanted to run a story about our event. Croatian television(HRT) was interested as well and was willing to send a reporter to Los Angeles and cover the story. However, now with Ukić out of the picture, the Croatian media are not interested as well as some of our previously confirmed guests. Hopefully, this new theme will spark some interest.
As of right now we have 50 tickets, regularly priced at $68 available at a discounted price of $32. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested and don't forget to bring your Hajduk scarves, shirts, and flags.
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California with Ivica Peroš reporting from the "Big Apple"
Eduardo started for Arsenal and played 84 minutes in their 2-0 win over Ivan Klasnić and his Bolton Wanderers at Reebok Stadium. Eduardo was all over the place on Sunday afternoon as he made numerous scoring chances available for the Gunners while assisting on both goals.
Eduardo played a very cheeky 1-2 ball off his heel for Cesc Febregas in the first half for the opening goal while lobbing in a ball to Fran Merida late in the second half to seal the match. All in all it was a fantastic display from Eduardo in what seems to be a promising year in the Premiership for him.
ARSENAL-BOLTON 1ST HALF HIGHLIGHTS
Ivan Klasnić was once again solid for the Bolton Wanderers in their game against Arsenal. Although he didn't score an official goal, his effort said enough. In the 2' of play, Klasnić smashed a ball into the lower corner of the net but was flagged a foot offside before the strike. He also had some roundhouse heroic attempts in the first half which should be commended before being subbed out in the 79th minute. Klasnić is seeing more time in the Premiership and is handling it well.
EDUARDO ASSIST #2
LUKA MODRIĆ IN ACTION VS. HULL CITY
Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka all started for the Tottenham Hotspur and played the entire match respectively for the first time ever in the Premiership togehter. However, it wasn't enough as the Spurs could not break the Hull City defense in a match that ended in a scoreless draw. Captain Robbie Keane had the best shot to put Tottenham on the board but couldn't manage to find the back of the net. Modrić also had some key shots on goal but Hull goalie Boaz Myhill was absolutely on fire blocking everything that came his way.
Hull City ended the day with zero shots on goal while Tottenham managed to put 11 shots on frame. Although the efforts from the Spurs and their Croatians were not enough for a win on the day, Tottenham now sits in fourth place in the Premiership standings and will remain fighting for a Champions League spot as the season progresses.
NIKOLA KALINIĆ AGAINST FULHAM
Nikola Kalinić played the entire 90 minutes in the Blackburn Rovers' 2-0 win over Fulham FC on Sunday afternoon at Ewood Park. Kalinić once again could not find the back of the net in a full days work for the Rovers. Could he get shipped out to another team come this summer?
Germany
FC Bayern Munich moved to the top of the table in the Bundesliga for just a day after posting a 2-0 victory over 1899 Hoffenheim in front of a sold out crowd of 69,000 at Allianz Arena on Friday. Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen both registered victories over the weekend to pip Bayern for the top spot, with only one point separating the three teams. Bayern have now won five straight and are unbeaten in their last 11 Bundesliga matches.
PHOTO: Bayern; Ivica Olić(right) in action against Hoffenheim
Ivica Olić started and played 63 minutes before being subbed out for Miroslav Klose. Ivica looked to have pulled a hamstring, however, no word on the injury.
Danijel Pranjić came on in the 77th minute for Thomas Müller after starting the previous two matches for Bayern Munich. Danijel looks to have settled in quite nicely with the Bavarian Giants after hearing it from the fans a few months back.
PHOTO: Yahoo Sports; Josip Šimunić(left) did a number on Gomez
Josip Šimunić started and played the full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in a 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich. Joe was at fault of the first goal after heading back a short cross from Schweinsteiger to the far post setting up Demichelis for the smash. In the 81st minute of play, Joe recieved his fourth yellow card of the season. Hoffenheim is now winless in 5 matches and have slipped down to eighth in the Bundesliga standings.
PHOTO: Yahoo Sports; Josip Šimunić(left) and Gomez go heads up
PHOTO: hsv.de; Mladen Petrić(left) scores first goal in almost 4 months
Mladen Petrić started and played the full 90 for Hamburg, registering his for Bundesliga goal in almost four months as Hamburg went on to beat Freiburg 2-0. Mladen scored from 10 yards out after Torun sent a pass into the middle of the area where Cha Du-ri misplayed the ball leaving Petrić all alone to finish.
PHOTO: bundesliga.de; Mladen Petrić(left) celebrates his goal against Freiburg
Hamburg have won their last three Bundesliga games and are unbeaten in their last five games. Even a tap in goal is a great confidence boost for the 29 year old Croatian international.
Mladen Petrić goal
"This goal was super important for me. I was out because of injury and haven't scored in such a long time. My last three matches before the break weren't terrible, but it feels good to score for the first time in a long time."
~Mladen Petrić after the match
PHOTO: AP; Ivica Banović(right) goes heads up with Hamburg
Ivica Banović started and played the full 90 for Freiburg in a 2-0 loss in front of 51,448 at HSH Nordbank Arena in Hamburg. Freiburg failed to register a single shot on goal and now see themselves inching close to relegation after going winless in their last four contests.
PHOTO: Schalke.de; Ivan Rakitić(center) celebrates winning goal
Schalke earned a narrow 1-0 win over Nurnberg at the Veltins Arena on Sunday as Croatian international Ivan Rakitić got the start. Ivan played the full 90 and came close to scoring in the ninth minute after Edu chested a ball down to him at the edge of the penalty area and he drove his shot wide of the post. Hopefully, Ivan will continue to get playing time for Schalke or is transfered before the winter transfer window comes to a close at midnight on January 31st.
PHOTO: Schalke.de; Ivan Rakitić gives Angelos Charisteas a piggyback ride
Italy
PHOTO: AP, Ivan Jurić in action against Roma
Genoa was handed a 3-0 defeat at the hands of hosts Roma on Sunday from the Stadio Olimpico with just under 32,000 fans in attendance. Ivan Jurić played the entire contest for his side, who currently sit in 12th place of the Serie A standings and host Bari this Wednesday.
PHOTO: acsiena.it, Mato Jajalo
A hat-trick from Ronaldinho gave AC Milan a 4-0 win at home over 10-man Siena on Sunday afternoon with 36,000 in attendance. Mato Jajalo started and was sacrificed for the backup keeper Gianluca Pegolo after Curci received a straight red in the 11th minute of play. With a lack of man-power, the match quickly turned into a one-sided affair, with Siena maintaining ball possession for only 35% of the time. With the loss, Siena remain at the bottom of the Serie A standings heading into next Sundays match at home against Cagliari.
Dario Knežević
Dario Knežević was not featured in in Livorno's lineup in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Cagliari.
France
PHOTO: olweb.fr; Dejan Lovren with a big koolaid smile
Dejan Lovren is officially Lyonnais! The deal is supposedly worth 8€ Million and up to 9,5€ million with performance bonuses; the contract is said to be for 4 1/2 years. Dejan is following a personalized preparation regime, and wasn't available in Lyon's 2-0 victory at Nancy on Saturday. No word as to when he’ll be ready for first team action.
PHOTO: olweb.fr; Dejan Lovren(left) first training with Lyon
Slaven Bilić had an interview with RMC(in French), giving his views of Lovren’s move to Lyon. The following is a translation of that chat:
RMC:What do you think of the recent arrival of Dejan Lovren at Lyon, a player who you’ve recently called-up to the national team?
Bilić: Dejan is a young player. I called him up to the NT last august. Even the people in Croatia were surprised by his selection. It’s his second season at the highest level. He was still playing with the youth squads in Croatia. But this season, he has progressed enormously. He has really stood out in defense at his club Dinamo Zagreb. He’s a great talent.
RMC:What are his principle qualities?
Bilić: He’s very fast. He has great physical capabilities. He also has a good aerial game due to his height(1,88m). What I mean to say is that he should develop along the lines of Corluka, Kovac or even Tudor more so than anyone else on the NT or the clubs. He has alot of class. He’s not a widely know player, but I think that Lyon has made a good move. Even if he did cost alot of money, he’s a good choice for Lyon for now, but above all, for the future.
RMC:Lovren, is he better in central defense or at fullback?
Bilić: He can play both postitions effectively. He made his debut with us on the NT at fullback, but his natural position is central defense. It is there where he is most effective, in my opinion.
RMC:A lot of European clubs wanted him, but Lovren finally opted for Lyon. Do you think this is a good choice for him?
Bilić: It’s a superb choice for him. Lyon is one of the best European clubs. Lyon is well known in Croatia because they regularly play in the Champions League. It’s a team that always plays good football. But the best thing for Lovren is that Lyon has a policy of playing talented youngsters. They have purchased many young players and they have become better due to interaction with more experienced players like Juninho and Cris. Players like Essien and Abidal come to mind, among others. For a young player, Lyon is one of the best clubs to sign with.
RMC:Lovren and Cris, are they compatible?
Bilić: For me, yes. I know there is alot of competition, but if Lovren gets a chance, he has everything he needs to play alongside Cris. Due to his experience, his talent and his leadership, Cris will be very important to Lovren. The two players should complement each other and mutually benefit from each other’s presence. In football, one never knows what can happen. But I know Lovren very well. I’ve followed him for a long time. For me, he has the qualties to win his place at Lyon very quickly.
PHOTO: RC Lens, Vedran(far left) shaking hands with Lorient
Vedran Runje and Lens were in action twice this week looking for their first victory of 2010. On Wednesday, Lens came up short against Lorient 2-1 in a round of 16 Coupe de la Ligue clash. Lorient advances to take on Dejan Lovren and Lyon on January 26th. On Saturday, Lens managed to come back a goal down in the second half to draw 1-1 with Rennes. Vedran played the full 90 in both matches and made three huge saves against Rennes.
PHOTO: RC Lens, Vedran(left) getting in a few laughs with Serb Dejan Milovanović before the Lorient match
Spain
PHOTO: lne.es, Mate Bilić
Sporting Gijon was defeated 3-2 by hosts Atletico Madrid from the Vicente Calderon Stadium in front of a crowd of 45,000. Mate Bilić started the match and was subbed out in the 65' for David Barral. Bilić was unable to bring his team level with their opponents and received a yellow card in the 45' of play. With the loss, Sporting Gijon sit in 9th place of the Spanish Primera Division as they head into next weekend's contest at home against Racing Santander.
Next Matches:
Wednesday, 1/20
Lyon at Lorient, Montpellier at Lens, Bari at Genoa, Bolton at Arsenal, Tottenham at Liverpool, Blackburn at Aston Villa(Carling Cup)
Friday, 1/22
TSG Hoffenheim at Bayern Munich, Stuttgart at Freiburg
Saturday, 1/23
Bayern Munich at Werder Bremen, Schalke 04 at VfL Bochum, Hamburg at Borussia Dortmund, Leeds United at Tottenham(FA Cup), Sheffield United at Bolton(FA Cup)
Sunday, 1/24
Lyon at Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen at Hoffenheim, Fiorentina at Palermo, Atalanta at Genoa, Napoli at Livorno, Cagliari at Siena, Racing Santander at Sporting Gijon, Club Brugge at Racing Genk, Arsenal at Stoke City(FA Cup)
Winter Breaks
Austrian Bundesliga resumes 2/13 T-Com 1.HNL resumes 2/20 Turkish Super Lig resumes 1/24 Ukrainian Premier league resumes 2/27
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California and Ivica Peroš reporting from the "Big Apple"
