UEFA CUP UPDATE

Slaven Belupo managed a respectable loss in Greece to Aris Thessaloniki today. With no score at halftime, Aris finally pulled away in the 55th minute with a goal by Spaniard, Sergio Koke. Slaven is going to have to score some goals in the return match if they want to extend their UEFA Cup run.

On the other side of Europe, Hajduk grinded out a 0-0 draw in Spain to Deportivo. I couldn't find any information online regarding these 2 games (so anything from the readers would be helpful) but it appears Hajduk is taking their UEFA Cup campaign very seriously. They lost to NK Zagreb earlier in the week 3-0, which is a rare result for Hajduk, and the only thing I can come up with is that they were already looking down the road to the tie with Deportivo.

Although both Croatian sides control their own destiny, Hajduk will need less help. A goal and some solid defense could see the 'Bili' move on; and we all know that Torcida will be rockin' the Poljud when the second leg comes to Split on August 24th.

Slaven also hosts Greek team, Aris, in 2 weeks time in Koprovnica.

SRNA & COMPANY BRING DINAMO BACK DOWN TO EARTH

Well, there goes that. Dinamo Zagreb finally lost a game. Granted it was against the reigning Ukrainian champs, Dinamo just could not find the back of the net.

It only took Shakhtar Donetsk 3 minutes to score their first goal. Croatian star, Darijo 'Beckham of the Balkans' Srna did what he does best and blasted a free kick from just outside the box past 20 year-old backup keeper, Ivan Kelava. Brazilian born, Brandao, tacked on a 2nd goal for the Ukrainian side in the 31'.

Although a 2-0 loss for Dinamo isn't impossible to come back from, especially with a home game in 2 weeks time, the fact that they couldn't muster up the all-important 'away goal' is probably going to prevent them from making group stage. The most optimistic, yet realistic, scenario a Dinamo fan can be hoping for is a 2-0 win at Maksimir, which would force extra time. Should Shakhtar score a goal in Zagreb, Dinamo will have to win by 3 goals to go on.

So what's next for Croatian soccer?...

The UEFA Cup 2nd qualifying round starts tomorrow. Hajduk Split are in Spain to take on Deportivo and Slaven Belupo travel to Greece to face Aris Thessaloniki. Should either Croatian team upset their competition, they will qualify for the UEFA Cup 1st round, where Dinamo will end up unless they come up with a miracle win in Zagreb on the 27th.

Here's some highlights from the match...

THE STRONG GET STRONGER

Slaven Bilić has called upon Ivica Križanac for duty. Križanac is a 29 year-old defender born and raised in Split. He started his career in the Croatian Prva Liga with HNK Sibenik before moving to Slaven Belupo and Varteks. In 2005, Križanac signed with Zenit St. Petersburg of the Russian Premier League. Last season, Zenit not only won the Russian league title but defeated Rangers to take the UEFA Cup championship.

Bilić has said that Križanac will be called up for the Slovenia friendly on August 20th in Maribor. The Zenit defender could be seen as taking over Robert Kovač's spot as his international career is slowly winding down. Križanac has said that he has been waiting his entire life for this opportunity and that he will make the most out of it.

Dario Cvitanić will also be in Slovenia to show off his skills in checkers for the first time. The Slovenia friendly, however, is not an official FIFA sanctioned game so we will have to wait for the World Cup qualifier vs. Kazakhstan to call these players 'ours' forever.

The addition of Cvitanić and Križanac with the leadership of the Kovač brothers with Eduardo on the way and the state of the team in their professional prime after Euro- that's one hell of a winning equation for a World Cup if you ask me. I can't wait to see all the guys together again on the pitch.

Please ring in and let us know what you think about this new addition to the Vatreni.

"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

UEFA SCHEDULE RELEASED

UEFA has has released the schedule for the Champion's League 3rd qualifying round games as well as the Uefa Cup 2nd qualifying round matches. Hajduk Split has been paired up with Deportivo, who last year finished 9th in the Spanish La Liga. Slaven Belupo will match wits with Aris Thessaloniki of the Greek Super League. Aris finished 4th last year in their respected league. Both of these UEFA Cup encounters start on the road for the Croatian clubs on August 14th before returning home for the second leg a fortnight later (2 weeks later or 14 days for those of you who are unfamiliar with the lingo) on August 28th. Hajduk and Slaven aren't expected to do much against these proven teams but it's always nice to see what they're made of and what kind of trouble Torcida can get into next.

On the other side of the spectrum, should Dinamo Zagreb move onto the next and final Champion's League qualifying round (and we all expect they should with an away 3-0 win), they would face off against Darijo Srna's club team, Shakhtar Donetsk, of the Ukranian Premier League which would be a fantastic test for the team from Zagreb.

More news is on the way as pre-season tournaments are on the brink and the major European leagues are almost ready to kick off the new season.

Stay tuned guys!

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 AND SLAVEN MOVE ONWARD

In anything but surprising news, both UEFA Cup teams from Croatia will move onto the next round. Hajduk smashed Birkirkara in Malta, 3-0, with goals by Ivan Strinić (4'), Mladen Bartolović (45') and Senijad Ibričić (90'). Slaven Belupo mirrored Hajduk's efforts with a 4-0 win vs. Marsaxlokk FC with goals by Mario Bilen (25'), Kristijan Čaval (72') and a double by Bojan Vručina (74', 90').

Hajduk and Slaven beat their Maltese counterparts 7-0 and 8-0 on aggregate and will now play in the UEFA Cup 2nd qualifying round. The draw to see who Hajduk and Slaven will play next takes place on August 1st and the next game kicks off August 14th.

Although the games played out to expected results and won't make the front page of the paper, some Torcida members who made the trip to Malta for the Hajduk match just might. In the 65th minute of the game, they got a bit rowdy and lit flares to celebrate the result of the game. Maltese police came over to stop the fans; and that's when the fight ensued. I'm sure you can get a good idea of what happened from the pictures above. Denis was scheduled to be at the game today and hopefully he can give us more insight on what exactly happened.

This has been Croatian fans' 2nd run in with Malta police in 3 years. In 2005, after a 2006 World Cup qualifier ended in a draw for the Vatreni, Croatian fans were so upset they started ripping out seats from the stadium and throwing them at the local police. It must be something they put in the water in Malta to make the Croatians get so angry so quickly.

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.

THE NEW SEASON STARTS NOW

Euro 2008 is now over and it is time to put your national jersey away and pull out your club's colors for the upcoming 2008-2009 Champion's League and Uefa Cup campaigns. Don't get me wrong, World Cup 2010 qualifying starts in only two months time but for sake of argument we will stick for the club sides for now.

Dinamo Zagreb start their Champion's League campaign in the 1st qualifying round versus Linfield FC of Northern Ireland. The first leg will be away for Dinamo on July 15th or 16th with the return leg in Zagreb on July 22nd or 23rd. Dinamo is the only Croatian club team that will be participating in the Uefa Champion's League.

For the other teams that were not so lucky last year is the Uefa Cup. Both Croatian teams that managed to make the first qualifying round will be playing teams from Malta. Hajduk will host Birkirkara on July 17th with the second leg match on the 31st of July. Slaven Belupo heads to Marsaxlokk turf on the 17th with the return in Croatia also on the 31st.

CROATIAN FANS IN TROUBLE AGAIN???

ESPN has reported that UEFA will undergo an investigation to whether Croatian fans had Nazi-style banners in Vienna during the Turkey quarterfinal match. They will also breakdown Croatian chants that were sung during the game to hear if any religous or war-related material was aimed at the Turk supporters.

Now, I did not see any banners of 'Nazi-style' in the stadium of what they showed on television, but once again I was not there in person even though I know what to look for. I would also like UEFA to define 'Nazi-style' for me. Sure Croatia doesn't have the best-mannered fans- the world knows that already. And yes our fans have done some pretty silly stuff. Example: Tearing out seats from the stadium and throwing them at Maltese police after a 1-1 draw in Malta in 2005.

It's called trash talk UEFA. Every fan in the world of any team has taken part in it. That's probably the best part of being a fan. TALKING TRASH! And sure UEFA's motto during this year was 'Say no to Racism', but I'd like to know exactly what they come up with in this little investigation that they have for our fans every single tournament.

But the person to ask is Denis, who was there in the flesh. So when he gets this I hope he fills us in on the details. In the meantime, I want to hear from you guys to see what you all have to say about this shallacking on Croatian fans.

'FANTASTIC TRIO' TO START VS. GERMANY

Slaven Bilić has just been quoted in various Croatian newspapers that his new 'fantastic trio' will shine versus Germany. This trio includes the likes of Niko Kranjčar, Luka Modrić, and yes, Ivan Rakitić! It looks like Croatia will finally start with the much talked about 'super midfield' versus Germany with Ivica Olić as the lone striker atop. Petrić will start the game on the bench and it looks like Dario Šimić will also start in the back. Everything else will remain the same as far as the starting 11 goes from the Austria game.

KICKOFF AT HIGH NOON(ET) ON ESPN2!!!

GOODBYE ČAKOVEC

With there 6-1 defeat to NK Zagreb on Wednesday, NK Međimurje Čakovec has officially been relegated to the Croatian Druga Liga (2nd League). This is about all the news coverage they have received this season after a rough campaign of only 12 points in 28 games. There are 5 games left in the season and Dinamo Zagreb have already locked up the Croatian Championship.

It has been anything but exciting this season. The only thing left to determine is the Uefa Cup spot for next year. Slaven Belupo and Rijeka are still in the running but Hajduk needs a pretty big slip up in the next 5 games to relinquish the 2nd place spot. 

So as Međimurje ends there 2008 campaign, CroatianSoccerReport.com would like to bid them a pleasant farewell into the 2nd division. Hope to see you soon and better luck next year!