With literally seconds left in injury time, Ivica Olić scored the game winner for Bayern Munich giving the German giants a 2-1 win over Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash. When Wayne Rooney scored off a set piece in the 2', United looked to have bunkered down on defense taking an Italian approach to the match- play for the 1-0 win. 
After Franck Ribery equalized for Bayern in the 77' off a deflected free kick, it looked like the two teams would be headed back to Old Trafford at 1-1. Olić had other plans. In the 92' he stole the ball from Patrice Evra's blindside and followed with a left-footed game-winner as he got Edwin van der Sar to lean the wrong way. Olić was a work horse the the entire match and had two other prime looks on goal.
Both Olić and Danijel Pranjić started for Bayern in front of a packed Allianz Arena for this match. Pranjić also played well with many crosses from the wings as well as a long range shot at goal before being subbed out late due to a minor knock.
Can Bayern duplicate this effort when they travel to Manchester come April 7th?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
OLIĆ STEALS VICTORY FOR BAYERN
Monday, March 29, 2010
CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE *XXXI*
England
There was double-duty all across Europe this week as leagues caught up with first division matches as well as 'cup' play. On Wednesday, Tottenham faced Fulham at White Hart Lane in a FA Cup quarterfinal replay. All three Croatians (Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar, Vedran Ćorluka) started for the Spurs with Modrić being the only one to complete the game. Fulham grabbed an early lead in the first half and went into halftime up 1-0.
Niko Kranjčar was subbed out at halftime for a lively David Bentley. Seconds after Bentley's arrival into the game, he delivered a swinging free kick from the wing that missed everybody including Fulham goalie Mark Schwarzer. Ćorluka may have gotten a hair on the ball. Tottenham equalized the match at 1-1 and didn't look back as they went on to win 3-1. They will now face off against a soon-to-be relegated Portsmouth side on April 11th at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinals.
Ćorluka had a rough day as he injured himself with a pretty bad looking twisted ankle five minutes into the second half. He tried to test it out on the sidelines with some light jogging but couldn't manage. He was subbed out immediately.
Luka Modrić has been controlling the tempo in midfield for Tottenham and has earned the respect of Premiership defenders. It looks like he finally got the hang of things in England. What plans does Harry Redknapp have for the Tottenham midfield come next season with their new acquisition, Sandro, from Brazilian club Internacional. Would Harry dare sell Modrić?
On Saturday, Tottenham took on Portsmouth in a sneak peak of their upcoming FA Cup semifinal clash. The Spurs easily took care of Pompey 2-0 with two first half goals; ironically both by ex-Portsmouth players, Kranjčar and Crouch. Modrić and Kranjčar both started the match while Ćorluka sat out with an injured ankle. From the looks of it he should be back next week.
Kranjčar scored a cheeky back heel goal when a Modrić shot was deflected in the box. Kranjčar was subbed out in the 67' with applause coming from all sections of White Hart Lane. Tottenham are in line to clinch a Champions League spot but will have to go through Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive weeks come late April.
Nikola Kalinić hasn't done much in recent weeks even though Blackburn has been winning games. Kale started on Wednesday against Birmingham in a 2-1 victory but only played the first half. On Sunday, Kalinić remained on the bench as an unused sub in a 1-0 away victory to Burnley. Will he finish out the season strong?
Ivan Klasnić came into the game against Manchester United in the 73' with the match already 2-0 in United's favor. Klasnić had one shot on goal which was blocked. United won the game 4-0. Where will Killer play next season?
Eduardo remained on the bench as an unused sub in Arsenal's disappointing 1-1 draw at Birmingham.
Germany
Bayern Munich slumped to a second straight defeat in the Bundesliga on Saturday, falling 2-1 to VfB Stuttgart at home. Ivica Olić started and played only the first half, putting the Bavarians in front in the 32nd minute of play. Ivica has now scored eight goals in 23 games for the Bundesliga Giants.
"For me I couldn't believe the decision to sub me out, especially after scoring the opening goal. I expected to go the distance. I am not upset, just disappointed. I will speak to the trainers and find an answer. This way I can't be satisfied."~Ivica Olić
Danijel Pranjić is finally starting to be in Louis van Gaal's plans, playing in six of the last seven matches for Bayern Munich after sitting on the pine for the previous nine. Danijel got the start for Bayern against VfB Stuttgart in front of 69,000 at Allianz Arena on Saturday. The 28 year old former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder made his presence felt, by assisting on the opening goal, bending a cross to Ivica Olić in the 32nd minute of play. Louis van Gaal had other plans in the second half and decided to give Danijel the rest of the day off.
"I knew that I would be subbed out at halftime. This was the agreement. I'm not thinking about leaving Bayern, because I would like to shine here in Munich. No one from Bayern has spoken to me about an exit. Maybe they have other plans, but I would like to stay."~Danijel Pranjić
Josip Šimunić saved Hoffenheim from yet another defeat with a remarkable counterattack goal in the 80th minute to split the points with Freiburg 1-1. Josip figured is strikers needed a hand, and right footed a shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner.
This was Joe's first goal of the season, and his tenth professional goal dating back to the Melbourne Knights in 1995. Joe has scored 3 goals for Hertha BSC and 3 times for Croatia. Let's not forget the three yellow cards in 2006.
Mladen Petrić had little to work with on Sunday as Hamburg fell 1-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach. Mladen started and played the full 90, failing to get a shot on target in front of 52,269 at Borussia-Park. The 29 year old Croatian international hasn't reached the net or assisted in seven straight games. Mladen will have a chance to redeem himself on Thursday in Europa League when Hamburg takes on Standard Liege.
Ivica Banović was left on the bench by Frieburg on Sunday in a 1-1 draw at Hoffenheim. Freiburg are fighting to stay in Bundesliga, staying in the relegation zone for a third straight week with only 24 points out of 28 games.
Ivan Rakitić started his 17th straight game for Schalke in a 2-0 win over powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Ivan played the full 90, picking up a sloppy yellow card in the 80th minute of play on a rough tackle. Schalke now find themselves atop the Bundesliga table, two points above Bayern München and three points above Bayer Leverkusen.
France
Vedran Runje and Lens were bombed for five goals for the first time this season, falling 5-1 at Nancy. Runje was at fault for the first goal, bobbling a long Nancy cross resulting in a first of three Dia goals. Vedran had no chance at the other four goals, as the Lens defense took a day off in the second half.
Dejan Lovren was left on the bench by Lyon for the second straight game and five of the last six matches. The 20 year old, former Dinamo Zagreb defender is still trying to adjust to French football. The League 1 championship will most likely come down to the final day of the season as the top six teams are only separated by three points.
Italy
Soon to be relegated Livorno were in action twice this week in Serie A. On Wednesday Dario Knežević and Livorno were in Milan where they were dominated from start to finish, falling 3-0 to Inter. Dario was subbed out in the 63rd minute and even managed a shot on goal. On Sunday, Livorno managed a point at home to Bari in front of only 7,000 at Armando Picchi stadium. Dario played the full 90, and only a "homeless crnac" can save Livorno from relegation.
Igor Budan continues to be used sparingly for Palermo, coming on in the 83rd minute on Saturday in a 3-1 Palermo win over Bologna, and being left on the bench on Wednesday in a 2-2 draw at Genoa. Igor is still trying to find a place in the hot Palermo squad getting limited playing time in the past ten games. Palermo find themselves in fourth place, trying to hold off Juventus and Napoli for a champions league spot next season. Will they have enough gas to make it to the end of the season?
Genoa and Siena battled to a 1-1 draw from the Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena with 13,000 in attendance. Mato Jajalo made a brief appearance for Siena, entering the contest in the 83' of play, while our old friend Ivan Jurić played the entire contest for Genoa, earning a yellow card in the 78'. 19th place Siena are away at Atalanta next weekend, while 9th place Genoa host Livorno. Will Mato be sold this summer if Siena gets relegated?
Spain
Mate Bilić scored the opening goal on Tuesday in Sporting Gijon's 2-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna. Sporting needed a 90th minute penalty to seal the game. It's good to see Bilić back on the board in the Spanish league.
On Sunday, Bilić and company travelled to Barcelona to take on Espanyol. Bilić started and played 84 minutes but couldn't get that all important goal as the match ended in a scoreless draw. Four points in one week- not bad for Sporting as they will stay up for next season.
Belgium
St-Truiden and Club Brugge battled to a 0-0 draw from the Staaienveld Stadium. Ivan Perišić was featured in the match, but was unable to draw enough offensive power to break the deadlock. As the season winds down, Club Brugge look certain to take 2nd place in the standings at earn a spot in next years UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. With 2 games left, they host KV Kortrijk next weekend before traveling to face first place Anderlecht in the last match of the season.
Turkey
Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale both started for Trabzonspor in a 2-1 loss at Kayerispor. Gabrić received a yellow card in the 13' and was subbed out for teammate Ceyhun Gulselam. The loss keeps Trabzonspor in 5th place as they head into next weeks contest against Ankaraspor.
Russia
Tomislav Dujmović was an unused substitute for Lokomotiv Moskow in a 2-1 loss to Spartka Moscow. No word on why Tomislav didn't play. Lokomotiv Moskow have now lost two of three games to start the Russian premierleague.
Ivica Križanac started and played the full 90 for Zenit St. Petersburg in a 2-1 victory at Dinamo Moscow. Ivica has started and played in all three games for the Russians this season. Zenit are currently in first place along with FK Rubin Kazan and Spartak Nalchik.
Ukraine
Dynamo Kyiv have got themselves back on the winning track with a convincing 3-0 victory over FC Metalist Kharkiv at the Lobanovskyy Dynamo stadium on Sunday.Ognjen Vukojević played the full 90 for Dynamo, rebounding from last Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at second-bottom side FC Zakarpattya.
Darijo Srna was in action for first place Shakhtar Donetsk at home to Arsenal Kyiv on Sunday. Darijo played a solid 72 minutes for Shakhtar, leading them to a 3-1 victory. With the win, Shakhtar find themselves atop the table with 55 points from 22 games, two points up on second placed Dynamo Kyiv.
Austria
Rapid Vienna thumped FC Karnten 4-2 from the Wortherseestadion in Austrian Bundesliga action. Nikica Jelavić played the entire match for Rapid, scoring the final goal of the match for his side in the 82'. Jelavić and company stay in 2nd place with the victory and are away at SV Josko Ried on April 9th.
Nikola Pokrivač was not featured in Red Bull Salzburg's lineup for a 6-1 victory over SV Mattersburg.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 3/30
Manchester United at Bayern Munich(Champions League)
Wednesday, 3/31
Barcelona at Arsenal (Champions League), KV Kortrijk at Club Brugge
Thursday, 4/1
Standard Liege at Hamburg(Europa League)
Saturday, 4/3
Wolverhampton at Arsenal, Tottenham at Sunderland, Blackburn at Portsmouth, Aston Villa at Bolton, Lyon at Stade Rennes, Bayern Munich at Schalke 04, VfL Bochum at Freiburg, Palermo at Catania, Livorno at Genoa, Siena at Atalanta, FC Karnten at Rapid Vienna, Club Brugge at Anderlecht, Zenit St Petersburg at CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Kyiv at Zarja Lugansk, Shakhtar Donetsk at Obolon Kyiv
Sunday, 4/4
Lens at Marseille, Hannover 96 at Hamburg, Hoffenheim at VfL Wolfsburg, Xerez at Sporting Gijon, Dinamo Moscow at Lokomotiv Moscow, Ankaraspor at Trabzonspor
~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California and Ivica Peroš reporting from the Big Apple
Saturday, March 27, 2010
CSR @ 2010 MLS OPENING MATCH
It's time we get Ivica some back stage passes so he can cover games at the new Red Bull Arena in New York.
22ND ROUND HNL RESULTS,CROATIAN CUP SEMIS
CSR's newest reporter, Rozalija Kučko, brings us post-game press conferences after the Dinamo-Hajduk first leg Croatian Cup semifinal match this past Wednesday at Maksimir. Hajduk manager, Stanko Poklepović, appears to be quite the character.
Hajduk is somewhat back on track after a poor showing against Varteks in Split. The Bili lost last weekend to Lokomotiva and managed a draw to Dinamo this past Wednesday in the Croatian Cup semifinals. If you watch the games chances below, you will see why Hajduk has been struggling- there is absolutely no finishing inside the box. But will a Croatian Cup championship be the only way Hajduk gets back into Europa League?
Mario Mandžukić scored two early goals for Dinamo as they trumped Inter 3-1. How many more goals will Mandza be able to score in a Dinamo shirt though? He's most certainly leaving this summer with English club Everton being the hottest rumor recently.
Friday, March 26, 2010
CSR TO INTERVIEW SETH SINOVIĆ
CroatianSoccerReport.com will be at the Home Depot Center tomorrow to cover Los Angeles Galaxy's home opener against the New England Revolution. Ante and I will be interviewing Seth Sinović, drafted in the second round (25th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by New England Revolution.
Sinović signs with Revolution
Our mission: We know nothing about this guy, except that he has a Croatian last name. We will uncover the truth about Seth Sinović and his Croatian roots.
We are hoping that a brief interview before the game can go on as planned while we ask you, the CSR reader, to give us some questions you would like answered by the Kansas born soccer player just as we did for the Igor Štimac and Andrew Bogut interviews.
Now I will give the members of Croatian Soccer Report (Prva Generacija) and others a chance to have their voice heard.
What question or questions do you have for Seth Sinović?
~Denis Svirčić, reporting from the Home Depot Center, Carson, California
Thursday, March 25, 2010
CSR'S NEWEST REPORTER RETURNS FROM EUROPE
Long time friend, Peter Hazdovac, started CSR off last week with a bang as he delivered pictures, match report and a masterful interview from White Hart Lane during the Tottenham Hotspur v. Blackburn Rovers match in North London. Since then, CSR has exploded in Croatian media covering Ivan Ljubičić's Indian Wells championship through the eyes of his fans and grabbing an exclusive interview with Milwaukee Bucks center and 2005 NBA first overall pick Andrew Bogut.
So what better way to end the festivities during CSR's busiest two weeks than to sit down with the man that started it all in London- Peter Hazdovac.
CSR would like to give a special thanks to Adrian Svirčić and Vacant Cranium Productions for their work on the Peter Hazdovac and Andrew Bogut videos.
Monday, March 22, 2010
CSR SITS DOWN WITH ANDREW BOGUT
It was said that when Roko Ukić left the NBA in 2009 for greener pastures in Turkey, that there was no longer any trace of Croatian blood in the league for the first time in almost two decades. Well let me tell you first hand- this is not true.
Andrew M. Bogut, an Australian-born Croat who was the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, was always known to have a Croatian background, even though no one thought much of it as he plays for team Australia. Bogut recently sat down with CSR to uncover his Croatian roots and show us exactly how Croatian he is.
Since the early 90's Croatia has had a handful of players in the NBA. Dražen Petrović showed up on the scene in 1989, followed by Stojko Vranković in 1990, with Toni Kukoč and Dino Rađa debuting in 1993. 2005 saw five players represent Croatia including Gordan Giriček, Mario Kasun, Toni Kukoč, Zoran Planinić and Bruno Šundov.
But when Roko Ukić left the Bucks earlier this season for the Turkish league, it seemed that for the first time in 20 years that Croatia would not be represented in the NBA. Not true! After doing some investigating, CroatianSoccerReport.com has learned that Miliwakee Bucks' center and the 2005 first overall pick, Andrew Bogut, is in fact Croatian.
Australian-born Bogut, who attended the University of Utah and who currently has a $10 million per year contract has most of his family in Croatia including his grandfather in Zagreb.
"I grew up in a Croatian home in Australia," said the 25-year-old Bogut. "I grew up speaking the language, eating the food, listening to the music and going to Croatian clubs every weekend in Australia," he said.
He rattles off Croatian artists in his iPod without hesitation. "I have everything from Thompson to Colonia, Zlatko Pejaković, Škoro....I pretty much have everything," he said, adding that he likes the old stuff as well. "I like Dugme."
"My father is from Osijek and my mom is from Karlovac," said Bogut in the visiting locker room before a recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers. "I still have a lot of family in Zagreb and Osijek. I go to Croatia every year. All the family and all the blood is there." He is even the godfather to his aunt's new baby in Croatia.
A rumor had it that Bogut even had a Dinamo tattoo on his back, however, he confirmed that although it's not true, he does have a tattoo that represents elements of Croatia. "I've got a mix of things, all mushed together," he said, including a depiction of the grb and Kralj Tomislav.
Bogut visits Croatia regularly and has even recently purchased an apartment in Novalja on the island of Pag. He says that he gets recognized when he visits Croatia but that he gets treated with respect. "People don't just run up to me, grab me, and want this and want that. People say hello and I talk to people just as a regular guy. I really respect the Croatian community and Croatia, especially for that, they are very respectful, but yeah, a lot of people know who I am. I stand out, I'm seven foot tall, so people kind of guess I'm basketball and they put two and two together and figure it out."
Bogut reveals that he almost went to Croatia to play for Cibona at the age of sixteen. "In Australia I ended up trying out for the league academy. My father and I made the decision that if I did not make that academy I was off to Croatia. I had it all planned out. I ended up making that academy so I did not go. It could have easily turned the other way."
In addition to being a huge fan of Dinamo, Bogut follows the Croatian National Soccer team and admits to rooting for them over Australia during the 2006 World Cup Match between the two teams. "It's a tough decision for me because it was Australia's first important game," he said of Australia's first World cup tournament in his lifetime.
He says he grew up supporting Croatia since 1998. "All of the sudden before the draw was even announced, I'm like, 'I bet you...' that they would get put together."
Even though Bogut was only teammates with Roko Leni Ukić for three short months, he says they got along and spent time together. "We were pretty close, we spoke Croatian, we got food and lunch and dinner on the road. I look forward to talking to him in Turkey" he said, where they will meet for the World Championships.
When asked whether he will visit Croatia after participating in the World Championships in Turkey, he replies, "Definitely. I just bought an apartment on Pag," he laughs.
Bogut proved that there is no doubt that he fell from the Croatian tree and that he is a representative of Croatia in the NBA. So put on your checkers and go root for him and the Bucks next time they come to town.
CROATIAN SOCCER REPORT ALL OVER CROATIA
Southern California Croatians were recognized by Croatian media today for coming through and cheering Ivan Ljubičić to the Indian Wells title. Special thanks to Marko Vidalina and Toni Roić. Also, without Dennis Fistonić, Danny Dabo, Nikica Barbić, Johnny Barbić, Nicole Hazdovac, Joe Marušić, Robby Matešić, and Jessica Carić none of this would be possible.
24 sata article
Sportske Novosti article
Večernji List article
Index.hr article
~Denis Svirčić reporting from San Pedro, CA
Sunday, March 21, 2010
IVAN THE GREAT COMES THROUGH IN THE DESERT
Croats from all over southern California were on hand today to cheer Ivan Ljubičić to victory over American Andy Roddick in straight sets 7-6(3) 7-6(5) at Indian Wells, California. Nine San Pedro Croatians joined Denis and Dennis in the stands annoying Andy Roddick supporters in the process and becoming overnight celebrities.
“Looking at my career in general, I did feel like I was missing it. It's really fantastic feeling to finally have it. It gives something special to your career. It's just another thing that after Davis Cup, Olympic medal and two Top 10 finishes, one Top 5 finish and now in Masters 1000, it makes everything look better actually.”
~Ivan Ljubičić, after the match
"What a great day, a great weekend. The match was absolutely fantastic, cherry on top for winning the tournament. Defeating Đoković, Nadal, and Roddick in sucession, who would have thought?
Ivan was so gracious after the match, shaking my hand, handing out one of his signature headbands, and thanking us for the support we gave him after his trophy presentation. It was truely a once in a lifetime experience, our faces being broadcasted throughout the world, and being mobbed by fans outside the stadium. What could be better? More importantly, sharing the moment with my fellow Hrvati is something you can't put a price on.
Congratulations to Ljubo for an unbelievable performance."
~Dennis Fistonić(HvarSplican)
After receiving word that my Grandmother in Brodarica, Croatia saw me on Dnevnik(Croatian news) hours before the match, it hit me that I was representing millions of Croatians world wide tuning in to this upcoming final match. Fistonić and I were on the phones all night Saturday and early Sunday recruiting Croatians from Los Angeles to make the 2.5 hour trip. All of our efforts paid off as nine Croatians joined us for without a doubt the biggest tennis party in Indian Wells history.
American fans were asking us to "cool down a little bit, we have sensitive ears", but their requests were politely denied. They tried to throw us off our game by saying "this isn't a soccer match." Fisto responded, "if I wanted to be quiet, I would sit in the air-conditioned press box." In the end they gave us respect, shook our hands and said "Ljubicic was better today."
During the match, we chanted "Ivane majstore, Ivane majstore", "Mi Hrvati, Mi Hrvati", "U boj, U boj", and "Hocemo pobjedu". We saved the best for last, calling for Ljubo with "javi se, javi se", resulting in him coming over gifting us with new headbands, shaking our hands, and thanking us for the support. One of the few true class acts in sports. Right after this we escorted Ivan with "Ivane Majstore", "Kup je naš" and we sang "neka pati koga smeta, Hrvatska je prvak svijeta." At this very moment, I realized that I came through for Croatia and that "my voice was heard."
After we exited the facility, dozens of people stopped us to take pictures and thanked us for a once in a lifetime experience. We continued to sing the rest of the way to the parking lot, even getting carried away in the men's room with an encore of "neka pati koga smeta, Hrvatska je prvak svijeta." The sad part is that Indian Wells is over, but the memories will last forever. I would like to thank Dennis Fistonić, as it takes two horses to equally pull the carriage. Danas je vidija svijet kako kuca Hrvatsko srce.
~Denis Svirčić
~Denis Svirčić and Dennis Fistonić reporting from Indian Wells, CA
CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE *XXX*
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a 'lite' edition of 'Croatians Around Europe' as Denis Svirčić covers Ivan Ljubičić in Indian Wells and Ante Kvartuč finalizes the Andrew Bogut interview for Monday night. Ivica Peroš has the weekend off.
England
All three Tottenham Croatians (Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar, Vedran Ćorluka) started and played 90 minutes for the Spurs on Saturday as they travelled to Stoke City to take on the Potters. The first half ended 0-0 with Kranjčar having the best chance at goal with a strike from outside the box. Substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen put Crottenham in front moments after halftime only to have an out-of-control (foreshadowing) Benoit Assou-Ekotto concede a penalty to Stoke City which levelled the game in the 64'.
It was Niko Kranjčar who supplied the game winner in the 77' as he absolutely destroyed a ball from 18 yards out after Gudjohnsen beautifully played a 'dummy' to him. Tottenham remain in the fourth place position with this win and should challenge for the last Champions League spot as the season reaches crunch time.
Luka Modrić had an average game as Kranjčar and Ćorluka stole the headlines.
Ćorluka and fellow Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto got into a verbal sparing match early in the second half after Assou-Ekotto shanked a shot wide for a corner kick. Assou-Ekotto shoved Ćorluka in the chest while yelling 'Fuck off!' at the Croatian. No cards were given out and both players finished the match without further incident. Does anyone know if there is any bad blood between these two?
"...Assou-Ekotto trudged towards the tunnel on his own, though. Maybe he was thinking about his challenge on Dave Kitson that gave away the penalty or his shoving match with Vedran Ćorluka over marking.
Redknapp said: ‘Charlie (Ćorluka) was upset that he didn’t come back and do his job. Benoit is a strange boy. He’s a bit highly strung and hardly speaks English. If you say something to him he’s hard work. He hasn’t improved his English in the couple of years he’s been here.’
Asked why the player had walked off on his own, Redknapp replied: ‘He didn’t know the result! He probably thought we’d drawn.
‘He’ll turn up Wednesday and play great, but he won’t know we’re playing Fulham until someone tells him. That’s how he is. He’s unreal. He walks off and he’s thinking about the music he’s going to play when he puts his headphones on.’..." -Thanks for the info Adrien
Germany
Ivan Rakitić once again played the full 90 for Schalke as they travelled up north to take on Mladen Petrić and Hamburg. Rakitić stepped up to the penalty spot in the 68' to put Schalke up 2-1. However, an equalizer in the 77' by Jonathan Pitroipa earned Hamburg a 2-2 draw that keeps Schalke one point behind Bayern Munich for the time being.
Mladen Petrić played the full match and only had an 88' full kick to his name that could have won the match for Hamburg. HSV are currently one point out of a Europa League spot with only seven games left in the Bundesliga season.
Danijel Pranjić got the start for Bayern Munich and played the first 65 minutes in a shocking 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. Bayern scored in the first 10 minutes and took their foot off the pedal as Frankfurt scored twice (87',89') to stun the Bavarian giants. Ivica Olić was not listed on the squad for the trip. Bayern have drawn Manchester United in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Josip Šimunić helped Hoffenheim get the clean sheet against Nurnberg as he played the entire game. He also received a yellow card in the scoreless draw.
Ivica Banović was an unused sub in Freiburg's 1-0 win over Mainz.
Ukraine
Darijo Srna secured a 2-0 away victory for Shakhtar Donetsk as he struck a beautiful free kick over the wall in the 57' against Zorya. The win puts Shakhtar on top of the Ukrainian League table by two points with Dynamo Kyiv having a game in hand.
Ognjen Vukojević played the full match in Dynamo's 1-1 draw with Metalurh Donetsk.
Vedran Runje posted five saves and a shutout for Lens in a scoreless draw vs. Sochaux.
Nikica Jelavić scored a late equalizing goal that earned Rapid Vienna a 1-1 draw against Sturm Graz.
Ivan Perišić added the second goal in Brugge's 4-1 win over Beerschot.
~Ante Kvartuč NOT reporting from Indian Wells,CA. I should have gone.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
CSR BACKS LJUBIČIĆ @ INDIAN WELLS
Team CSR was live at Indian Wells Tennis Garden Saturday afternoon to witness Ivan Ljubičić's 3-set tiebreak win over world #3 Rafael Nadal. The win puts Ljubičić in the 2010 BNP Paribas Open final against American Andy Roddick. The championship match on Sunday should bring back memories of the 2005 Davis Cup encounter between Croatia and U.S.A at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles where hundreds of Croatian fans showed up.
CSR writer Denis Svirčić and Dennis 'HvarSplićan' Fistonić were in attendance to root Ljubičić on against Nadal and will do it again on Sunday as Croatian reinforcements join them from Los Angeles.
Chants of "Ivane Majstore, Ivane Majstore", "Mi Hrvati, Mi Hrvati", and the singing of "Tu no llores mi querida" by Oliver Dragojevic and "Moja Domovina" filled the air at center court with 14,000 spectators on their feet. After the match, Svirčić and Fistonić were mobbed by fans requesting to take pictures.
Will it be enough for a Ljubičić victory?
Check your 'golf claps' at the door.
21ST ROUND HNL RESULTS
Hajduk had one of the most bizarre two goals scored against a soccer team that I have ever seen in a 2-1 loss to Lokomotiva. Goran Rubil rifled an attempted clearance right into his own Hajduk net in the 9th minute followed by a horrible flop called for a penalty in the 45'. It was an unlucky day for Hajduk and their supporters as they don't make up any ground in the table while praying for a Europa League spot. Torcida, the church doors open at 6 AM sharp!
CroatianSoccerReport.com welcomes Rozalija Kučko to the team as a Prva Liga correspondent based out of Zagreb. She interviewed Hajduk manager Stanko Poklepović this past weekend in Croatia's capital and will be on hand at Maksimir when Dinamo takes on Hajduk this Wednesday in the first leg of the Croatian Cup semifinals.
Next Matches: Croatian Cup Semis
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Šibenik - Varteks
