2010 SMALL GOALS TOURNAMENT, CROTTENHAM SHIRT

WHO SAID THE PRVA LIGA WAS BORING?

When NK Zadar and Inter Zaprešić met this past weekend at Stadion Stanovi in the 26th round of the Croatian Prva Liga, there was much more to the lone goal of the game than the scoreboard would show. Inter striker Tomislav Bosec scored the game winner for Inter in the 74th minute and then decided to celebrate right in front of some Zadar supporters.

A fan came over and punched Bosec in the face. He should know better than to go within 20 feet of rival supporters in Croatia. The video says it all and has already accumulated over one million views in the past three days. I would love to interview the fan that punched him. Why? would be the only thing I'd ask.

Thanks to Tom in WPG and xtratime.org for the link.

20TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for March 13th...

Hajduk Split [ 1-1 ] NK Rijeka

Vladimir Dugandžić/Cropix

The Jadranski derbi was played out to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon from Stadion Poljud in Split with 10,000 fans in attendance. Josip Skoko of Hajduk notched the first tally of the afternoon in the 74', but only to be spoiled by Rijeka's Damir Kreilach in the 88'. Hajduk are in 4th place, nipping at the heels of Šibenik while Rijeka are in 9th.

Dinamo Zagreb [ 0-0 ] NK Zadar

PHOTO: sportnet.hr

HNL leaders Dinamo Zagreb faced a surprisingly stubborn NK Zadar side, as the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Overall, it was an underwhelming and bland contest, falling far below Dinamo's typically high standards. The result, while great for Zadar, who are looking to avoid relegation this season, will be remembered as a minor blip for Dinamo in what should be another championship season for the Modri.

Šibenik [ 0-0 ] Inter Zaprešić

Cibalia [1 - 0] Lokomotiva

Međimurje [1 - 1] Osijek

Slaven Belupo [0 - 0] Karlovac

Istra 1961 [1 - 0] Croatia Sesvete

Varteks Varaždin [0 - 2] NK Istra 1961

HNL TABLE THROUGH 20 MATCHES

Next Matches: Round 21

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

ZADAR - MEĐIMURJE

RIJEKA - ŠIBENIK

LOKOMOTIVA - HAJDUK

SLAVEN BELUPO - DINAMO ZAGREB

VARTEKS - CIBALIA

OSIJEK - CROATIA SESVETE

ZAGREB- ISTRA 1961

INTER ZAPREŠIĆ - KARLOVAC

DUŠKO LOKIN APPROVES CROATIAN SOCCER REPORT

During my time in Croatia this past year, I ran into some big time Croatian celebrities, none bigger than Duško Lokin. The Zadar born Croatian singer and I met in Zagreb to discuss a possible North American tour this year. Duško is presently in Australia on tour to promote his final album, "Ja ne živim bez tebe" which debuted on November 16th, exactly 40 years after releasing his first single. The 66 year old Dalmatian legend sold five million albums and toured all over the world. At 17 Dusko had a brief stint in Croatian soccer, played professionally in the then Yugoslav second division.

Duško Lokin - Dalmacija zastavu razvila

Message from Duško

Duško Lokin approves CroatianSoccerReport.com

"Upravo sam spakirao kofere i krećem put Australije na turneju sa Matkom Jelavićem, Borisom Babarovićem i Blažom. Vraćam se 05.01.2010. i iz tog razloga sam malo uranio sa čestitkom. Svim ljudima dobre volje i svima onima koji ovo pročitaju, od srca želim Sretan Božić i sve najbolje u predstojećoj godini. Nadam se da će svima biti bar upola bolja od stare."

~message from Duško from his official blog


Duško Lokin North American Tour?

Index.hr reported last year that Duško Lokin is willing to toss his infamous toupee at an upcoming concert for the right price(50-100K Euros). That has to be worth the price of admission.

"Ako mi netko plati pedeset do sto tisuća eura, nema problema, na koncertu bacam tupe u publiku!"

~ Lokin for index.hr

Anyone in Australia attending any of the ten Lokin concerts down under? How many of you would be interested in seeing Duško Lokin and his toupee perform in a town near you?


~Denis Svirčić reporting from San Pedro, California

9TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Written by dinamofan:), CSR HNL correspondent

Here are the results for Sep 25-27...

Cibalia Vinkovci [0 - 0 ] Hajduk Split



Tonight's televized match was being pitched as a test of how far Hajduk have progressed under Edy Reja as they faced in form Cibalia in Vinkovci. A straight red card however for Josip Skoko for elbowing Tomislav Mazalović in the 22nd minute rendered Hajduk harmless for much of the game as the side are currently without a recognized striker due to Ahmad Sharbini's injury. With Marijan Buljat, Krešo Ljubijić and Mario Tičinović entering the game as subs Reja appeared happy to take a point back to Split.

If anything can be learned from tonightćs game it's that Hajduk possess a squad which is top heavy on defenders and especially midfield players, but lacks quality forwards. Duje Ćop, Paraiba and Ante Vukusić who are all in the early stages of their careers don't have 5 goals between them in a Hajduk shirt. Ivan Rodić, a 23 year old forward signed from Šibenik has also failed to meet expectations and would like to move on. It looks therefore that both Dinamo and Hajduk will begin their bidding war for Rodić's former striker partner Ermin Zec in the not too distant future.

NK Lokomotiva [0 - 1] Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo put in an uncertain performance going into their key Europa Liga tie with Timosoara, as their reserves based in Lokomotiva fought them hard in Zagreb. Dinamo didn't break down the newly promoted side until the last minute of the first half when Mario Mandžukić headed home Pedro Morales's freekick. Dinamo were at full strength exempting defender Igor Biščan who is expected to be out for two months following an operation to his stomach wall. Mandžukić and the out of sorts Papadopoulos led the attack with Ilija Sivonjić on the right wing. Filip Loncarić defended the goal for a second successive match as Tomislav Butina dropped to the bench.

Slaven Belupo [5 - 2] NK Osijek

This was the match of the day as in form Osijek travelled to a strong Slaven Belupo side smarting from disappointing early season results and injuries to key players. With Mario Jurić now on the injury list with Bojan Vručina, Belupo coach Zlatko Dalić had only one fit forward. In response to the crisis, the ex-Varteks coach played two attacking midfielders: Vojnović and Posavec behind lone striker Matias Delić and in return all three scored to take a 3-0 halftime lead. Josip Knežević pulled a goal back but Tepulić got another for Belupo. Osijek continued to rally with Hrnčević grabbing their second, but it was Belupo's day who rounded off with a fifth in the last minute through Alen Maras.

Varteks Varaždin [0 - 1] Karlovac

Karlovac had Niko Tokić to thank for their excellant away win over Varteks in Varaždin. The 21 year old put in a man of the match performance after coming on as a substitute and grabbed a last gasp winner to take all three points for Karlovac. Although Croatia's big sides such as Rijeka, Slaven Belupo, Hajduk and Šibenik have closed them down, Karlovac are now onto 18 points from 9 games played and sit in second place. Coach Igor Pamić will stay realistic about their aim and will be aware the side have now stretched nine points clear of the relegation zone giving them a bit of breathing space. Meantime Varteks will be disappointed in this result as they struggle to break into the top half. On a positive note Matija Smrekar came on to make his first league appearence of the season following a spell of injuries.

NK Zadar [1 - 1] NK Istra 1961

NK Zadar and Istra shared a point a piece after their match in North Dalmacija. Asim Sehić was once again on the scoresheet for Istra with his seventh goal in eight games. The Bosnian forward who has played successfully for Slaven Belupo and Neuchatel in Switzerland is likely to be much wanted after in the January transfer window. Franko Bilaver however was on hand to ensure Zadar didn't go home empty handed with a second half equaliser.

NK Rijeka [4 - 0] Međimurje

This was an excellant win for Rijeka over in form Međimurje. Coach Zoran Vulić will be extremely pleased with his side who gave him an easy first game in charge at the club. There were two goals a piece for forward Matija Matko and Spanish creative midfielder Ramon Fernandez. Vulić was also pleased to hear that his first assistant Daniel Sarić has arrived to join his coaching staff. Daniel Sarić is a former player of Rijeka, who went on to star for Dinamo Zagreb and then played two seasons with Sporting Gijon and three seasons at Greek giant Panathanaikos. He also played over 30 matches with the Croatian national team. Vulić would also like Saša Person, 44, to join him at the club who was also an ex-player of Rijeka and Hajduk Split.

NK Zagreb [0 - 2] HNK Šibenik

Šibenik are the latest HNL1 side to step up their league performance with their fourth win in five games. A big part of their improvement has been the return to form of Ermin Zec, who scored both goals to take his tally to 5 for the season. Zec started the season understandably unsettled by a huge amount of interest from bigger clubs in his signature. However since Šibenik refused to sanction his transfer, Zec has worked hard and is showing he is far from a one season wander. For Zagreb meanwhile the misery continues. Coach Igor Štimac will hope Krunoslav Lovrek's registration arrives from Turkey sooner rather than later as his current forwards seem incapable of raising their game. Štimac succeded in tieing up the signing of Brazilian left back Jefthon from Russian Champions Rubin Kazan on a two year deal on Friday. However, NK Zagreb are only likely to afford one or two more additions to their roster before they reach their financial limit.

Inter Zaprešić [1 - 2] Croatia Sesvete

Croatia Sesvete recorded a much need away victory against relegation rivals Inter Zaprečić. Milenko Bosnjak gave Sesvete the perfect start with a goal on four minutes. Key signing Vedran Celiscak made it two in the second half, with Bernard Gulić pulling back a consolation goal for Zaprešić. Sesvete appear to be benefiting from the appointment of coach Nenad Gracan who has helped the side collect four points in their last two games. Zaprešić meantime are on a poor run of defeats with striker Dodo now failing to register a goal in 9 matches. Reports from the club also suggest that highly rated goalkeeper Matej Delač may have to take a break as he could be suffering from the severe disease Monocleosis. This disease has also hampered the career of one of Croatia's best tennis players Mario Ančić. Delač was not fit to play the match against Sesvete.

Next Matches: Round 10

Saturday, October 3rd

Rijeka at Croatia Sesvete

Slaven Belupo at NK Zadar

Lokomotiva at Međimurje

NK Zagreb at Karlovac

Cibalia at Šibenik

Hajduk at Istra 1961

Inter at Osijek

Sunday, October 4th

Varteks at Dinamo

CROATIA'S FORGOTTEN MEN

GORAN LJUBOJEVIC
The 6ft 3 frontman born in Osijek is currently looking for a new club, after terminating his contract with Racing Genk. Ljubojevic, who is still only 26 years old has suffered serious knee damage at the start of the 2007/08 season. Unlike Eduardo who recieved top standard medical care, Ljubojevic's operation to fix his anterior cruciate ligament and cartlidge proved unsuccessful. Despite being allowed to return to training Ljubojevic was unconvinced about the state of his knee and sort further advice abroad, which confirmed to him that mistakes were made in his treatment.

Despite firing 12 goals in 38 games for the club before his injury and becoming a fans favorite, Genk wanted shot of the player. Ljubojevic agreed therefore to terminate his deal, having already spent time of Belgian social security as a consequence of being injured for such a long time.

Now Ljubojevic is back in Croatia, training with NK Osijek. Despite interest from Germinal Beerscot, the player remains unattached. As Ljubo is still based with a Belgian agent it appears he'd prefer a return to the Juperliga. Ljubojevic says he understands the delicate position of Osijek whilst he is training with the club who cannot recruit him due to having five strikers already on the books including first choice Karlo Primorac and Ivo Milicevic. Although Igor Stimac is also fishing for free agents, its unlikely Zagreb can also afford to add Ljubojevic to their playing staff as they are unable to cut their playing staff at this stage of season to cope with the final consequence. This is less the case for HNK Rijeka and particularly Slaven Belupo, who have just one fit forward with aging Mario Juric and wantaway Bojan Vrucina out till nearly Christmas. It will just be good to see Ljubo back in action, who has succeded in being adored by the fans of all of his former clubs so far.

MLADEN PELAIC
Pelaic is a player with whom Hajduk Split fans have sympathy. Although the 26 year old central defender who they bought from Standard Liege is on Hajduk's roster nobody is yet sure if he will return to full fitness. Pelaic was defending Hajduk's colours in a game in April 2008 when Mario Andricevic of Cibalia snapped his leg in a wreckless challenge. Although Pelaic remained upbeat willing to use Eduardo as his example, he managed to break the same leg a second time during his return to fitness in November. Although Pelaic said he felt he would still return to the pitch he has not appeared nearly a year on from his second injury.

Pelaic, is a player who it was hoped would be pushing for a place in Croatia's squad by now, helping to cater for the short fall in international class defenders. Pelaic had been a regular in Hajduk's team playing 17 times since arriving in January 2007. At present news still does not look good for Peliac, but their is still hope for a positive outcome to his situation.

HRVOJE VUKOVIC
Vukovic, is one of the many free agents who is yet to acquire a new club following his release from second division German club Alemannia Aachen. The 30 year old defender played around 100 matches for Hajduk, before moving on to Wacker Burghasen. 60 matches in the lower German divisions helped him transfer to Alemmania Aachen. Vukovic has been more well known in Croatia for his attempts to reclaim unpaid money from Hajduk, but says he is unlikely to return back to Split for a while due to ill feeling towards him for criticising the heirachy at the Poljud.

ZVONIMIR DERANJA
The 30 year old ex Hajduk Split player has been guilty of some spectacular under achievement having been regarded as the new Alen Boksic during his early career at the Poljud. With a strike rate of 52 in 129 game at Hajduk and 9 in 17 for the Croatia Under 21 side, it appeared Deranja would be set up for a successful career. However 5 years after leaving Hajduk Split the player has not played once with Croatia and wasted some of his best years languishing in the second division with FC Libourne. Despite scoring 19 in 44 at that level many Hajduk fans would shake their heads at seeing Deranja turning out for a French second division club. In 2007 Excelsior Mouscron recruited the player, but they've barely seen a fully fit Deranja who bagged one goal in 9 sub appearences during his two seasons so far. Serbian coach Miroslav Djukic threw the player a lifeline this summer by renewing his contract. Deranja has this season to resalvage a strange career and appeared for last 6 minutes of Mouscron's match with Anderlecht on Wednesday.

DANIEL BILOS
Daniel Bilos is the subject of long time flirtation with the Croatian FA, which ended in 2006 when he turned out for Argentina in a friendly with Brazil. Bilos went on to play two more times for Argentina, including scoring in 2-1 defeat to Spain. However Bilos, who would have qualified to play for Croatia through parentage is far from international level in the current day. A series of injuries have left the player as an inactive member of Banfields squad. The midfielder made his name with the club scoring 15 in 94 games between 2000 and 2005. A season later he played successfully with Boca Juniors earning him a transfer to French side St Etienne. It was here the rot set in as St Etienne did everything they could to offload the player after fielding him only 14 times. Various loans were arranged with Argentine sides, before Banfield finally rescued their ex star last month.

~Dinamofan, reporting the United Kingdom

9TH ROUND HNL RESULTS

Here are the results for September 26th and 28th...

Slaven Belupo[2-0]Dinamo Zagreb

Hajduk Split[3-3]Inter Zaprešić

NK Osijek [1-3]HNK Šibenik

NK Zadar[0-3]NK Rijeka

NK Zagreb[1-1]Croatia Sesvete

Varteks Varaždin[3-1] Cibalia Vinkovci

So we have now learned that Dinamo is in fact human after all; suffering their 2nd straight 2-0 loss this week letting some other teams catch up. Although Hajduk only mustered up a draw against Inter, Hajduk was down by 2 at one point and a double by Kalinić helped the 'Bili' get that all important point. Zadar fell once again and only has 1 point through their first 9 games. Their coach resigned in what has been a horrible start to the season, which inevitability will lead to relegation if they don't start putting points up on the board. Well it's definitely a season this year! Hopeully it continues like this so the games at the end will matter.

REMEMBER THE NAME...PETER HAZDOVAC!!!

Good friend of mine and fellow soccer colleague, Peter Hazdovac, has traveled across the pond to test his skills against the best Croatia has to offer. While on regular holiday this summer in Dubrovnik, where his family is from, Hazdovac was invited to attend the Kranjčar Soccer Academy in Zagreb.

The 6'4" 185-pound Hazdovac impressed trainers at the academy with his stubborn defense and aggressive technical play. His natural position at stopper, however, should not be confused with his ability to score with a ferocious strike. With defense mimicking Vedran Čorluka and a shot rivaling Wayne Rooney, any team would benefit from picking up the Southern California native.

As the academy in Zagreb concluded, Hazdovac immediately was invited to join NK Zadar of the Croatian Prva Liga for training. He has been practicing with the club for the past 10 days as he hopes an invitation to join the team as a full member is extended.
Zadar can use a little change as they have started the season 0-1-2 through the first 3 games.

Hazdovac started playing college ball immediately after high school for Cal Poly Pomona. His resume includes scoring 10 goals while posting 8 assists in his 4 year college career. He has attended numerous Chivas USA (MLS) combines in Los Angeles where he has performed in the top flight. The move to Croatian soccer has been successful so far, let's hope it only gets better.

Below is a compilation of some of Hazdovac's (#8, #10) best moments...