CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE *XXXII*

England

MODRIĆ WATCHES ON AS GOMES SAVES PK

Tottenham had a long day on Saturday as they were absolutely outplayed at the Stadium of Light in a 3-1 loss to Sunderland. Luka Modrić got the start for the Spurs and played the entire match while Niko Kranjčar was subbed in at halftime. Vedran Ćorluka did not make the trip as he stayed in London to nurse his injured ankle. Reports say that he should be available for Tottenham's FA Cup semifinal match against Portsmouth on April 11th.

Sunderland got off to a quick start as they scored in the first minute off a corner kick. In the 29th minute, Ćorluka's replacement Kyle Walker was called for a handball in the box which ex-Spur Darren Bent converted. Even Modrić got in on the drama in the 41' when he appeared to apply slight contact on Sunderland's 'Thespian of the Month' Fraizer Campbell. Bent stepped up to the spot again but had his shot blocked by Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes.

KRANJČAR HAD A BETTER WEEK AT PRACTICE

Modrić looked wild the entire match as he kept running full speed into defenders without any thought of passing the ball. Kranjčar could only do so much as the entire Tottenham squad was 'out of it' during the match. Even though Bent missed yet another PK and Crouch put Tottenham within one in the second half, it was not enough as Sunderland capped the game late to end a miserable day for the Spurs. It's not going to get any easier as Tottenham's next three Premiership matches are against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester City have momentarily taken fourth spot in the league table.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS , MODRIĆ FOUL 2:23

EDUARDO IN ACTION AGAINST THE WOLVES

Eduardo received a much needed start as Arsenal hosted Wolverhampton on Saturday. In a must win game to stay in the title race, Arsenal was blessed by a last second goal from substitute Nicklas Bendtner to squeak by the Wolves 1-0. Eduardo had a fantastic shot on goal within five minutes but had it blocked by an alert Marcus Hahnemann and then had an open look on frame in the 12' but completely botched the opportunity. He looked nervous and he most importantly looked like he didn't have the ability to shoot with his right foot. He was subbed out in the 79th. Eduardo, what's going on buddy?

KILLER GOT SOME CHANCES AGAINST VILLA

Ivan Klasnić was subbed into Bolton's home match against Aston Villa in the 57' with the score 1-0 in favor of the Villains. Klasnić managed to get off three shots on goal but none were good enough to equalize. Klasnić hasn't had any magic in the past two months. He is back to mediocre status with his loan spell ending in a few weeks time. Killer needs to score a few goals if he wants to play somewhere decent after a successful season thus far.

Nikola Kalinić came on for the last 10 minutes of Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth. Kalinić did not manage a shot on goal and has received less playing time in the past few weeks. Time to produce and end the season well Kale.

Germany

PHOTO: Bayern; Ivica Olić(right) in action against Schalke

What a week for Ivica Olić and Bayern Munich. First, on Tuesday, Bayern come from behind and take down Manchester United 2-1 with a game winner from our very own Ivica Olić. Then on Saturday, Bayern go into Gelsenkirchen and took down Schalke 04 with the same result to pip them for first place in the Bundesliga.


PHOTO: AP; Ivica Olić signing autographs at Manchester Airport

Ivica Olić started and played the full 90 in Champions League, hustling and grinding out every play to finally be rewarded a game winning goal giving Bayern the slight advantage heading into Manchester on Wednesday. ManU-Bayern

Ivica was rewarded with another start against then league leading Schalke over the weekend and came through once again. The 30 year old Croatian international, found himself open down the left sideline and his cross found Thomas Müller for the game winner. Mario Gomez came in for Ivica in the 70th minute of play. Look for Olić to start on Wednesday in Manchester.


PHOTO: AP; Ivica Olić(right) and Danijel Pranjić at Manchester Airport on Tuesday going up

Goal.com gave Ivica a grade of 7 against Schalke, "Very unselfish play for the second goal and worked really hard sometimes deep in to his own half."


PHOTO: bundesliga.de; Pranjić(right) in action against Manchester United

Danijel Pranjić is starting to look like his old self last season at Herenveen, playing in eight of the last nine matches for the Bavarian Giants. Danijel started and played 88 minutes for Bayern against Manchester, played well defensively and distributed the ball confidently. On Saturday, Danijel came on in the 67th minute for Franck Ribery and helped Bayern hold on to a 2-1 lead. It is unfortunate that Croatia will not be featured at the World Cup this summer as both Ivica and Danijel have been playing top notch football against some of the best teams in the world.

Goal.com gave Danijel a grade of 6.5, "Helped the cause both defensively and in attack. Helped hold and run the ball."

PHOTOS: AP; Mladen Petrić, goal against Standard Liege on Thursday in Europa league

Mladen Petrić came through for Hamburg in Liga Europa on Thursday converting on a 43rd minute penalty and leading the Rothosen to a 2-1 home victory over Standard Liege. Mladen played 70 minutes and was taken off after pulling a groin muscle. The return leg is on Thursday in Belgium with the winner set to face either Fulham or Wolfsburg in the semifinals. Hamburg sure missed Mladen on Sunday, as they were unable to score against bottom dwellers Hannover 96, splitting the points in a 0-0 draw. Still early to tell if Mladen will be fit on Thursday for Europa League.

PHOTO: Schalke04.de; Ivan Rakitić(right) in action against Bayern

Croatian manager Slaven Bilić has recently brought on the idea of using Ivan Rakitić as a solution to the absence of former captain Niko Kovač. The way Ivan has been played the past few months or so, the 22 year old might get a shot in the upcoming friendlies in May.

Ivan started and played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich on Saturday in front of 61,673 at the Veltins-Arena. Bayern snapped Schalke's 11 match home unbeaten streak. The swiss born Croat showed very little on Saturday, receiving only a 5.5 from goal.com, "Would have been disappointed with his passing and set plays, which he is normally so good at."

Wolfsburg took advantage of the suspension of Josip Šimunić and bulldozed Hoffenheim 4-0 on Sunday. Hoffenheim are now winless in five games and managed to score only one goal during that time. Even at 32 years of age, Šimunić is still solid in defense which was clearly demonstrated today in his absence. Joe has made it clear that he still has one more tournament left in him and will retire from the national team in 2012.

Ivica Banović has been the forgotten man in Freiburg as of late, as the former Croatian international hasn't been featured in the last three games. However, Freiburg are now unbeaten in three matches, but need to start winning games if they want to stay in Bundesliga next season. Freiburg remains three points back of Bochum and Nürnberg in fight for relegation.

France

PHOTO: RCLens; Runje didn't have enough reach in him to keep out lone goal

Vedran Runje and Lens were on the losing end once again falling 1-0 to Marseille in front of 54,839 at Stade Vélodrome. Vedran started and played the entire game making two key saves keeping Lens in the game. However, a 22 minute Brandao header caught Runje by surprise and gave Marseille the deserving three points. Runje is limited by his height and it clearly showed on Sunday failing to reach Brandao's header.

Marseille-Lens highlights

PHOTO: AP; Dejan Lovren(right) in action against Stade Rennes

Dejan Lovren started for only the second time in seven games for Lyon in a 2-1 victory at Stade Rennes on Saturday. Dejan played the full 90 minutes and committed three fouls. With Auxerre slipping up at the weekend, Lyon find themselves at the top of the table with Auxerre and Montpellier. Lyon have a difficult schedule in the next week or so, away to Bordeaux twice and a home match with title contending Lille.

Ukraine

PHOTO: Shakhtar.com; Dario(right) in action against Obolon Kyiv

Darijo Srna started and played the full 90 minutes, scoring off a beautiful free kick in the 51st minute giving Shakhtar a 1-0 victory over Obolon Kyiv on Saturday. Shakhtar have now registered ten straight Ukrainian Premier League victories after falling 3-0 to Dynamo on November 21st last year. Dynamo Kyiv remain two points back of Shakhtar in the fight for first.

Srna is back to his old tricks

PHOTO: Dynamo; Vuki(right) celebrating goal over Zorya Luhansk

Ognjen Vukojević was in action for Dynamo Kyiv on Saturday, playing the full 90 and shutting out Zorya Luhansk 2-0. With the victory Dynamo keep pace with Shakhtar only two points back of first.


PHOTO: Dynamo; Goran Sablić

FC Dynamo defender Goran Sablić came to a compromise with the club to terminate his contract making him now a free agent.Goran Sablić moved to Dynamo from Hajduk in the summer of 2002, where he served seven years helping Dynamo to four league championships and a four-time winner of the Ukrainian Cup.

Austria

PHOTO: AP; Nikica Jelavić(right) in action against FC Karnten

Nikica Jelavić started and played the full 90 minutes, leading Rapid Vienna to victory over FC Karnten 1-0. Rapid Vienna have won four of their last five games and remain on pace with Red Bull Salzburg for the lone Champions League spot.


PHOTO: AP; Nikola in action against Mattersburg

Nikola Pokrivač came on in the 56th minute for Red Bull Salzburg in a 2-0 win over lowly Mattersburg. Red Bull Salzburg remain six points up on Rapid Vienna and are looking to finish the season as back to back champions and winners of three of the last four Austrian Bundesliga titles.

Italy

WHAT SHIRT WILL IGOR BUDAN WEAR NEXT SEASON?

Igor Budan came on in the 89th minute in a disappointing 2-0 loss to Catania. Budan hasn't had any quality time on the field as Palermo fights for a Champions League spot. They currently sit in fourth position over Sampdoria only by goal differential. There is also pressure from Napoli and Juventus. It's definitely going to go to the wire in Italy, but will Budan even be on Palermo should they earn the final Champions League spot?

DARIO KNEŽEVIĆ PLAYING FOR ALMOST RELEGATED LIVORNO

Dario Knežević played the entire match for Livorno in their 1-1 draw against Ivan Jurić and Genoa. Livorno needed an 88th minute goal to steal the points from Genoa even though they will be relegated into Serie B next season. Ivan Jurić was not on the roster for Genoa as his career quickly winds down. Where will Knežević play next season and will Jurić come back for one more season?

Mato Jajalo was not featured in Siena's squad as they lost to Atalanta 2-0.

Belgium

PERIŠIĆ IN ACTION AGAINST ANDERLECHT

Ivan Perišić played the full 90 in Club Brugge's playoff match against regular season champs Anderlecht. The game ended 2-2 with the young Perišić receiving a yellow card in the 36th minute. The playoff round consists of the top six teams from the regular season battling it out for Champions and Europa league spots. Everyone plays each other twice (home and away) with all points being halved from the regular season. Interesting approach to prolonging the season. We like it!

BELGIAN PLAYOFF TABLE

Russia

LOKOMOTIV'S TOMISLAV DUJMOVIĆ

Tomislav Dujmović played the entire match in Lokomotiv Moscow's 3-2 win over city rivals Dinamo Moscow. Dinamo scored early but Loko came back with three unanswered. Dujmović maintained the midfield for 90 minutes without earning a yellow card. Lokomotiv has six points through four games to start the season.

Ivica Križanac and Zenit St. Petersburg had the week off as they were scheduled to play CSKA Moscow. The Russian league decided to postpone the game since Moscow has a Champions League match against Inter on Tuesday.

Spain

CROATIA'S MATADOR MATE BILIĆ

Mate Bilić was an unused sub in Sporting Gijon's 2-2 home draw with Xerez. Bilić has been rumored with a summer move to English sides Everton and Sunderland. Another goal or two down the stretch should definitely solidify a Premiership move for Bilić.

Turkey

Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale both had the weekend off as Trabzonspor was rewarded a 3-0 victory over the recently suspended Ankaraspor. Trabzonspor remain five points back of Galatasaray in fight for a Europa League spot.

Next Matches:

Tuesday, 4/6

Arsenal at Barcelona(Champions League)

Wednesday, 4/7

Bayern Munich at Manchester United(Champions League)

Thursday, 4/8

Hamburg at Standard Liege(Europa League)

Friday, 4/9

Rapid Vienna at SV Josko Ried

Saturday, 4/10

Boulogne at Lens, Schalke 04 at Hannover 96, Bayern Munich at Bayer Leverkusen, FC Cologne at Hoffenheim, Freiburg at Werder Bremen, Sporting Gijon at Villarreal, Red Bull Salzburg at FC Karnten, Trabzonspor at Besiktas, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk at Shakhtar Donetsk, Arsenal Kyiv at Dynamo Kyiv

Sunday, 4/11

Tottenham vs. Portsmouth(FA Cup Semifinal at Wembley), Manchester United at Blackburn, Lille at Lyon, Hamburg at VfL Bochum, Chievo Verona at Palermo, Genoa at Sampdoria, Bari at Siena, Udinese at Livorno, Lokomotiv Moscow at Zenit St Petersburg, KAA Gent at Club Brugge

~Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč reporting from San Pedro, California

CROATIANS AROUND EUROPE *XVII*

ENGLAND

KLASNIĆ WEARS HIS STUNNA GLASSES AT NIGHT WHEN HE SCORES

Ivan Klasnić is making the best of his loan move to the Bolton Wanderers. Klasnić started and scored two goals against a strong Manchester City club on Saturday in a match that ended 3-3 after a late City equalizer on 10 men. 'Killer' opened up the scoring in the 11th minute on an Ivica Olić-esque goal as he was completely offsides in front of the goal. The ball was deflected by a defender meaning the goal would stand. After both teams came out of halftime with the score 2-2, Klasnić put Bolton back up with a 53' strike from inside the box. With a defender on him, he found enough space to volley the ball and put it past City keeper Shay Given. Klasnić was subbed out in the 72'. Manchester City tied the game up five minutes later.

KLASNIĆ CELEBRATING WITH TEAMMATES

Does Ivan Klasnić's recent success in arguably the world's greatest league move him up the pecking order in Croatia's squad? Eduardo has looked mediocre at best in the past few months while Mladen Petrić has yet to shine with Hamburg due to injury. One thing appears true: Klasnić finally looks happy on the pitch for the first time in years!

FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS. KLASNIĆ GOALS AT 00:48 & 6:01

NIKO KRANJČAR IN ACTION FOR TOTTENHAM

Since Tottenham's 9-1 win over Wigan on November 22nd, the Spurs have only managed to grab two points in their next three games. Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka started for Tottenham on Saturday as they took on Wolverhampton at White Heart Lane with the much anticipated return of Luka Modrić on the bench. Even though the Spurs held the ball for 70% of the match, it was Wolverhampton's third minute goal off a ridiculous foul call that was the decider in a 1-0 Spurs loss.

Kranjčar strung together many smart passes during the match but botched Tottenham's best look at goal when he took in a sharp air-born pass from Ćorluka in the second half. With the whole goal to shoot at, Kranjčar volleyed wide. He was subbed out in the 78' for some fresh legs.

Ćorluka was absolutely on fire with pinpoint passes and 'give n' goes'. The man has looked like a world-class winger in recent weeks, not a stubborn right back. It would have been beautiful if Kranjčar could have converted Corluka's cross from the outside for the equalizing goal in a Croatian Connection for the Spurs. Although Tottenham don't gain ground as both Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points at the weekend, the Spurs are still in the mix for a Champions League spot should they stay consistent and healthy.

THE RETURN OF LUKA MODRIĆ

Luka Modrić finally made his return to the Tottenham lineup after breaking his leg against Birmingham on August 29th. Modrić entered the came in the 59' and looked lively even though he couldn't manage to make a major impact on the match. It's surprising to me that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp gave Modrić the go so close to winter break, although it's good to see him back nonetheless. Look for more action from Modrić and company this Wednesday when Tottenham host Manchester City in a pivotal match that will shake up the top of the English Premier League table.

TOTTENHAM-WOLVERHAMPTON HIGHLIGHTS

KALINIĆ CAN'T BUY A GOAL

Nikola Kalinić was brought into a scoreless Blackburn-Hull City match in the 59th minute and had chances galore to put the game away. I'll let the highlights speak for themselves but is the pressure of the Premiership too much for young Kalinić or is he truly that unlucky? The game ended in yet another scoreless draw for the Rovers.

KALINIĆ JUST CAN'T FINISH

Eduardo rode the bench as an unused substitute in Arsenal's 2-1 come-from-behind win against Liverpool at Anfield. The win puts Arsenal back in contention for an English title as United and Chelsea dropped points.

GERMANY

PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de

Bayern Munich are riding a wave of momentum following their UEFA Champions League victory in Turin against Juventus, cruising to a 5-1 victory against VfL Bochum from the Rewirpower Stadium in the German Bundesliga. Ivica Olić scored twice (43',50') and assisted on a Mario Gomez goal. He also had two strong shots on goal that were barely blocked. Danijel Pranjić scored Bayern's fifth to conclude an excellent performance from the Bavarian juggernauts, who appear to have found their world-class form again. Olić, after being sidelined for five games with an injury, has three goals and two assists in his last three Bundesliga contests.

PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de

"It's important that he's here. He really pushes a lot of his teammates and that has really helped us." -Mark Van Bommel on Ivica Olić

With the victory, Bayern Munich move into third place of the Bundesliga standings. Next weekend they host Hertha Berlin.

BAYERN HIGHLIGHTS

PHOTO: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić

Josip Šimunić played the entire match (and kept his temper in check) for TSG Hoffenheim as they drew Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 from the Rhein Neckar Arena with 30,000 fans in attendance. With the draw, TSG Hoffenheim slide down to 7th place in the German Bundesliga standings heading into their contest next week away at VfB Stuttgart.

PHOTO: Getty Images, Ivan Rakitić

Schalke 04 defeated Werder Bremen 2-0 at the Weser Stadion with 37,000 in attendance. Ivan Rakitić started the match for Schalke 04 before being substituted in the 71' for teammate Jan Morávek after a solid performance. The win puts Schalke 04 into 2nd place of the German Bundesliga standings, one point behind Bayer Leverkusen. Next weekend, Rakitić and company host Mainz.

Another Croat to the Premiership?

With the January transfer window rapidly approaching, Rakitić's name is always linked with a move abroad to the Serie A. However, recent news links the Swiss-born Croat with interest coming from English Premiership side Everton. Could it just be another rumor, or will CSR be covering another Croat in the Premiership come January?

PHOTO: Getty Images, Mladen Petrić

Mladen Petrić played the entire match for Hamburg SV in a 4-0 thrashing against FC Nurnberg. It has been an excellent return to form for Petrić, who was sidelined for months after injuring himself in October. Hamburg SV will need him to return to his old scoring ways immediately if they wish to make it to a UEFA compeititon for next season. As for the present, 5th place Hamburg SV will be away at Hapoel Tel-Aviv on Thursday in UEFA Europa League action. If the German side manage at least a point, they will win Group C as they head into the knockout stage of the competition.

PHOTO: scfreiburg.com, Ivica Banović (#20)

SC Freiburg and FC Cologne battled to a 0-0 draw from the Badenova Stadion with 24,000 in attendance. Ivica Banović played the entire well-balanced contest. Twelfth place SC Freiburg are away at Borussia Dortmund next weekend.

ITALY

Igor Budan

Palermo pulled of the biggest upset of the weekend in the Italian Serie A, defeating powerhouse AC Milan from the San Siro with 39,293 on hand to witness the shocker. Igor Budan entered the contest in the 68' for Fabrizio Miccoli with his team already up 2-0. The average, mid-table Palermo squad were able to slay a Goliath in AC Milan that will provide them with a significant boost in confidence heading into next weekends home contest against lowly Siena.

Dario Knežević

Dario Knežević anchored Livorno's defense for a 1-0 victory away at last place Catania with 11,000 on hand. Knežević played the entire contest for his club in a victory that remains one of very few bright spots in a depressing season for Livorno. With the victory, Knežević and company move out of the relegation zone to 17th place of the Serie A standings. Next week, Livorno host Sampdoria.

Ivan Jurić

Genoa were defeated 1-0 by Lazio from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome with 70,000 spectators in attendance. Ivan Jurić played the entire contest for Genoa, earning himself a yellow card in the 39' of play. With the loss, Genoa drop to 10th place in the Serie A standings. The Italian side host Valencia on Thursday in UEFA Europa League play in a pivotal Matchday 6 showdown.

Mato Jajalo was an unused substitute in Siena's 2-1 victory over Udinese.

FRANCE

PHOTO: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje earned the shutout against Nice

Lens defeated Nice 2-0 from the Stade Felix-Bollaert in French Ligue 1 play. Vedran Runje earn the shutout for his side after stopping four shots on goal from the lackluster Nice side. With the victory, Lens move up in the Ligue 1 standings to 14th place and travel away to take on Paris Saint-Germain next week.

UKRAINE

SRNA SPORTING SHORT SLEEVES AND GLOVES IN THE COLD

Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk had two wins this week in two chances as they defeated Metalurh Zaporizhya 2-1 on Wednesday and Illychivets Mariupol 2-1 on Saturday. Srna played the full 90 in both matches as Shakhtar had to score two second half goals to come from behind against Mariupol. Shakhtar finish off their Europa League group stage campaign on Wednesday as they travel to Serbia to take on FK Partizan in a meaningless match. Shakhtar have already locked up top spot and will progress to the knockout round while Partizan are done with European competition for the year as group minnows.

Ognjen Vukojević and Dynamo Kyiv rebounded from their exit of European Cup competition via their loss to Barcelona at midweek by defeating Tavriya Simferopol 3-2 on Sunday. Vukojević played the entire match without caution as Dynamo stay undefeated halfway through the current season.

SPAIN

Mate Bilić

Mate Bilić was not featured in the Sporting Gijon lineup for a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla. The Croatia international tore a muscle during last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Tenerife, which forced him from the field after 51 minutes of action.

Scans have since revealed that Bilić will be out of the lineup for the coming weeks.

TURKEY

PHOTO: trabzonspor.org.tr, Drago Gabrić scored the game-winner

Drago Gabrić scored the only goal in Trabzonspor's 1-0 victory against Denizlispor from the Denizli Stadium in Turkish Super League action. The goal, which came in the 24' had a very 'Olić-esque' feel to it. Gabrić crashed the net after a teammate fired a shot that bounced off the crossbar and then found its way into half of the players on the field, who were parked in front of the Denizlispor net. Gabrić got the lucky bounce and the rest was easy as cake from there. Hrvoje Čale was also featured, playing the entire contest while Gabrić made his exit in the 46' for Ceyhun Gulselam.

VIDEO: Gabrić Goal

With the victory, Trabzonspor sit in 7th place of the Turkish Super League standings and host Fenerbahce next weekend.

AUSTRIA

Nikola Pokrivač

Red Bull Salzburg defeated FC Karnten 1-0 on an own goal in the 89' by Michael Sollbauer. Nikola Pokrivač started the contest and was subbed out in the 69' of play for teammate Simon Cziommer. The victory keeps Red Bull Salzburg in 2nd place of the Austrian Bundesliga standings. This Thursday, the Austrian side are away at Villarreal in UEFA Europa League group play.

Gordon Schildenfeld

Gordon Schildenfeld played the entire match for SK Sturm Graz in a 2-2 draw against Austria Vienna in Austrian Bundesliga action. The draw keeps SK Sturm Graz in 4th place of the standings as they head into Wednesday's final UEFA Europa League match against visiting Galatasaray.

Nikica Jelavić was abssent from the Rapid Vienna lineup in a 2-1 victory against SV Josko Ried.

BELGIUM

PHOTO: clubbrugge.be, A timely substitution

Club Brugge earned one point in the Belgian Jupiler league standings (currently in 2nd place overall) after battling to a 1-1 draw with KV Mechelen from the Jan Breydel Stadium. Immediately after going down 1-0 to in the 65', Club Brugge management made a game-changing substitution with Ivan Perišić entering the contest for Antonin Alcaraz in the 67' in an effort to add some creativity to the offensive attack. Sure enough, Perišić provided a solid cross to teammate Rostand Dorge Kouemaha who in turn headed home the equalizer in the 75'.

VIDEO: Perišić cross at 3:54

Club Brugge host Toulouse this Wednesday in UEFA Europa League Matchday 6, needing at least a tie to move on to the knockout phase of the competition.

~Ivica Peroš reporting from NY with Ante Kvartuč writing from LA while Denis Svirčić rests from his long plane flight from Croatia

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.