VATRENI MINUS KRANJČAR IN ZAGREB?

Today, Croatian manager Slaven Bilić announced that starting midfielder Niko Kranjčar will be sidelined for up to two weeks. The 24 year old Portsmouth midfielder, picked up the injury yesterday playing for Croatia in a friendly match with Slovenia.

"Luckily, there were no ligament damages, however, still is difficult to tell how long he will be out. Niko will have to rest for at least a week and I expect a quick return. This injury is the worst thing we got from the match with qualifiers around the corner," said Bilić.

With the excellent performance by Ivan Rakitić yesterday evening in Slovenia, I just don't see Niko starting for the Vatreni against the Brits. I like Niko and Petrić off the bench.

Here is my lineup for England

Pletikosa

Ćorluka, R. Kovač, Šimunić, Pranjić

Srna, N. Kovač, Modrić, Rakitić

Klasnić, Olić

Rob has already came through for us and gave us his lineup. Now its your turn!

Who should start against England?

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from the city of Angels

31 DAYS UNTIL CROATIA-ENGLAND III

Well boys and girls, we are just about a month away from Croatia-England III. Most of us still have that bitter Turkey taste in our mouth from EURO 2008. However, this is just the beginning. Besides the Kovač brothers and Šimunič, we are all young and looking to stamp our names in the world cup history books.

With all do respect for Kazakhstan, World Cup Qualification starts on September 10th in Zagreb, where heavyweights Croatia and England will collide.

Today, the HNS has announced ticket prices for this 'American pay-per-view' event.

VIP - 1,500 kuna (roughly $300) This is where celebrities, former coaches and players will sit.

West side VIP - 600 kuna (roughly $120)

West side lower - 400 kuna (roughly $90)

West side upper - 300 kuna (roughly $60)

East side - 250 kuna (roughly $50)

South side - 300 kuna (roughly $60)

North side lower - 80 kuna (roughly $18)

North side upper - 80 kuna (roughly $18)

CroatianSoccerReport.com is in talks of acquiring a reporter for the match in Zagreb. We will keep you posted.

Also, for those of you dying to find out the kickoff time, Croatia-England will kick off at 21:00 (CET) Zagreb time. On September 6th, Croatia-Kazakhstan will kick off at 20:15 (CET) Zagreb time.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Šibenik

MALTA ARTICLE & REPLY FROM EDITOR

I managed to get ahold of the article from the Maltese Sports editor, and luckily receieved a very prompt and friendly response from the fellow.

First, here is the article..

'No More Croats Please'

Having witnessed what happened at the Valletta end of the national stadium's Enclosure last Thursday during the Birkirkara-Hajduk Split UEFA Cup match, I felt I must not only condemn such absolutely unprovoked incidents, but also appeal to the MFA and UEFA to ban Croat fans from visiting the island whenever a team from that country is drawn to play Malta or any of its clubs.

In two of the last three occasions Croatia was involved in a football match at Ta'Qali, fans from that country indulged in uncalled for incidents which have tarnished our reputation.

The first occasion was the Malta-Croatia World Cup Qualifier over two years ago. Those incidents were at a higher scale than last Thursday, but perhaps, this time, the gravity was on a larger scale. This is because this time, there was a violent attack on members of the Malta Police force, amongst whom was Assistant Commissioner Josie Brincat.

It had been quite a long time that we had similar incidents at Ta'Qali, especially in domestic matches. The maltese sporting public has proved itself very considerate in recent years and this has also been admitted by MFA president Dr. Joseph Mifsud, who, on more than one occasion, has praised Maltese football fans for their behavior at Ta'Qali.

But when such incidents occur, one cannot stop there as if nothing had happened.

I am sure that the UEFA delegate will be making a detailed report to the European governing body over what had happened. He must have seen everything, as we did from the press box-of course we were in advantegous position.

Those Croatian tough guys need to be given a lesson by their own government and association. Those are no real football fans. It was obvious they came here with a clear aim in mind. Because, as I said earlier, there was simply no justification for their action. There was no provocation whatsoever from the Maltese fans. Their team was winning 2-0 at the time of the incidents and their qualification was never in doubt, not even before the kickoff.

I only pitty the club who will now have to face sanctions which will be imposed by UEFA, possibly very heavy, after those incidents over two years ago.

~Here is the reply from the Maltese Independent, sports editor, Henry Brincat..

Dear Mr Svirčić,

I have gone through all your contribution and it is clear that you do not know who the policeman who was beaten up by the Croatian fans was.He was none other than Josie Brincat, an assistant commissioner, that is, the No. 2 of the police force in Malta. Being in such an exalted position, the crime here is considered to be of an extremely serious nature. I am sure he did not go among the fans to arrest anyone. He only went there to calm down the situation as flares are usually not allowed into our football stadiums. We know him quite well as he has been responsible for Stadium security since he was just a sergeant, that is for almost 20 years. He is a very respected person in Malta, especially at Ta' Qali Stadium and it is acknowledged by one and all that it is mainly through his interventions that there have been no major incidents during this period.

Apart from that, I was at the Stadium, at the far end where you were staying and could see what was happening right below me. For one thing, we could not hear what the few Birkirkara fans (on your side there must have been not more than 250 and only about 20 were chanting continuously). This is because the Croatia fans were singing loudly almost all the time, except at the interval.If the Birkirkara fans indulged in insults, I also do not agree. We should all go to the stadium to watch football being played in a pleasant atmosphere.What is really wrong and, I feel this should be made clear in the club's reply to the expected UEFA charges, is that those Croatian fans were charged excessively to watch that match in that part of the Stadium (under cover from the sun).

As for the real football fans item, I reiterate and insist that those (around 50) among the Croatian crowd, who caused the trouble, were not football fans. We in Malta are not accustomed to such behaviour at the Stadium. Our fans insult each other in one way or another, but rarely do they cause such trouble for the police. Seeing such a good number of policemen at the Stadium as was the case last Thursday, was only because when Croatia played Malta almost three years ago, there was more or less the same kind of trouble, but on a much larger scale. This time, the Malta police were prepared.I cannot agree with you that nothing would have occurred had the police not intervened. In actual fact, the police only intervened when some seats were set on fire and the Croatian fans started moving away from the scene. I saw this quite clearly.

When I said these fans with a clear aim in mind I and many others who were at the Stadium, quickly thought about what happened three years ago and the hefty fine imposed by UEFA on the Croatian FA apart from ordering the payment of damage to the stadium. At least one person said at the end of the match, that he had informed the local authorities that some of those fans had arrived in Malta by ferry from Sicily, and not by air. This, as he stated, was because the police at the airport had been given a list of persons by the Croatian authorities not to allow those persons to enter Malta. That was the reason behind the strong police presence at the Stadium.Uttering the words you heard on the Birkirkara side (insults) are common practice in Maltese football stadiums. Perhaps you may also visit some Italian or English stadium if you wish to hear them more loudly and clearly as if in a chorus of thousands, and not just by a score of people. But our fans never resort to violence in return and causing damage to other people's property.

I simply hope that Hajduk Split will be able to identify the culprits who might be putting the club in serious trouble. I sympathise with the club as they simply had nothing to do with the clashes between the fans and the police. Yet, quite unfortunately, they will have to reply to the charges which are now expected to be rbought against the club.

In any case, let me make myself more clear to you. When I said no more Croats please, I was obviously referring for fans at a football match. Otherwise I am more than convinced that the vast majority of the millions of Croats are educated and well behaved persons who will be more than welcome to this place if they ever decided to visit Malta.

Like we were given the best hospitality when we visited Split in 1979 on the occasion of The Mediterranean Games - then it was still part of the old Yugoslavia, however.

Once again thank you for your contribution and if you ever need anything from my part (any kind of information) please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards and may I wish you a safe return journey

Henry Brincat

Sports Editor

The Malta Independent

I will wait if anyone has anything to add before I reply to Mr. Brincat. On Wednesday or Thursday, I will respond to his reply.

Where are my Hajduk fans?

~Denis Svirčić, last day reporting from Malta

"NO MORE CROATS PLEASE"

This was the title of an article written by Henry Brincat, a sports editor for the Malta Independent newspaper on Sunday August third.

I decided to write a letter to express my frustration. You can contact this fellow at hbrinkat@independent.com.mt

Here is my letter.... a little long, pull up a chair.

Hello Henry Brincat,

Yesterday, I happened to run across your article in the Sunday Malta Independent. for the most part, I was extremely disappointed in your opinion and reasoning of Croatian football fans.

First, I think its fair that I introduce myself. My name is Denis Svircic, an American born Croatian writer for CroatianSoccerReport.com. I have been on holiday in Malta since July 31st and will return to Croatia on Tuesday.

On July, 31st, I was lucky enough to be the only Hajduk Split supporter watching from the Birkirkara side of the stadium. Boarding a bus from Valletta, I realized that most people in Malta don't even know or care that there is a UEFA Cup football game kicking off in less than an hours time. Because of fan trouble two years ago at the Croatia-Malta qualifier match, I decided to play "incognito" and sit with the Maltese. I arrived at the ticketbox with ten or so Croats which didn't speak to me. For all they know, I was Maltese. The ticket guy asked who I supported. I replied, "I don't support anyone, just want to watch Football." He said, "No, you are Croatian, must go on the other side." At this point, he wouldn't sell me a ticket. Then luckily, I remembered my American passport in my left pocket. I whipped it out and flashed it to him confirming that I was American. The elderly gentleman was convinced and charged me five euro for the ticket.

Arriving ten minutes before kickoff, I took some pictures of Birkirkara fans, flags, and banners. Then I figured, maybe I should sit with the Croats. As I was about to exit the stadium, security stopped me, first in Maltese, then in English, "Where are you going?" I replied, "I want to sit in the Croatian section." The security guard checked my ticket and said, "No you can't, this ticket is only good for this section. If you want to sit in the Croatian section, you must pay thirty Euro." "Why so expensive," I asked. The officer hesitated and stumbled for words, "That side is exclusive and covered from the sun." I figured he was lying, however, I decided to stay put and watch from the Birkirkara side.

As the Torcida arrived for the match, Boos were heard from the Birkirkara 'Ultras', followed by "Fuck off Torcida." In the 58th minute, Torcida lit six to twelve flairs. Seconds later police were at the scene. However, only one of the officers went into the Torcida and tried to either arrest a fan or take away the flair. It was difficult to tell from across the stadium. After the match, I was informed that this officer was beat down by the Torcida, then 50 or so officers swarmed the torcida like bees and attacked with batons. As this was going on, the Ultras were chanting, "Torcida, Torcida, Va Fangulo..... Hrvatska, Hrvatska, Va Fangulo.." Down 2-0, Birkirkara supporters turned their attention to the North Stand, and were entertained as Torcida was getting beat down by Malta police.

The next day, I found out that 60 or so tickets were stolen from an outside ticket salesman that was beat down before the match. This is pretty much all I know about the incident and my eyewitness comments.

Here is my analysis:

First, I would like to say that Torcida was 100% wrong. However, there needs to be precautions taken in advance to prevent these incidents from happening. In example, at the European championships in Austria and Switzerland, which I attended four games, only non alcoholic beer was served. Also, flairs were lit, and only those that had thrown them were arrested.

Torcida paid hundreds of Euros just to fly to Malta only for a match. To charge them six times more thatn the maltese is mindboggling. Thirty Euros for entrence to a pointless match. Last week, I watched Liverpool play Hertha Berlin in a friendly for ten Euro. Both of these teams are in the top 50 in the world.Croatians are not stupid, Torcida felt taken advantage of and reacted in an uncalled for manner and stole 60 tickets. From what I hear, the Croatian football Federation has contacted the Maltese football federation and offered to pay for any damages, including the stolen tickets.

Flairs are an everyday life of football in Croatia. Hundreds are lit at games and no one gets hurt. The only trouble is when some idiots throw them on to the field.

Why would one police officer try to arrest one fan in the Torcida? Has he gone mad? Where is the logic behind this, of course he will get beat down by the Torcida. Why didn't ten or so officers go in at first?

In conclusion, I would like to say that because of the "ticket scam", lack of security, and failed security practice, the Maltese are at fault just as much as the Torcida.

What do you think of this? Charge Hajduk fans a reasonable five Euros, let them have flairs, and only arrest those that throw them. Then I will guarantee that nothing is going to happen. However, I don't want to sound biased or one-sided. Hajduk is at fault and needs to be punished.

Your Report

"Those are no real football fans."

--- You really need to educate yourself on football. Torcida started in 1950. Yes, there are the select few that cause trouble. However, this is not the Torcida philosophy. They come in peace, unless they are attacked. Also, they travel wherever Hajduk travels. No matter if the game is a friendly, or a second leg in Malta. They show up to sing and cheer, not to fight or insult (Ala Ultras) other team.

"It is obvious they came with a clear aim in mind."

-- Which is? Can you please clarify? If you think that days before the match the Torcida planned to steal 60 tickets, beat up an officer, and cause trouble, then you are rediculous.

"There was no provocation from the Maltese fans."

-- Were you at the stadium? As soon as Torcida entered the stadium, they were greeted with "Fuck off Torcida" form the Ultras.
I have videos....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D39NyTB7-WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfGWLEuYFqQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLAk-Yffk1Y

Look at how many views and comments I recieved on the videos as well as on my website. Quite a few Maltese were upset at my post.

What I kindly ask from you is to please inform me on any information which I have not recieved. Give me feedback. Tell me if you agree or disagree in my analysis. I came to Malta in peace and befriended a few Birkirkara fans. Ultras are great when they are singing, "Bir-Kir-Kar-A, ale, ale, ale....ale, ale, ale....ale, ale, ale.", not, "Stand up if you hate Hajduk."

Thank you for taking your time in reading this, and I look forward to hearing from you,

Denis Svircic
CroatianSoccerReport.com

~Denis Svirčić, still reporting from Malta

HAJDUK FROM MALTA

Ante did an excellent job summarizing the Hajduk Split-Birkirkara UEFA CUP match, so there is no need for summary. I will just give you some exclusive footage from the match.

First, I would like say, that I was one of the lucky 200 or so in attendance in Malta for this UEFA Cup encounter. A seat in the Hajduk, or visitor section would run you thirty euros. However, a ticket in the home stands was five euros. since I had a gut feeling that Torcida would cause some problems, I decided to sit with the Birkirkara 'Ultras'.

The modern Birkinkara Stadium

The Maltese wouldn't sell me the home ticket, thinking I was a Hajduk supporter. However, after showing him my American passport, I was greeted with open arms.

A nice piece of dry bird shit on the 'modern' seats.

Overall, the match was pretty dull; a goal in the fifth minute, one just before halftime, and one at the final whistle.

Then in the 65th minute or so, all hell broke loose, as the Torcida lit up a few flares, and a hundred or so police officers rushed the Torcida and cornered them in the far left corner of the stadium. Four or five Hajduk supporters were cuffed and hit the showers early. A lucky select few were greeted by the club, and will remember Malta forever.

The Birkirkara Ultra chanted everything from, 'torcida, torcida, va fangulo' and 'Hrvatska, Hrvatska, va fangulo' and 'stand up if you hate Torcida.'

A block or so from the stadium, there was 'Torcida' spray painted on the wall in red, and in black right in front of it 'f@*k.' The Maltese move fast.

After the match, I had a chat with some of the 'Birkirkara Ultras.' I was incognito and pretended to be a dumb American football fan and have nothing to do with the 'Torcida'. In the end, they offered me a ride back to town, and gave me a Birkirkara sticker and pin.

And just for the record, there was no sign of the Vatican flag.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Malta

HAJDUK SMASH DOWN-AND-OUT BIRKIRKARA

In the opening match of UEFA CUP qualifiers, Hajduk Split left Poljud satisfied with a convincing 4-0 victory over Maltese Birkirkara. Hajduk goal scorers were Ibričić (2), Kalinić (24), Bušić (54) and Tičinović (74). The return leg, as if anyone cares, will be in Malta on the 31st of July.

Croatian Prime minister, Ivo Sanader, was one of 15,000 in attendance at the Poljud. Even though Birkirkara has a rating of zero and didn't manage one shot on target, Torcida and Hajduk fans were more than satisfied with the effort of this 'new' Hajduk team.

Bušić (54) and Tičinović (74) goals

The Torcida left a special message for Hajduk-Dinamo transfer Mirko Hrgović:

"Hrgoviću, tko te jebe, možemo mi i bez tebe, Hajduk šampion!"

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Šibenik

ANY SLAVEN SUPPORTERS OUT THERE?

Qualifiers for UEFA CUP kicked off today with Slaven Belupo traveling today to Malta to face mighty Marsaxlokk FC.

Over 400 people managed to show up to Nacional stadium Ta' Quali for the 'derby.' Slaven Bulpo virtually guarnteed itself a place in the second round with a more than convincing 4-0 drubbing of Marsaxlokk FC.

Slaven Belupo 4-0 Marasaxlokk

Slaven goal scorers were: Kristić (15), Poldrugač (29), Tepurić (34) i Vručina (78). The return leg, as if anyone cares, will be in Koprivnica on the 31st of July.

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!

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO...

The 2008-09 season is almost upon us and should be a great one for all our Croatian internationals; especially the ones that have recently found new homes. Soon-to-be Croatian squad member, Dario Cvitanić, will be playing for Ajax (Netherlands) after 5 successful seasons at Banfield (Argentina).

Superstar midfielder, Luka Modrić, will have plenty of critics to answer to this season as his expectations remain high after a fantastic Euro 2008 campaign. Tottenham (England) supporters couldn't be happier with the Modrić signing as they now have a legitimate chance of finishing top 5 in the English Premier League and challenging for a Champion's League spot for next season. Ognjen Vukojević signed a healthy deal in the off-season with Champion's League contenders, Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine), while promising star, Ante Rukavina, has left Hajduk and is heading south for Panathinaikos (Greece).

Dario Knežević is moving to Italian Serie A giants, Juventus, who are in contention for the Serie A title as well as a welcome back into Champion's League competition. Remember that Juventus was not able to qualify for Europe's elite club tournament last year because of a demotion to Serie B in 2006 due to match fixing scandals.

In a surprise move, Ivan Klasnić, has called it quits with Werder Bremen (Germany) and has moved on to newly promoted 1st Division French team, Nantes. If he's on his game he should tear up the league.

Here are the results for the recent poll: Who are you most interested in watching play for his new team?

Modrić for Tottenham (70%)

Cvitanić for Ajax (20%)

Knežević for Juventus (6%)

Vukojević for Dynamo Kyiv (4%)

(105 Total Votes)

My apologies for not putting Klasnić and Rukavina on the list as the news was confirmed after I had already started the poll. I once again would like to thank everyone who voted and look forward to hearing from all of you again in the future.

NAPOLI LEAVES SPLIT REDFACED

Oh happy days in Split. Good bye cloudy day, hello sunshine. What better way for Hajduk to start the new season than with a victory over serie A giants Napoli.

Hajduk - Napoli 1:0 (1:0)

Attendance: 10,000

Referee: Edi Šunjić (Split)

Goals: Linić (29)

HAJDUK:

Subašić - Rubil, Živković, Pandža, Strinić - Linić, Andrić, Gabrić (78minute. Oremuš), - Ibričić (83minute. Bartolović) - Kalinić, Bušić (58minute. Tičinović).

NAPOLI:

Iezzo (62minute. Gianello) - Cannavaro, Santacroce, Contini (46minute. Rinaudo) - Blasi (62minute. Pazienza), Gargano (62minute. Montervino), Grava (46minute. Savini), Maggio (62minute. Amodio), Hamšik (62minute. Dalla Bona) - De Zerbi (46minute. Bogliacino), Denis (62minute. Joao Batista).

Poljud thirty minutes before kickoff...

In the 29th minute Senijad Linić scores for Hajduk! Drago Gabrić tried to center from the left, after a block from Napoli the ball found Ibričić who tried for goal. After another block, Linić scooped up the rebound and left foots the ball in the upper left corner.

In the 38th minute, Napoli had a chance to equalize with a rather generous call from Edi Šunjić, referee from Split. Marek Hamšik steps up to take the penalty....and..

Kalinić

'I am satisfied with our performance, especially in the first half. Even though the Italians started the new season after us, we are still in training and had a tough training this week. I am convinced that our play will be enough against Birkirkare, we need a good result in Split so we can travel stress free for the return leg.'

Overall, I am very pleased with hajduk's performance. Hajduk controlled most of the game and possession. Most importantly, Hajduk showed heart and creativity, which they lacked desperately last season. On occasion, Napoli showed its true colors and with a little bit of luck could have scored two or three times. For the first time in a few years, I am looking forward to the new season, and actually think Hajduk has a chance to dethrone the Bad Blue Boys. Naprid Bili!

HAJDUK = NAPOLI 7-11-08

Everyone in Split wants to know what Goran Vučević is capable of with this untested Hajduk team. Will this year be a continuation of grief and sorrow, or will Hajduk finally show its true colors?

Hajduk hasn't lost its last four training matches in Slovenia. However, today, Vučević will be tested by Serie A giants Napoli , in an anticipating difficult friendly match at the Poljud in Split.

I will be in Split, cheering on the 'bili', and like the Torcida, hoping for a return to better days in Hajdukland. Hopefully, Kalinić will return stronger and wiser from last season and after the EURO this summer. Check back with us after the game for pictures and video.

Also, for those of you Croatian speakers, the game can be heard on internet radio at HRT and by clicking on 'HR2'...... starting at 8pm local time.

For those of you in town, Napoli will arrive in Split at 11am local time and will spend the night in "Atrium". Hajduk will be without Dario Jertec and Marijan Buljat due to minor knocks.

I will go out on a limb and predict a 2-1 victory for Hajduk.

IS PRANJIĆ READY FOR NEXT STEP ?

Danijel Pranjić could be on his way out of Heerenveen after announcing he wants to move to a bigger club.

"I am ready for that next step," Pranjić told AD Sportwereld. "Last year I extended my contract until the summer of 2012, but I want to go to a higher level.

"When the club sells me, I don't want part of the transfer fee. That is what I have agreed with the club."

The 26 year old left wingback has played 99 games for Heerenveen since joining three years ago. Daniel blossomed with the Croatian national team during the EURO this summer and will most likely be a key figure for Croatia during world cup qualifiers which start in September.

Danijel has proved himself not only in Heerenveen, but on a bigger stage for Croatia during the EURO that he is ready for the next step. Hopefully, Heerenveen won't have a problem letting him go so Daniel can play for a bigger club.

What do you think about Pranjić playing in the premiership? Another Croatian taking a British job.

HAJDUK SWALLOWS GOLDEN FISH

The first annual small goals tournament opened yesterday in Brodarica, Croatia, with Hajduk Split as the guests of honor. The tournament was organized by locals Branka Tanfara, Boris Garma, and MNK Zlatna Ribica(Team Golden Fish), to honor those from Krapanj/Brodarica who died serving Croatia during the war for independence. National newspapers and photographers were some of the 400 people on hand to watch this historic event.

There is one small catch. This was a tournament for 'veterans'. Only former players were allowed to play for Šibenik, Hajduk, Zadar, and Zlatna Ribica.

Hajduk Split was represented by a familiar face, former Croatian international Ivica Mornar. Ivica in action....

Final results:

Zlatna Ribica 1 Hajduk Split 6

Zlatna Ribica

Frančesko Tudić, Svetin Pivac, Milutin Svetin, Jerko Banovac, Jordan Tudić, Gordan Mučić, Ivo Pekas, Avdo Imširović, Mario Morić, Vladimir Luša, Ante Gović, Edo Španja, and Slavko Miličić

Hajduk Split

Ivan Balić, Ivica Mornar, Joško Španjić, Stipe, Andrijašević, Denis Putnik, Saša Glavaš, Romeo Vulas, Ante Šečer, Vlatko Đolonga, Goran Šušnjara, Mladen Jurić, Dragan Holcer, and Goran Brailo

Šibenik 2 Zadar 4

Šibenik

Ozren Vrčić, Neven Renje, Armando Marenzi, Anđelko Aralica, Frane Grubišič, Joso Bulat, Žarko Mrdalj, Ivo Krečak, Branko Lađević, and Slavko Kundid

Zadar

Slobodan Marušić, Alen Vedrić, Alen Lazanja, Momčilo Guardijan, Zoran Erlić, Josip butić, Velibor Knez, Marko Mustać, Damir Parać and Novica Erlić

FINAL THOUGHTS.....

Well, this is it until world cup 2010 qualifiers in September. Hopefully, all of you have enjoyed the Euro and CroatianSoccerReport.com

Croatia-Turkey

After the victory over Poland, everyone in Zagreb pictured us fighting with Germany for a place in the final. Croatians were predicting scores of 2-0, 3-0, and even 4-0. Remember before the Austria game, many of you had the same thoughts.

I predicted 2-1 for Croatia before the match. On paper we are superior to Turkey and Austria, however no one wins without scoring.

If you would recall, on Monday, June 16th, under "Where is Eduardo???" post, I replied,

If Petrić wakes up, we make the final. However, Olić, Klasnić, and an inexperienced Kalinić, we wont score more than once. Igor Budan is also finished for the tournament.

Klasnić played well in the limited amount of time he recieved. However, a great striker would have scored three times against Poland. Klasnić had half a dozen scoring chances against Poland and didn't convert.

Before the game, I figured it would take 2 goals to come out victorious.

Who to hold responsible?

This is a dificult question. With a little luck, Croatia would be in Basel preparing for the Germans.

I would blame Petrić for not showing up. Olić gave 110% and fought every second he was on the pitch. However, it just was one of those days. I would blame Croatia for getting an offsides call the last second of the game. The ref, made the right call. Bottom line, if Croatia can't hold Turkey for a minute after the goal, they don't deserve to advance.

I feel for the Croatian defense and Niko Kovac. Once again, they were unbelievable.

Pictured is the future Davor Suker.

Hopefully, we don't have to wait that long.

CROATIA-TURKEY FROM MY EYES

Once again, I am over 24 hours late in bringing you time sensitive information. However, finding an internet cafe in Vienna at midnight is a difficult task. Also, for some reason, this computer won't allow me to upload pictures, so I guess photobucket is my only option. By clicking on the picture, you will be redirected to photobucket.

Where to start. So much to say, have to organize my thoughts.

Ante has done an excellent job with the preview, summary, and final thoughts on the game. I will try to fill you in on events that ESPN failed to catch.

Hours before the match, Croatian and Turkish fans got into it in front of the Cathedral on the main square. Chairs, beer, cups, and other objects were thrown at 'enemies.' Fortunately, Austrain police was quick to the scene, arresting a few suporters from both sides.

Thousands of Croatian fans flocked to the stadium. For some reason, my eyes are peeled for the women in attendance.

We sat in a neutral section, however, 10 meters from the Turkish section of the stadium.

For some reason, I was a nervous wreck for this game. As time went by, a little man sitting on my shoulder watching the match whispered "penalties." I couldn't see us breaking the Turkish stranglehold, and more importantly, I couldn't picture Ivica Olic putting one in the onion bag.

Fifty or so drunk Croatian fans sitting ten rows down and a bit closer to the Turkish section, gave the Turkish fans the bird, shouted Ustaske words, and gave the Naci salute. Turkish fans retaliated by throwing cups filled with beer. What are 50 Croatians going to do against 5000 Turkish fans. After watching a few Hooligan videos, I was afraid of a stampede. Security was quick to the scene and stood in the aisle to separate the two groups.

The venue is spectacular, gametime around sunset.

Croatian fans with balls..."Against Modern Football"

This game was more than just football. This banner was a shot at the European Union to stay out of Croatia. Also, religion and history played a major part. In the Turkish section, a Bosnian flag was seen. While in the Croatian section, a Vatican flag was waving during the entire match.

Turkey using monkey see monkey do technique

Turkish fans were chanting, "Ustaske Picke"...."Ustase Pussies" Croatian fans were chanting, "Ako san Turcin, ubija bi se." "If I am Turkish, I would kill myself."

Great free kick chance, unlucky

No goals, why we bring flairs?

Croatians are fighting for a ticket, and some clown three seats down falls asleep during extra time. Unbelieveable!

After the equalizer, the Euro was truly over for me. Flashes of World Cup 1998 Semifinal went through my head. As the whistle blew for penalty kicks, the entire stadium knew who would be victorious tonight.
View of the penalty kicks

Last chance by Petric

Croatian Euro Dream ends in tears.

LONGEST POST EVER.... TAKE A DEEP BREATHE

By now you all know that I am extremely late with the 'time sensitive' information. The next post will be mighty long, so those of you that rather prefer the 'short, get to the point, quick' story, I apologize as you will have to make an effort and spend a few extra minutes on this post.

Most of you have seen every picture on google and every video on youtube. I have looked through all of my pictures and decided to post only the rare or extraordinary footage that you wont find anywhere else. However, I will also post some videos that I'm sure is watched all over the world on youtube.

CROATIA****POLAND****KLAGENFURT

We took a 6am bus from Zagreb to klagenfurt. The atmosphere on the bus was terrible, however, a third of the bus was filled with beautiful Croatian girls.

Klagenfurt was full of Croatian and Poland fans. Once again, Croatians outnumbered the opposition 3 to 1. Klagenfurt locals fled like a Frenchman from a cap gun. The media in Klagenfurt brought Austrians such fear of Polish, German, and Croatian hooligans, that most of the locals left the country on vacation or locked themselves indoors. Women received free pepper spray.

A lone Klagenfurt Croatian welcomes the crowd outside his living room window..

What do you think? Comments?

A fellow Croatiansoccerreport.com supporter from L.A. and member of 'ludi ljudi' from the Croatian soccer tournament in L.A.

This is what we play for....

'Poljakine nisu kava prema Hrvatice'

Plenty of Austrian police on hand for this nonviolent event.

Tamburica before the match.

Croatian training...

Pregame video of Thompson...

Action from Corner

Where is England? A disappointed Leeds United fan hangs his flag. I feel for the lad.. a little...

Did I fail to mention the Croatian ladies in attendance?

Croatians are pyromaniacs... Niko stretching out... Niko, Niko, Niko..

Some of the players came out to take pictures with the fans after the match..

I will leave you with a chant...

Daj nam sise da se igramooooo...igramoooo...igramooo..

translates to... give us your tits so we can play...we can play...we can play...

The women didnt find this amusing.

Last last thing.. The fans were chanting Slaven Bilic... then chanting 'javi se...javi se' which translates to 'say hello..say hello.' After thirty seconds or so, Slaven waved to the crowd, during the match.... priceless.

EURO 2008 DREAM OVER FOR IGOR BUDAN

Croatia striker Igor Budan will miss the rest of Euro 2008 with a knee injury, coach Slaven Bilić said on Wednesday.

“He will undergo arthroscopic surgery in Italy and unfortunately he will not be able to help us for the remainder of the European Championship,” Bilić told Croatian media from team base.

“We will consider calling up a replacement but only after our quarter-final match with Turkey, should we progress to the semi-finals,” he said.

We have already lost defender Dario Knežević and midfielders Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitić are banged up, but should be fit in time for the quarterfinal match with Turkey.

Who will replace Budan? Rukavina? Balaban? Mandžukić? Give us your thoughts.

WHERE IS EDUARDO???

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil of course. He has been there for the past 6 weeks rehabing his left leg. Initial reports had Eduardo out until January. A quick and healthy rehabilitation now promises a possible end of July return.

So if you're wondering why 'Dudu' isn't on the Croatian bench cheering on his teammates at Euro 2008, this is why. His club team, Arsenal, open up their English Premiership season on August 16th and Croatia starts their World Cup qualifying campaign versus Kazahkstan in Zagreb on September 6th. If Eduardo plays in either of these games, it would be considered one of the greatest returns in soccer history.