DINAMO OFF TO FACE SHAKHTAR

Domžale needed a miraculous win in Zagreb Wednesday night if they were going to keep their Champion's League campaign alive. Well, they didn't quite make it. Dinamo easily took care of the Slovenian side, 3-2, and wins the two-legged series 6-2 on aggregate. Goals by captain Igor Bišćan (17'), former Hajduk star Mirko Hrgović (50') and Dino Drpić (83') were enough for the one goal win.

Domžale was brave enough to tie the game on two occasions (29',81') but it was not near enough of an effort to get them the result they needed. Dinamo Zagreb fly to Donetsk next week to face Ukrainian champs, Shakhtar Donetsk, who are captained by Croatian international, Darijo Srna. The official date has not yet been set but is expected to be August 12th or 13th. This will be the 3rd and final qualifying round for Champion's League before Group Stage starts September 16th. Should Dinamo upset the Ukrainian side, it will be the first time since the 1999-2000 season that a Croatian team has made it to the Champion's League Group Stage. Dinamo Zagreb (then called Croatia Zagreb) only managed one win in the group against the likes of Manchester United, Marseille and Sturm Graz.

Stay tuned as this is where Champion League games get interesting.

DINAMO EFFORTLESS OVER LINFIELD

Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb overpowered Linfield 2-0 in tonight’s UEFA Champions League Qualifying match at Windsor Park. The boys from Belfast played with heart, however, talent wasn't on their side tonight. Linfield started with a 4-1-4-1 formation, which quickly turned into a 9 men behind the ball formation.

The opening goal arrived after just 19 minutes into it, from a great right foot by 22 year old Dinamo prospect, Mario Mandžukić. The ball was crossed into the box from the right and the Dinamo striker shrugged off a Linfield defender and blasted the ball into the upper left corner of the net.

Aidan O’Kane had Linfield's only chance 29 minutes into it, however, his fierce drive from the right was pushed away by Tomislav Butina in the Dinamo goal.

Dinamo continued to press in the second half but Linfield keeper, Alan Mannus was superb in goal.The pressure finally got to the boys from Belfast in the 90th minute when Dino Drpić scored to make it 2-0 for the 'Bad Blue Boys.' Linfield conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box and Dino blasted a low shot around the Linfield wall and passsed the helpless Mannus into the net.

Player of the match was Pedro Morales, who transferred to Dinamo this summer to replace Luka Modrić. Pedro was all over the midfield, directed play, and gave Mandžukić a half dozen good balls.

Overall, a comfortable win to say the least for Dinamo Zagreb against a pesky Linfield side. Dinamo is a lock into the second qualifying round.

One final note:

The Vatican flag from EURO 2008 Turkey-Croatia match finds its way to Belfast!

**CHAMPIONS LEAGUE** DINAMO-LINFIELD

Yes, it's that time again boys and girls: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! Well, qualifiers to be precise.

Dinamo and Linfield just kicked off in Belfast. I am watching live in Šibenik and will update following the match.

Linfield

Mannus - Douglas, Murphy, Bailie, Lindsay - McAreavey, Gault, Downey, Mulgrew, 0'Kane - P. Thompson

Dinamo

Butina - Etto, Drpić, Bišćan, Carlos - Chago, Vrdoljak - Mandžukić, Mikić, Morales - Balaban

OLIĆ WILL STAY AT HAMBURG

Hamburg striker, Ivica Olić , told German media today that he "cannot be bothered" to move clubs again and will resume playing for Hamburg at the start of the season.

The 28-year-old, a key striker for Croatia, failed to impress during the Euro 2008, and many expected a Liverpool transfer. However, Ivica is more than happy in Hamburg and vows to continue to play for the Bundesliga giants.

"I cannot be bothered to move again, I am staying in Hamburg." he told the Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper.

"My priority is not to transfer. My priority is Hamburg ," Ivica was quoted in the German Bild newspaper.

"My family is happy here and I want to give everything for this club," concluded Ivica and squashed any rumors linking him with Liverpool .

2 TICKETS TO PARADISE

This is how they look, ladies and gentlemen.

When Eddie Money sang "two tickets to paradise," he was referring to this.

I will be in Austria for the first and third match, and will stop in Zagreb for the Germany match. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pick up tickets in the Croatian block. Hopefully, i can sneak my way in somehow.

I happened to run across these on the net. Aren't they beautiful?

This will be going through my head on the flight to Europe:

Got a surprise especially for you,
Something that both of us have always wanted to do.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

oh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh
oh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh-uh-oh

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

CROATIA STUMBLES IN BUDAPEST

Mađarska 1 Hrvatska 1

In their last friendly before the European Championship, an uninspired Croatia drew to an energetic Hungary team in Budapest. The game wasn't televised in North America.

Niko Kovač scored off a Srna free kick in the 23rd minute. However, just before the stroke of halftime, Niko was unfortunate to receive an own goal.

Summary will follow shortly...

CROATIA --- HUNGARY

Here are the starters for todays friendly match between Croatia and Hungary.

Mađarska

Fulop, Bodnar, Juhasz, Vasko, Bodor, Vadocz, Dardai, Huszti, Hajnal, Gera, Dzsudzsak

Hrvatska

Pletikosa, Pranjić Šimunić, R.Kovač, Ćorluka, Rakitić, Srna, Modrić, N.Kovač, Petrić, Olić

FROM THE RUMOR MILL.......

Here are a few rumors that came out of various newspapers worldwide....

Rumor #1

Knežević to Chelsea

Since Livorno is no more in Serie A, several others have interest in the 26 year old Croatian defender.

Rumor #2

Vedran Runje to Lyon

French magazine, Nord-Eclair, has confirmed that the 32 year old former Hajduk goalkeeper has caught the eye of French champion Lyon.

Rumor #3

Stipe Pletikosa to Manchester United

Remember people these are just rumors. Russian newspaper "Sovjetski sport" confirms that the technical director of Spartak, Jevgeni Smolenčev was in ManU's hotel the night of the champions league final, where they were talking transfer for the number one Croatian keeper.

Rumor #4

Ivan Klasnić to Betis, Spain

"I would like to play for Betis, however, I am not the one calling the shots. There is interest from other clubs in other leagues, also my wish is to play for a Spanish club. I'm still waiting for an invite from Sevilla. If this doesn't happen, then I will be have plan B," confirmed Ivan Klasnić for Jutarnji List.

Rumor #5

Ante Rukavina to Dinamo

The young Hajduk striker has never lived up to his potential and it looks like Hajduk has lost patience. Signing with the Devil is not a smart move. Ante, go to Turkey rather than Dinamo. Trust me on this one!

DINAMO DUMPS "CROATIAN GATTUSO"

Croatian international, Ognjen Vukojević, will continue to play for Dinamo next year. However, not for Dinamo Zagreb, because the Croatian champions have agreed to sell the 24 year old defensive midfielder to Dinamo Kiev for a smashing 8 million euros. Ognjen will sign a four year deal sometime next week.

"I don't have anything against the east. Why wouldn't I go there," said Ognjen late Friday night from Zagreb.

Vokojević's agent, Danka Đikić, had this to say, "I can not confirm the information, the club will have to respond."

Glasgow Celtic, last week, had offered 5 million euros for his services, however, as we all know, Dinamo is all about the $$$$. Croatian internationals, Jerko Leko and Goran Sablić, have both enjoyed stints with the Ukrainian giants.

After Modrić, Čale and most likely Koch, Vukojević will become the forth Dinamo player who will say farewell to the bad blue boys.

BUTINA RETURNS.......

Today, Croatian champions, Dinamo Zagreb have completed the signing of former Olympiacos and Croatian international goalkeeper Tomislav Butina.

It will be the 34 year old goalkeeper's third stint with the most successful club in Croatia. Butina has played for Zagreb from 1991-1994 and 1997-2003.

Where is Hajduk? How long will they continue to suck on Dinamo dust?

THE FINAL TIME LUKA WILL FLY FOR DINAMO

In just a few hours time, NK Rijeka will kick off against Dinamo at the famous Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. More importantly, this will be Luka Modrić's final game in the Dinamo blue.

As a Hajduk fan, I have been waiting for this day for many years. As a Luka fan, I have been waiting for his transfer to a bigger club, where Luka can finally spread his wings and fly.

What will you remember the most about Luka and his days in Zagreb?

Good luck Luka. We at CroatianSoccerReport wish you as much success with Tottenham as you had here in Zagreb with Dinamo.

CROATIAN CUP FINAL......

DINAMO --- HAJDUK

It looks like the new Hajduk away jersey is a curse....

3-0 Dinamo first leg result

Let me know what you think of the new away kit....

32ND ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for May 3rd...

Međimurje [4 - 0] Inter Zaprešić

NK Osijek [2 - 0] Varteks Varaždin

NK Rijeka [2 - 0] Cibalia Vinkovci

NK Zadar [0 - 2] HNK Šibenik

Slaven Belupo [1 - 0] NK Zagreb

Hajduk Split [1 - 1] Dinamo Zagreb

30TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for April 26th...

Cibalia Vinkovci[1-1]Inter Zaprešić

Dinamo Zagreb[1-0]Slaven Belupo

HNK Šibenik[1-0]NK Osijek

NK Zagreb[0-0]NK Zadar

Varteks Varaždin[3-2]Međimurje

NK Rijeka[1-1]Hajduk Split

LUKA MODRIĆ TO NEWCASTLE????

Luka, say goodbye to your girlfriend!

The British Sun has reported, early Thursday morning British time, that Newcastle are on the verge of signing Croatian top prospect Luka Modrić.

Newcastle United will invest £12 million for the services of the 22 year-old Croatian midfielder. As of right now, Zdravko Mamić, has confirmed talks with Newcastle and unless something comes up with in the next few days, Luka will call St. James' Park home.

As much as I would love to see Luka in a Chelsea, Barcelona or Arsenal kit; because of a sub par midfield, Newcastle would fit Luka like a glove. Most importantly, I am sick of this soap opera surrounding Luka Modrić. Hopefully a contract is finalized within the next few days.

We will keep you posted with any further developments.

Source: The Sun

R.I.P HRVOJE ĆUSTIĆ

Croatian football is in shock after 24 year-old NK Zadar forward Hrvoje Ćustić died from a head injury sustained during his side's league game against HNK Cibalia on March 29th.

Hrvoje fell awkwardly after a challenge during the Cibalia match and his momentum carried him off the field of play where he struck his head on a concrete wall only two meters from the touchline. He was taken to a local Zadar hospital where he immediately underwent surgery; only to be pronounced dead five days later.

Over one thousand people came today to pay their final respects to the young Croatian star. Zorislav Srebrić, Croatian manager Slaven Bilić, Igor Štimac, Ćiro Blažević, Zdravko and Zoran Mamić were some of the many faces, covered in tears, in attendance.

"The only thing I can say is that I am sad, infinitely sad… Till the last moment I hoped in a recovery, any improvement, I kept in touch with the doctors and his family. I believed that Hrvoje would not leave us and go away without saying goodbye… Unfortunately, it ended in the worst way. A young life has gone and only when we are hit by such tragedies, when such things engrave your heart, you understand how futile everything else is… the family always bears that strongest pain, a sincere sympathy in my personal name and on behalf of all those who love football, a football which he also loved more than everything…" - Slaven Bilic said.

The HNL has suspended all league play this weekend. All other sporting events have been postponed this weekend in Croatia as well.

Now the questions keep coming. Who is at fault? What needs to be done to avoid future tragedy?

People, it doesn't matter who is at fault. Croatia has lost a young and promising talent. Punishing an executive will not bring Hrvoje back. HNL needs to focus on the safety of the fans and players in the stadiums.

Why this cement wall is still standing two days later is shameful and outrageous.

An Italian friend of mine said, "and Croatia wanted to host the European championship." Our league and stadiums are at the level of a Central-American country. Imagine this happening to Cristiano Ronaldo playing in Croatia for the European Championships. The footballing world would never forgive us!

Sometimes a tragic incident like this can open up eyes and bring change. Something has to be done, ASAP!

25TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for March 22nd...

Cibalia Vinkovci [2 - 2] NK Zagreb

Hajduk Split [7 - 2] Inter Zaprešić

NK Zadar [1 - 1] NK Osijek

NK Rijeka [2 - 2] Varteks Varaždin

Dinamo Zagreb [5 - 1] HNK Šibenik

Slaven Belupo [4 - 0] Međimurje

23RD ROUND HNL RESULTS

HERE ARE THE RESULTS FOR MARCH 15TH...

NK Zadar [3-1] Inter Zaprešić

Dinamo Zagreb [4-0] Cibalia Vinkovci

Hajduk Split [4-1] HNK Šibenik

NK Osijek [3-1] Međimurje

Slaven Belupo [2-1] Varteks Varaždin

NK Rijeka [1-1] NK Zagreb

DINAMO SQUEAKS BY HAJDUK

Dinamo 1

Hajduk 0

38' Vrdoljak header from a corner

(pictured---Vrdoljak mobbed by Dinamo after goal)

DINAMO - HAJDUK ***LIVE***

Hajduk-Dinamo

LIVE

Line-ups

Dinamo

Koch, Carlos, Bišćan, Mikulić, Etto, Guela, Vukojević, Modrić, Vrdoljak, Mandžukić, Balaban

Hajduk

Varvodić, Jozinović, Tudor, Maloča, Pelaić, Andrić, Linić, Gabrić, Čop, Rukavina, Kalinić

Events

1'Derby is underway. Dinamo kicks off!

4'Hajduk comes out of the gate like a raging Bull.

4'Shot on goal by Ognjen Vukojević easily saved by Hajduk keeper Varvodić

6'Hajduk returns on the counterattack. Kalinić shot is first blocked by Igor Bišćan, then cleared from danger by Mikulić

8'An excellent through ball by Luka Modrić found Balaban. However, Hajduk's Maloča kicks out for a Dinamo corner.

11'Siniša Linić is the first to be cautioned with a yellow card for holding Vrdoljak.

20'After getting by terrible Dinamo defense, Srđan Andrić shoots wide from 18 meters.

21'Hajduk again on the counterattack pressures the Dinamo defense. Kalinić and Rukavina work a one two that leads to a long shot from Kalinić that doesn't trouble Koch.

23'Ante Rukavina is second Hajduk player booked today because of simulation.

30'Hajduk misses opportunity to go up one-nil. Andrić close shot blocked by Koch.

36'Dinamo corner delivered by Modrić, headed to far post by Bišćan, misseed opportunity by Mandžukić from four meters out.

38'GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL. Dinamo. A corner by Guele turns into a Vrdoljaka header in the Hajduk goal. Dinamo 1 Hajduk 0

44'Tomislav Mikulić is cautioned by the Rijeka Referee

HALFTIMEAfter 45 minutes of action, it's Hajduk Split 0 Dinamo Zagreb 1

Second Half...

46'Second half resumes after a ten minute delay because of smoke from the bad blue boys section of the stadium. Dinamo shot on goal.

48'Great play by Mandžukić and Vrdoljak results in a Mandžukića low shot from 13 meters out which doesn't trouble Hajduk keeper Varvodić.

50'Hajduk free kick. Andrić shoots low right which Dinamo keeper kick saves out.

55'Čop gets booked for a harsh challenge and Andrić gets booked for arguing.

60'Balaban is done for the night. Josip Tadić relieves will try to do better than Balaban. Hajduk counters with a Bušić for Kalinić swap.

69'Dinamo make their second substitution of the evening. Guele is brought in for Mihael Mikić.

70'Hajduk now counters with a sub. Čop is done for the night, with Milić looking to cause havoc for Dinamo.

76'Nothing interesting to report. As both Dinamo and Hajduk players look uninterested and inattentive.

77'Hajduk manager, Rober Jarni still barking at the officials over Čop yellow card.

79'Hajduk makes final change as Jarni inserts Marin Ljubičić for Srđan Andrić.

80'Hajduk's Milić receives yellow card for rough challenge on Dinamo Mikić.

83'Onoe of the most dull and uneventful Hajduk-Dinamo derbies of all time. Both Torcida and Bad Blue Boys are disappointed and embarrassed by both teams lack of effort. Fans from both sides are rushing the exits.

84'Vukojević is in the books for Dinamo after a rough challenge on Pelaić.

90'Rijeka referee announces 4 minutes of extra time

92'Soldo gives Domagoj Antolić a minute of action as he is brought in for Dinamo captain Luka Modrić.

Dinamo 1 Hajduk 0 Final!Referee blows for time and ends one of the most disappointing derbies in recent memory.