36 year-old Robert Kovač has called it a career after a successful 19 season stint in European club football. Kovač transferred to Dinamo Zagreb from Borussia Dortmund last summer and played in 20 games for the Croatian champions on his way out. He started with Hertha Zehlendorf and Nuremberg before going to German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. Kovač had a stint with Italian side Juventus from 2005-2007 where he only played in 35 games before returning to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund in late 2007.
Robert Kovač retires almost exactly one year after older brother Niko retired from club football. Robert played in 84 matches for Croatia from 1999-2009 which included two World Cups and two Euro championships. His leadership alongside brother and captain Niko Kovač is something that is still missing from the current Croatian side since the two left. Robert's international career ended indirectly when he received a red card in the first half of Croatia's World Cup qualifier against England at Maksimir in September of 2009 when he elbowed Joe Cole in the head.
WILL THE KOVAČ BROTHERS BECOME COACHES FOR CROATIA DOWN THE ROAD?
This video was shot on May 22nd; two hours after the Champions League FINAL on the strand in Hermosa Beach, Ca. CSR thanks Andrej for his insight on soccer, handball and global warming.
As expected, Inter Milan manager José Mourinho bunkered down and 'parked the bus in front of the net' after Diego Milto opened up the scoring in the 34'. Even though Bayern Munich controlled possession for 70% of the match, Ivica Olić and the rest of his offense couldn't break the Inter defense. Olić had one good look at goal early in the first half but botched the opportunity as he hit wide. Referee Howard Webb missed an obvious handball in the box when Maicon handled the ball, not once but twice, on the same play in the first 15 minutes of the match. Danijel Pranjić remained on the bench as an unused sub but he surely would have done better than Altintop.
Olić was shut down, Robben was shut down and the presence of Franck Ribery was deeply missed. But in the end, the best team won. Inter Milan arguably defeated the best two clubs in the world: Barcelona and Chelsea and deserve the Champions League title. What Olić and Arjen Robben did for Bayern Munich on their way to the Champions League Final was magical and will not be forgotten.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
TEAM CSR caught the game at Alpine Village amongst Germans, Italians and dozens of pitchers of Hefeweizen. It was a great place to watch the game as the atmosphere was festive and energetic. Feel free to join us at Alpine Village next month for World Cup games.
Bayern Munich face Inter MilanTODAY at 2:45PM (ET) at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain where the 2010 European champion will be crowned. Ivica Olić will surely get the start up top for Bayern while Danijel Pranjić's fate is still unknown regarding a starter's role. This is arguably the biggest game any Croatian has ever took part in.
WILL A CROATIAN LIFT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CUP?
FOX WILL CARRY THE MATCH ON REGULAR TELEVISION IN THE STATES
Team CSR will be at Alpine Village in Torrance, Ca rooting alongside the dozens of Germans that will also be pulling for Bayern. If you have any photos or video during the Champions League FINAL, please send it in to CroatianSoccerReport@gmail.com and we will put it up on CSR later that day.
IN INTERNATIONAL NEWS...
NIKE'S NEW WORLD CUP COMMERCIAL
How big is the World Cup? Big enough to get Didier Drogba, Fabio Cannavaro, Franck Ribery, Wayne Rooney, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Roger Federer, Ronaldinho, Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Homer Simpson in a three-minute commercial. Ronaldinho made the cut even though he didn't make the 2010 Brazilian squad. Sorry bud.
Maybe Luka Modrić will partake in the 2014 version.
Ivica Olić with wife Natalie after winning the German Cup
Newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, were convincing 4-0 winners over Werder Bremen in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday afternoon. Ivica Olić started and played 81 minutes for the Bavarian Giants, scoring a "typical Ivica Olić" goal in the 51st minute of play, tapping in a lose ball in the box in front of 72,954 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Ivica Olić, far right, scoring for Bayern against Werder Bremen
Bayern can complete a rare treble in Louis van Gaal's first season as coach if it beats Inter Milan in the European Champions League final next Saturday in Madrid. This was only the eight time ever that Bayern have secured two trophies in one season. Bayern extended its record German Cup titles to 15, one week after winning its 22nd league championship on the last day of the season. Both Inter Milan and Bayern Munich will be aiming for that rare feat this season, a treble of trophies.
"We do not want just one trophy, but all three," he said. "This is a chance which doesn't come along that often in life, but it will not be easy. I will give everything to make that happen."~Ivica Olić
Ivica Olić, far right, scoring for Bayern against Werder Bremen
Danijel Pranjić was left on the bench for Bayern Munich by Louis van Gaal in Saturday's 4-0 victory over Werder Bremen. Danijel will be available for Bayern next Saturday for the Champions League final against Inter Milan and will most likely look on off the bench.
France
Dejan Lovren
Dejan Lovren watched from the sidelines this week as Lyon qualified for the Champions League after posting a 3-0 win over Monaco on Wednesday and a 2-0 win over Le Mans on Saturday. Lyon pipped AJ Auxerre and Lille for second place in League 1, just six points behind champion Marseille. Dejan has received mixed reviews since joining Lyon last winter from Dinamo Zagreb. The 20 year old Croatian international will have a chance to show his worth next year in Champions League.
PHOTO: RCLens; Vedran Runje
Vedran Runje sat out the final game for Lens on Saturday, a 4-3 home victory over Bordeaux. Lens finished the season with 12 wins, 12 draws, and 14 losses and an 11th place finish. Vedran was still selected by Slaven Bilić for the upcoming Croatian friendlies starting on Wednesday in Klagenfurt, but will have to watch from the sidelines as Danijel Subašić was selected to start.
PHOTO: AP; Igor Budan might have played his final game in a Palermo shirt
Igor Budan and Palermo were in action against Atalanta knowing that a victory and a Sampdoria slip up would gift them a champions league spot next season. Palermo did their part, winning 2-1 thanks to a 95 minute penalty kick by Edison Cavani. However, all Sampdoria needed was a 51st minute goal from Giampaolo Pazzini to take care of Napoli 1-0 and qualify for Champions League. Igor came on in the 64th minute for Abel Hernandez and finished what looks to be his final match for Palermo. The 30 year old, former Croatian will be looking for a new club this summer as Palermo will be looking in a new direction for next season.
PHOTO: AP; Mato Jajalo in action against Inter
Mato Jajalo and Siena were on center stage in the football world on Sunday as they tried to prevent Inter from winning a fifth straight scudetto. Inter Milan dominated from start to finish, enjoying a 73% possession advantage, but only managing a 1-0 victory at Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena. Mato started the match and played the full 90 for Siena, who will be playing in serie B next season. Mato has been called up by Dražen Ladić for the upcoming U-21 qualifier against Slovakia.
Mato received an impressive grade of 7 from goal.com:
"One of Siena's most impressive players today, he created quite a few opportunities and almost found the back of the net on two occasions. One of the few players this season to skin Zanetti."
Dario Knežević was left home by Livorno for a third straight week in Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Parma. Livorno finish off the season in last place and will be playing Serie B ball next season. The only question now is whether or not Dario will be looking for a transfer this summer. Even though Croatia are thin in defense, I think Dario would fall out of Slaven Bilić's plans if he were to play in Serie B next season.
FINAL SERIE A STANDINGS
Russia
CROATIAN MIDFIELDER TOMISLAV DUJMOVIĆ
On Tuesday, Tomislav Dujmović played the full match and scored the equalizing goal for Lokomotiv Moscow in a 1-1 draw against Spartak Nalchik. Then on Saturday, Dujmović went the distance in a 2-0 win over FK Amkar Perm. Lokomotiv have started the season off slow as they currently sit in 8th place.
Dujmović looks good as will be playing for a starting spot in the three Croatian friendlies. He is directly battling Ognjen Vukojević for that sole defensive midfielder's spot. Will he get it?
DUJMOVIĆ GOAL
Ivica Križanac remained on the bench for Zenit St. Petersburg in their 2-0 win over FK Amkar Perm last Monday. Zenit currently sit atop the Russian Premier League as they head into their summer break. This may be the last we see of Križanac on Croatians Around Europe as he's retired from the Croatian National Team.
Austria
RED BULL CELEBRATE 2ND STRAIGHT TITLE
Nikola Pokrivač witnessed Red Bull Salzburg grab their second consecutive domestic title from the bench on Thursday, in a 2-0 win over Sturm Graz. Pokrivač has not been utilized in recent months for Red Bull and his play has been suspect since the England match when he finally does step on the field. Hopefully a nice long summer break does Pokrivač good.
A CONFUSED JELAVIĆ HAS HIS FUTURE TO THINK ABOUT
Nikica Jelavić and Rapid Vienna ended their season on a winning note, defeating SV Mattersburg 3-1 on Thursday. Jelavić played the entire match but did not score a goal. The win was not enough to propel Rapid above Austria Vienna or Red Bull Salzburg on the last day of the season as they both won as well. Jelavić has been rumored with a move out of Austria in the summer which should happen, but where will he land?
FINAL AUSTRIAN BUNDESLIGA STANDINGS
Spain
SPORTING GIJON'S #9 MATE BILIĆ
Mate Bilić was not part of the Sporting Gijon squad on the last day of the season as they fell to Racing Santander 2-0. Bilić finished the season with five goals in 31 appearances. He received 14 starts for Gijon in the 2009-10 season. Bilić has been rumored to be leaving for England in the summer but not even the whispers are concrete. Has he played his last game in Spain?
2009-10 FINAL SPANISH TABLE
Turkey
Hrvoje Čale closed out the Turkish season for Trabzonspor by playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce. Drago Gabrić did not feature in this match. Trabzonspor finish the season in 5th place with help from the two Croatians and will enter next year's Europa League tournament because of their Turkish Cup victory.
2009-10 FINAL TURKISH STANDINGS
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from San Pedro, CA
Ivica Olić and Bayern Munich returned to Bavaria this past week after being crowned 2009-10 German Bundesliga Champions on Saturday in Berlin. As you see in the video below, Bayern had an awkward celebration atop a balcony led by Franck Ribery. It's wasn't until the end of the festivities where things were finally spiced up by Olić, as he doused a reporter with a full beer.
Bayern still have two games left in their season: DFB Pokal (German Cup) Final in Berlin on May 15th against Werder Bremen; followed by the mother of all club football matches, UEFA Champions League FINAL versus Inter Milan on May 22nd.
Ivica Olić started for Bayern Munich in their last Bundesliga match of the season; and he didn't disappoint. Olić opened up the the scoring in the 20' with a beautiful left footed strike that hit just inside the far post. The man has been on fire all season. He was subbed out in the 78th minute for Ribery in a 3-1 win that officially crowned Bayern Munich champions of Germany.
Bayern Munich still have two important matches this season. The DFB Pokal (German Cup) Final against Werder Bremen on May 15th and the Champions League FINAL versus Inter Milan on May 22nd. Will Bayern be able to pull of the Treble?
Ivica Olić, 11th Bundesliga goal
THE FOLLOWING PICTURES COVER BAYERN'S CELEBRATION OF THEIR BUNDESLIGA TITLE!
Danijel Pranjić(second from left) celebrating Bayern championship
Danijel Pranjić came on at halftime for Mark Van Bommel. Danijel has had a rough time breaking into the heavily talented Bayern Munich side this season. Danijel is still adjusting to life in the Bundesliga after spending four years in the Eredivisie. Hopefully, Danijel will get a chance for Croatia as a left midfielder and become a regular at Bayern next season.
Bayern Celebration
PHOTO: Schalke04.de; Ivan Rakitić(left) modeling new Schalke kit
Croatian international, Ivan Rakitić started and played the full 90 for Schalke in a 0-0 draw with Mainz. Schalke gifted Bayern Munich the Bundesliga crown last weekend after losing to Werder Bremen, settling for second place and a spot in the Champions league next season. There are rumors coming out of London that Germany international, Michael Ballack will be joining Ivan at Schalke next season. We will keep you posted as this story develops. Ivan finished the season with seven goals and two assists in 27 games for Schalke. How do you feel about Ivan playing a defensive midfielder's role with either Vukojević or Dujmović for Croatia?
PHOTO: HSV.de; Mladen Petrić(right) in action against Werder Bremen
Hamburg's disappointing season came to an end on Saturday in a 1-1 draw to Werder Bremen. Hamburg missed out on Champions League and Europa League next season, and fell to Fulham in this year's Europa League semifinals. Mladen Petrić started and played the full 90 for Hamburg and failed to register his ninth goal of the season. Hamburg have clearly missed the services of Ivica Olić, which put some of the pressure off of Mladen last season.
PHOTO: Hoffenheim; Josip Šimunić hustling in the last game of the season
Yellow card master, Josip Šimunić, picked up his 13th yellow card of the season for Hoffenheim on Saturday in a 1-1 draw to VfB Stuttgart. Joe finished one shy of Arturo Erasmo Vidal Pardo of Bayer Leverkusen for the Bundesliga yellow card crown. All joking aside, Joe has had a great season with Hoffenheim, and should continue to start for Croatia in their quest to qualify for EURO 2012.
PHOTO: Dundesliga.de; Ivica Banović(left) back in the mix for Freiburg against Borussia Dortmund
Ivica Banović made a rare start for Freiburg on Sunday, playing only 58 minutes in a 3-1 victory over powerhouse Borussia Dortmund. Ivica has been in the doghouse for Freiburg the last month or so, coming off the bench only twice in the last eight games of the season. Ivica finished with four goals and two assists in 25 games for Freiburg. More importantly, Freiburg will be back in Bundesliga next season.
FINAL BUNDESLIGA STANDINGS
England
MODRIĆ RIFLES A SHOT FOR THE 2-0 LEAD
Luka Modrić played the entire season finale as Tottenham travelled to Turf Moor to take on an already relegated Burnley side. There was still an automatic Champions League spot to play for as a Tottenham win and an Arsenal loss would see the Spurs enter the group stage next season without having to qualify. Tottenham went into the locker room at half time with a 2-1 lead, with Modrić scoring the second goal on a wicked left-footed shot from inside the box that went upper-V.
Tottenham must have caught the Arsenal score at halftime (3-0 for Arsenal) because they completely folded during the second half. Burnley went on to score three goals in the last 45 minutes of their Premiership season to win 4-2. Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka have not been part of the Spurs side for weeks due to ankle injuries. We wish them both a speedy recovery for the beginning of the Premier League season in August and for Euro 2012 qualifying in September.
WHERE WAS THIS LUKA MODRIĆ SHOT ALL SEASON?
IS THIS KILLER'S LAST CELEBRATION AT THE REEBOK?
Ivan Klasnić played the entire match and scored the game-winning goal in what might be the last game he ever plays on English soil. Bolton went on to win 2-1 after Birmingham missed a penalty kick late. Rumors have Klasnić going back to second division French club Nantes. But we all know he still has some gas left in the tank. What should he do?
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS & KLASNIĆ GOAL
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has confirmed he would like Ivan Klasnić to stay at the Reebok Stadium. Coyle said:
''It has been stop-start for Ivan because of injuries but when he is fit I know what he brings to the team. If it is possible to do something financially then we will be in there pitching. It is not as black and white as saying, come on board.
''He is a player I like, he loves being at the club. I had a chat with him last week and I think you have have seen from his performance today he wants to be here. ''If the finance was right then I want to have him. He is a good player, a lovely guy. He is a character and the boys like him. You can never have enough goalscorers in your club. That is an area we need to be looking to improve.''
Nikola Kalinić remained on the bench as an unused sub in Blackburn's 1-0 victory over Aston Villa to close out the season. We can't wait to see what the kid can do next season with all the knowledge he gained this year.
Eduardo was not listed on the 18-man roster for Arsenal on Sunday when the Gunners defeated Fulham 4-0 to earn an automatic spot in next season's Champions League group stage. Eduardo needs to be loaned out this summer. But which club would suit him best?
FINAL PREMIERSHIP STANDINGS FOR 2010
Ukraine
WHERE IS DARIJO SRNA?
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk have won the 2009-10 Ukrainian title with a 1-0 win over hated rivals Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday. Srna played the entire match and lifted the trophy first as captain in front of a packed house at Donbass Arena in Donetsk. Srna sat out Sunday's season finale as Shakhtar defeated Tavriya Symferopol 3-2. Will this be the last time we see Srna in Ukraine?
Srna has won Ukrainian league titles, Ukrainian Cups and even a UEFA Cup as Shakhtar captain. Is it finally time for the Croatian to leave?
VUKOJEVIĆ PLAYING INNOCENT
Ognjen Vukujević played the full match and received a yellow card in Dynamo Kyiv's loss to Shakhtar on Wednesday and was booked again on Sunday in a 3-0 win over Metalurg Zaporizhya. This means that Dynamo will have one round of qualifying before they can enter Champions League group stage next season. Dynamo go into the summer break with no new hardware to show off. Should Vukojević try to transfer- maybe to a German club?
Italy
PHOTO: AP; Igor Budan after missing last second shot at goal
Igor Budan and Palermo might have missed on Champions League after a 1-1 draw to Sampdoria on Sunday. Budan came on in the 79th minute for an injured Fabrizio Miccoli and had his only chance at goal sail wide of the target in the closing seconds of the game. 38,000 were on hand at Renzo Barbera for the final home game in Palermo. On Sunday, Palermo must get a victory over Atalanta and pray that Sampdoria lose to Napoli to confirm a Champions League spot next season.
Igor received a grade of 5 from goal.com, "Missed a great opportunity to win the game,after Storari saved from Pastore."
Budan missed game winner in closing seconds 3:09
PHOTO: AP; Mato Jajalo in action against Palermo
Mato Jajalo came on in the 59th minute for Albin Ekdal, helping Siena hang on to a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina in front of 29,378 at Artemio Franchi. Siena were already relegated last week and will most likely be forced to sell Mato sometime during the summer transfer. Mato has been called up by Dražen Ladić for the upcoming U-21 qualifier against Slovakia.
Dario Knežević was left home by Livorno for a second straight week in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Lazio. Livorno, already relegated to Serie B, are most likely playing their youngsters and will sell Dario during the summer transfer. Dario has been called up by Slaven Bilić for the upcoming friendlies at the end of the month, which should spark some interest from other club teams.
SERIE A STANDINGS
France
PHOTO: RCLens; Runje will be in street clothes the rest of the season for RC Lens
Vedran Runje is out for the rest of the year for Lens. Vedran was still selected by Slaven Bilić for the upcoming Croatian friendlies at the end of the month. Still too soon to tell if Vedran will be fit for any of those games.
Dejan Lovren started and played the full 90 for Lyon, which needed an injury time goal from Dianbobo Balde to draw 2-2 with Valenciennes and keep their champions league hopes alive. Lyon will need to win their final two matches to have any chance at Champions league.
LIGUE 1 STANDINGS
Spain
MATE BILIĆ PRE-GAME
Mate Bilić got the start on Saturday as his Sporting Gijon club hosted Atletico Madrid. Bilić only had one good look at goal during the match; a blocked shot in the 8th minute. Bilić was subbed out in the 87' of this 1-1 affair. With the point, Sporting Gijon are safe to return to the Spanish first division next year as they earned enough points to dodge relegation.
Belgium
Ivan Perišić and Club Brugge had two matches this week to close out the Belgian season. With a Champions League qualifying spot on the line, Perišić played the full match on Wednesday in an easy 3-0 win over Zulte-Waregem. With the win, Brugge would only need a draw against Gent on Saturday to play in Champions League. That dream quickly disappeared as Brugge lost 6-2. Perišić scored a goal and received a yellow card in the process.
Club Brugge will now be entered in the third qualifying round of Europa League for next year. It's actually a blessing in disguise that they lost the game against Gent. Club Brugge is a Europa League team at best. If they qualified for Champions League, they would have to play teams like Zenit, Ajax or Dynamo Kyiv where they would most likely be ousted immediately, thus ending their European season before it even began. Perišić could be a hot commodity this summer. Is this the last we see of the young Croatian in Belgium?
2010-11 EUROPA LEAGUE 3RD QUALIFYING GROUP
Russia
PHOTO: Lokomotiv, Lokomotiv's Tomislav Dujmović
Tomislav Dujmović once again played the full 90 for Lokomotiv Moscow in a 1-0 home loss to Saturn on Wednesday. With the loss, Lokomotiv have registered only one win in the last five matches and drop to ninth place. We should see Tomislav sporting the checkers next Wednesday against Austria.
Ivica Križanac and the Zenit St. Petersburg showed up to play on Thursday in a 3-1 home victory over Spartak Nalchik, sending them to the top of the Russian premier league, three points ahead of second place Spartak Nalchik.
Zenit St. Petersburg 3-1 Spartak Nalchik
Ivica played the full 90 minutes and was on his way to another shutout when second half substitute Nikita Malyarov registered a consolation goal in the final minute. The victory was Zenit’s third in a row in the league and means they remain unbeaten after nine matches, with six wins and three draws.
RUSSIAN PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS
Austria
JELAVIĆ COOLING DOWN AFTER A HOT SEASON
Nikica Jelavić played the entire match against city rivals Austra Vienna on Wednesday in a 1-0 loss. The result drops Rapid Vienna to third place in the Austrian Bundesliga. This is the first time since February that Rapid has been blanked for a loss. They have however secured a Europa League spot.
Jelavić scored the fourth and final goal in Rapid's 4-1 win over Sturm Graz on Sunday. He has outgrown the Austrian Bundesliga. I think a move to a midtable German side would suit him best.
Nikola Pokrivač was not featured in Red Bull Salzburg's 2-0 loss to Kapfenberg on Tuesday or their 1-0 loss to Austria Wien on Sunday. What's going on with Mr. Blanket?
AUSTRIAN TABLE. ONLY 1 GAME LEFT.
Turkey
TRABZONSPOR PARADES IN ŞANLIURFA WITH TURKISH CUP
Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale helped Trabzonspor score a Turkish Cup on Wednesday night as they beat Fenerbahce 3-1. The Croatians have been very productive this season for the Turkish club and will now play in the playoff round of Europa League next season.
Hrvoje Čale was subbed into Trabzonspor's 2-1 win over Denizlispor in the 71st minute. Drago Gabrić did not feature.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 5/11
Lokomotiv Moskow at Spartak Nalchik
Wednesday, 5/12
AS Monaco at Lyon
Thursday, 5/13
SV Salzburg at Sturm Graz, Rapid Vienna at SV Mattersburg
Saturday, 5/15
Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen @Berlin(DFB Pokal Final), Le Mans at Lyon, Bordeaux at Lens, FK Amkar Perm' at Lokomotiv Moskow, Trabzonspor at Fenerbahce
Sunday, 5/16
Sporting Gijon at Racing Santander, Livorno at Parma, Palermo at Atalanta, Inter at Siena
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from San Pedro, CA
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