Croatia coach Slaven Bilić today, named the following 20-man squad for an away friendly at Slovakia in Bratislava on August 11th. This will be Croatia's last test before European qualifiers at Latvia on September 3rd and at home to Greece September 7th.
Josip Šimunić (Hoffenheim), Jurica Buljat (Hajduk), Ivan Strinić (Hajduk), Vedran Ćorluka(Tottenham), Gordon Schindelfeld(SK Sturm Graz)
Midfielders:
Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ognjen Vukojević (Dynamo Kiev), Tomislav Dujmović (Lokomotiv), Danijel Pranjić (Bayern Munich), Luka Modrić (Tottenham), Drago Gabrić (Trabzonspor), Niko Kranjčar(Tottenham), Ivan Rakitić (FC Schalke 04)
Forwards::
Ivica Olić (Bayern Munich), Mladen Petrić (Hamburg), Mario Mandžukić (Vfl Wolfsburg), Eduardo Da Silva (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavić (Rapid).
"Slovakia is our last test before qualification matches in Latvia and at home to Greece. We are talking about a strong opponent, not only have they qualified for the world cup but advanced to the second round. However, our priority is for the U21 team to qualify, this is why we are missing several players besides Rakitić, who is very important to the national team. Stipe Pletikosa has recovered from injury and is expecting to find a new club within the next few weeks."
~Slaven Bilić
A few familiar faces will not be with the senior team for the final friendly before two important qualifiers in September. Ivica Križanac has officially retired from the Croatian national side while Dejan Lovren, Ivan Perišić, Domagoj Vida and Nikola Kalinić will all remain on duty with the U-21 side facing Norway on the same day. Mate Bilić, Stipe Pletikosa, Hrvoje Čale, Dario Knežević, and Nikola Pokrivač all missed the cut. 25 year old former Dinamo Zagreb defender, Gordon Schildenfeld will be looking for his fourth cap against Slovakia.
Croatia U-21 coach Dražen Ladić, today, named the following 20-man squad for a 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship home game against Norway at Stadion Varteks in Varaždin on August 11th.
Croatia U-21:
Goalkeepers:
Ivan Kelava (Lokomotiva Zagreb), Marijan Antolović (Cibalia Vinkovci)
Mato Jajalo (FC Köln), Milan Badelj (Dinamo Zagreb), Zvonko Pamić (SC Freiburg), Damir Kreilach (Rijeka), Besart Abdurahimi (NK Zagreb), Dejan Školnik (CD Nacional), Ivan Perišić (Club Brugge, Belgium), Mirko Oremuš (Hajduk Split), Filip Ozobić(Spartak Moskva)
Forwards::
Nikola Kalinić (Blackburn, England), Ivan Santini (Zadar)
"I am glad that we have returned to more positive news in Croatian football. Our place at the top of the table is rewarding and I am confident that we will remain first and qualify for the European championship. With a win against Norway we are just about qualified, however, we might be qualified before our final match against Serbia. As of right now, everything is ok with the squad, some of the players have just finished their summer training and are ready to show their value. I have come to an agreement with Slaven Bilić to take some of the potential A team players for this important match. I thank him for this. Dejan Lovren and Nikola Kalinić have already played in the senior squad, with Mato Jajalo, Milan Badelj, Ivan Perišić, and Domagoj Vida all on Slaven's radar. Andrej Kramarić isn't starting for Dinamo this is why he was dropped. We need players that are well prepared and there are a few players that are ahead of him at the moment."
I had the pleasure of attending the Red Bull vs. Tottenham game last night and thought it would be cool to share a few photos and videos with you guys. The game itself was awesome. Funny how Thierry Henry scored in the first 25 minutes of his Red Bull career. There weren't as many Hrvati as I thought there would be. It's probably because a lot of people went to Croatia for the summer already. However, the ones that were in attendance made themselves known as you can tell from the videos. All in all it was all very friendly. -Krešimir Mustac
THANKS TO KREŠIMIR MUSTAC FOR THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO
It was a packed house at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday, July 17th as Tottenham Hotspur opened up their 2010-11 season with a friendly against MLS club San Jose Earthquakes. The match ended in a dreadfully boring scoreless draw, with Luka Modrić and Niko Kranjčar coming into the match as second half substitutes. Vedran Ćorluka did not suit up due to a minor right ankle injury.
The Croatians sped up the tempo in the first 10 minutes of their season debut but couldn't find the net as the extremely hot conditions during the day game made players think twice about their current endurance. CSR met up with Kranjčar and manager Harry Redknapp after the match. Modrić was unable to be reached for an interview but Harry definitely made up for it. This guy is true class.
CSR MEETS UP WITH NIKO KRANJČAR
MEET HARRY REDKNAPP, MANAGER OF CROTTENHAM
ĆORLUKA MAKES A PRESIDENTIAL CAMEO APPEARANCE
SPECIAL THANKS TO ANTE B. FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT HOST TO ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS FROM L.A. WHO MADE THE TRIP. HE REALLY ISN'T THAT BAD IN PERSON.
SAN JOSE CROATIAN DANIJEL GRGO DUKIĆ WITH LUKA MODRIĆ
Tottenham Hotspur hosted an open training session in front of 1,200 people on Thursday in preparation for their friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes this upcoming Saturday at 1 PM. Croatians from San Jose and the surrounding Bay Area of Northern California stole the show sporting their checkers in support of Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka.
All three Croatian players are fit and should get playing time this Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes. CroatianSoccerReport will be there in person reporting from the sidelines and interviewing the players. This is your last chance to put a question you want answered through; or forever hold your peace until next time.
VEDRAN ĆORLUKA
THE BOYS LOOK FIT
MODRIĆ MADE SOME NEW FRIENDS...
THANKS TO DANIJEL GRGO DUKIĆ AND ANTE BBB FOR LETTING CSR USE PICTURES OFF THEIR FACEBOOK PAGES
CroatianSoccerReport.com will be on hand this weekend in San Jose to witness Luka Modrić, Vedran Ćorluka, Niko Kranjčar and the rest of the Tottenham Hotspur take on the San Jose Earthquakes in a pre-season friendly. With Champions League just around the corner, Spurs are full of hope and promise for the upcoming season. So we ask YOU, the CSR reader:
What questions do you want answered by Tottenham's THREE Croatians?
WHEN WILL KRANJČAR BE BACK IN FORM?
CSR will have access to the players and are interested in what Prva Generacija and fellow CSR readers alike would like to know. So here's your chance!
We will be in section 107, top two rows
2010 Tottenham Hotspur US Tour Roster
GOALKEEPERS: Carlo Cudicini (ITA), David Button, Oscar Jansson (SWE)
MIDFIELDERS: Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, Niko Kranjcar (CRO), Luka Modric (CRO), Andros Townsend
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane (IRE), Ryan Mason, Jonathan Obika, Roman Pavlyuchenko (RUS)
HEAD COACH: Harry Redknapp
2010 Tottenham Hotspur US Tour Schedule:
7/17 SJ Quakes, @Buck Shaw stadium/ Santa Clara, CA 1 PM PT 7/22 NY Red Bulls, @Red Bull Arena / Harrison, NJ 7 PM PT 7/25 Sporting Lisbon, @Red Bull Arena / Harrison, NJ 12 PM PT
The California Diaspora will be in action during the match cheering and singing in Croatian checkers. We expect 40-50 Croatians to back the corner stand during the game. Catch us on ESPN at 4 PM (Eastern)*.
But what do we call these Croatian supporters from California? Glumci and Surferi is what we're currently working around. We would love to hear your input on the subject.
Slovakia will host the Vatreni in Bratislavia on August 11 for Croatia's first NT contest after the world cup. Though not a traditional European soccer power, Slovakia has made a name for itself at the world cup by knocking out defending champion Italy in group stage and falling to Netherlands in the round of 16. Most of the players representing Slovakia play abroad including Martin Škrtel of Liverpool, captain Marek Hamšík of Napoli and Slovakia's all time leading goal scorer Róbert Vittek.
Croatian manager, Slaven Bilić, confirmed the friendly as a prep match for the opening Euro Cup 2012 Qualifier against Latvia on September 3rd. Croatia has faced Slovakia 12 times, all in friendlies, winning eight and drawing twice. Slaven has also confirmed that Croatia are close to scheduling a friendly match with a "fallen giant." The only two teams that come to mind are France and Italy. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.
Last time Croatia faced Slovakia on 10/16/2007, they were victorious 3-0
Come join Ante and I and hopefully hundreds of Croatians in San Jose, California on July 17th for Luka Modrić's California debut, as Tottenham Hotspur take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium. We are in talks with Tottenham FC trying to arrange an autograph session and/or photo session with the "Crottenham" stars; Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka.
CroatianSoccerReport.com have reserved 50 tickets to this historic event. Here is your chance to see three Croatian internationals in action for the first time in the United States.
Please contact us at croatiansoccerreport@gmail.com ASAP if you are interested in attending.
Special thanks to Dragec Teskač for the Crottenham flyer
MODRIĆ(FAR RIGHT) CELEBRATES WITH FELLOW SPURS ON REACHING THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Luka Modrić and company got the job done in Manchester Wednesday night, winning 1-0 on a late header by Peter Crouch. The win ensures Tottenham a spot in the Champions League playoff round for next season, where they are only two games away from reaching the Group Stage. Modrić played the full match and appeared conservative on the night. He did however rip a shot in the second half that wasn't too far off target.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
It's a shame Niko Kranjčar and Vedran Ćorluka are injured and didn't make the trip to Eastlands. They were both huge contributors to this successful Spurs side this season. If Spurs win on Sunday and their North London neighbors (Arsenal) lose, Tottenham jump up a spot on the final day of the season to receive an automatic spot in the Champions League group stage.
IN OTHER NEWS AROUND EUROPE...
HAJDUK TAKE THE CROATIAN CUP
Hajduk win the Croatian Cup for the first time since 2003 with a 2-0 win against Šibenik in the second leg of their Croatian Cup Final match. Although this news should bring shock to no one, it locks up Hajduk's spot in the third qualifying round for Europa League. Why is this is a big deal?
LIVERPOOL AT POLJUD IS A POSSIBILITY
There's a chance Hajduk can be drawn against English giants Liverpool FC. If Liverpool can't jump Aston Villa (2 points in front) in the last game of the season, they will be in the same draw as Hajduk. Who needs Barcelona if Liverpool come to Split for a real game? The draw for this round takes place on July 16th and it should be the most watched Europa League qualifying round draw to date. Fasten your Hajduk seatbelts!
CUP HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS DARIJO SRNA?
Darijo Srna and Shakhtar Donetsk have won the 2009-10 Ukrainian title with a 1-0 win over hated rivals Dynamo Kyiv. Srna played the entire match and lifted the trophy first as captain in front of a packed house at Donbass Arena in Donetsk. Will this be the last time we see Srna in Ukraine?
Srna has won Ukrainian league titles, Ukrainian Cups and even a UEFA Cup as Shakhtar captain. Is it finally time for the Croatian to leave?
VUKOJEVIĆ PLAYING INNOCENT
Ognjen Vukujević played the full match and received a yellow card in Dynamo Kyiv's loss to Shakhtar. This means that Dynamo will have one round of qualifying before they can enter Champions League group stage next season. Dynamo go into the summer break with no new hardware to show off. Should Vukojević try to transfer- maybe to a German club?
TRABZONSPOR PARADES IN ŞANLIURFA WITH TURKISH CUP
Drago Gabrić and Hrvoje Čale helped Trabzonspor score a Turkish Cup on Wednesday night as they beat Fenerbahce 3-1. The Croatians have been very productive this season for the Turkish club and will now play in the playoff round of Europa League next season.
Dust off your Tottenham Hotspur jersey and order one if you don't have one, as the Spurs(not San Antonio) will be touring the states this summer for the first time since 2003.
Red Bull Arena
Red Bull New York and the World Series of Football announced today that English Premiership giants Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City along with Sporting Lisbon will face the New York Red Bulls in the 2010 New York Football Challenge that will take place from July 22-25 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The tournament schedule is yet to be announced.
Tottenham will start its US tour on the west coast against MLS Club Partners San Jose Earthquakes in a friendly game at Buck Shaw Stadium in San Jose on Saturday July 17, 2010. Croatian internationals, Vedran Ćorluka, Niko Kranjčar, and Luka Modrić will most likely make the trip and suit up for the Spurs.
Luka Modrić & Niko Kranjčar will team up for the Spurs this summer
"The summer camp will be a very important part of our preparations for the new campaign and we're looking forward to heading out to the United States in the summer. I spent some time out there during the 1970s playing and coaching in Seattle and any chance I get to go back there is something I always look forward to."
~Tottenham Manager, Harry Redknapp
We will keep you posted as soon as tickets are available to the general public.
Over the next 10 days, Luka Modrić, Niko Kranjčar, Vedran Ćorluka and the rest of the Tottenham Hotspur will directly affect who lifts the English Premiership trophy as 2009-10 champions. In one of the tightest races in recent years, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all have legitimate chances to be crowned the best in England. Tottenham stands as the only common denominator in this Premier League equation as all three contenders must play the Spurs one more time. How many crucial points can they take away? And most importantly, from who?
As Tottenham battles for that exclusive fourth and final Champions League spot, they will truly have to earn it. With only six games left in the season, the next three will be against England's elite: Arsenal on April 14th, Chelsea on April 17th and Manchester United on April 24th at Old Trafford. Spurs will need at least four points from these three matches to stay in the Champions League hunt. Anything less will see them in Europa League next season.
This will be Tottenham's test to see if they truly belong in Champions League for next year. Should they get through this gauntlet of English giants, a match with Manchester City still awaits them on May 5th. What does fortune hold for the team from White Hart Lane?
I am not a reporter or a writer. I’m a fan. A fan of the game, the passion, the athletes, and most of all the pride the game brings out at all levels. The following is my take of the Tottenham vs. Blackburn game I attended on March 13, 2010 in London, England.
Since the age of 5, football has been my life- and to finally watch an EPL game was a dream come true. For what baseball fans would consider going to Wrigley Field or Fenway Park, English Premier League football is the center of the club footballing universe. All in all, football is a lifestyle in England. Kids are brought up by their parents to have pride in their side, in good and in bad while leaving everything out on the field.
WHEN DO YOU SEE THIS? THREE IRISH GUYS WEARING CROATIAN SHIRTS TO A PREMIERSHIP MATCH
The atmosphere is electric, from the subway to the pub before the game. There is a sense of anticipation as crowds of fans wait anxiously for the walk into the stadium. The Spurs Store is packed as people try to find their last piece of gear to rock in the famous White Hart Lane. To be honest, this is what makes the EPL so great, its fans! Fans who appreciate hard work on the field, good passing, and great defense (something most MLS fans simply do not get). The feeling of 38,000 people jumping on their feet for a counter attack lead by Luka Modrić gives me chills just thinking about it; now that I've experienced it first hand.
IRISH SAY CROATIANS ARE LUCKY CHARMS FOR CROTTENHAM
My summary of the actual game and Croatian players:
Tottenham: Simply the better side. Quality players that just outmatched Blackburn in all positions. Played like a top 5 side and took care of business at home!
ĆORLUKA IS A HIT IN NORTH LONDON AS WELL
Ćorluka: First off the guy is only 23 years old! His strength, size, speed, and technical ability are something that makes him special. One thing that really impressed me was his ability to constantly get forward and provide an offensive threat for 90 minutes.
Kranjčar: Signs of absolute greatness but sometimes inconsistent. He is a starter on Croatian National team for a reason! Great on dead balls and a very creative offensive mind. Not the fastest guy on the pitch or strongest player defensively.
Modrić: MAGIC! The croud holds their breath with every move this 'man of the match' made. Fans adore him……need I say more about the quality he brings to Tottenham.
Blackburn: Tough place for them to come and try to get some points. As a player, I understand somewhat of how hard it is to go away and try to steal a draw, let alone a win.
Kalinić: Absolutely impressed me in all ways. Playing as a lone forward is not an easy thing to do and his hard work was to be respected. Scored a brilliant goal which was sadly called back. Held the ball up and earned many fouls for his side in dangerous areas. Definitely deserves some more looks from Bilić!
SEE GUYS. HAJDUK AND DINAMO CAN GET ALONG AFTER ALL
Viewers of CSR, but mostly the writers of the articles, sometimes forget how hard this game really is. If players were perfect there would be no use in playing because it is a game of mistakes and how teams can capitalize on these mistakes. Some of us forget or simply may not know how hard these guys push their bodies and how much they actually play. So as a fan to other fans, take a minute to respect the level these guys play at on a daily basis before bashing them for normal mistakes. These are our players and we should support them to the fullest.
Thank you to my new Irish bud for the interview, my friends in London and LA for the tickets, CSR, and my dad for being there to experience one of the best days of my life.
Sve najbolje!
~Thanks to Peter Hazdovac for a great interview and write-up from London, England
Four of Croatia's bright young stars were featured in Tottenham Hotspurs' 3-1 handling of a mediocre Blackburn Rovers side. The Crottenham trio of Vedran Ćorluka, Niko Kranjčar and Luka Modrić played the entire contest, (Modrić was subbed out in the 89') to an entertaining packed-to-capacity White Hart Lane while Nikola Kalinić played the entire match for Blackburn.
PHOTO: AFP/Getty Images, Niko Kranjčar in the background
For Ćorluka, a relatively easy day on defense was highlighted on Jermaine Defoe's first goal. In the 45', Kranjčar launched a corner kick, which glanced off the head of Ćorluka and found its way to Defoe, parked right in front of the net for an easy tally.
PHOTO: tottenhamhotspur.com, Niko Kranjčar
Luka Modrić played a key role in the second goal of the match for Spurs. Moving up field with ease after playing fairly deep in Spurs territory, Luka found teammate Defoe with a lobbed pass, who in turn avoided an effort on goal, opting instead to pass to Pavlyuchenko, who put the ball away. Modrić had another effort on goal when Sebastien Bassong carried the ball out of defense and found his 'Luka', but the 'midfield maestro' dragged his finish just wide of the target.
Despite the impressive win, the performance of Nikola Kalinić should not be overlooked. Rated a 7 by skysports.com, the former Hajduk Split striker gave a Champions League caliber Spurs side all they could handle. Multiple efforts on goal throughout the day culminated with late effort that was called off because of handball. Kalinić has been performing better and better with each week, and he can easily become one of the most exciting players in the Premiership with due time as he progresses towards next season.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
The victory keeps Spurs in the coveted 4th position in the EPL standings. The London side are away at Stoke City next weekend while Blackburn Rovers, currently 12th in the standings, take on Chelsea next Sunday.
PHOTO: Neil Tingle/Sportsphoto/Allstar, Eduardo da Silva
Arsenal took home 3 points after a last gasp goal from Nicklas Bendtner in a 2-1 victory over Hull City from the Kingston Communications Stadium . Eduardo entered the contest in the 76' for Samir Nasri in an effort to genereate an offensive boost for the London club, who controlled the ball for 69% of the contest. Although a brief appearance against a weak opponent, Dudu is still trying to regain his full form after suffering a hamstring injury last month, so it was a welcome conditioning assignment for him today.
Ivan Klasnić
Bolton Wanderers crushed Wigan Athletic 4-0 from the Reebok Stadium with just over 20,000 fans in attendance. Ivan Klasnić entered the contest in the 76' for teammate Kevin Davies. Bolton are away at Everton next weekend.
GERMANY
PHOTO: schalke04.de, Ivan Rakitić and company celebrating
Schalke 04 went to the top of the Bundesliga standings (if only for a few hours) after defeating a formidable opponent in VfB Stuttgart on Friday night. The ever-impressive Ivan Rakitić continued with his solid form in the victory, playing the entire contest. With each successive week, Ivan is proving that his recent revival in form an attitude towards his club has been no fluke and will carry on until the end of the season. On a belated note, Ivan was voted Schalke 04 Spieler des Monats (Player of the Month) for February.
PHOTO: fcbayern.t-home.de, Ivica Olić
Despite a slow start, the surging Bayern Munich squad continued their on-field dominance with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against SC Freiburg at the Allianz Arena with 69,000 thanks in large part to the brilliance of Arjen Robben. Ivica Olić and Danijel Pranjić both started for the Bavarian juggernauts, with Pranjić (who received a yellow card in the 11') coming out of the game in the 71' for Anatoliy Tymoschuk.
On the Freiburg side of the ball, Ivica Banović started the contest but was subbed in the 72' for teammate Cedric Makiadi.
No less than a victory would have been acceptable for Bayern, who controlled the ball 71% of the match. Olić and Pranjić both contributed to the victory with a tenacious display of offensive skill and wit against the lowly Freiburg side. A glancing header on target by Olić as well as an off-target attempt by Pranjić were the closest scoring opportunities on the afternoon for the Bayern Croats
PHOTO: scfreiburg.com, Danijel Pranjić(23) disappointed after giving up the lone Freiburg Goal
Bayern round out the Bundesliga standings and are away at Eintracht Frankfurt while Freiburg are in 17th place and host Mainz next weekend.
PHOTO: achtzehn99.de, Josip Šimunić
TSG Hoffenheim lost a hard fought contest 1-0 to a visiting Werder Bremen side from the Rhein-Neckar-Arena after a goal from Claudio Pizzaro in the 80'. Josip Šimunić played the entire contest for Hoffenheim, earning a yellow card in the 83' of the match, just after the frustrating goal was scored to quiet the home crowd. Hoffenheim are in 11th place and are away at Nurnberg next weekend.
Mladen Petrić
Bayer Leverkusen defeated Hamburg SV 4-2 from the BayArena with 30,000 in attendance. Mladen Petrić played the entire contest in the losing effort. The loss drops Hamburg to 5th place in the Bundesliga standings as they head into this weeks UEFA Europa League fixture with Anderlecht before returning to Germany for a match against visiting Schalke 04.
FRANCE
PHOTO: olweb.fr, Dejan Lovren
Dejan Lovren played the entire match in Lyons 1-1 draw against St. Etienne in French Ligue 1 action this weekend. The match was played at the Stade de Gerland with some 36,000 fans in attendance. Granted, Lyon could not afford to put the young, inexperienced Croat on the roster for this past weeks stunning victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Lovren is clearly at fault for the St. Etienne goal by failing to cover the opposing striker, who sat alone in front of the net waiting for the cross.
GOALS FROM THE MATCH
Things may seem a bit overwhelming for young Dejan at the moment: new country, new culture, new league, new system. Regardless, it will take some time and there will be some bumps in the road along the way, but he will develop into a solid player in time to help replace the aging Lyon defensive corps.
Lyon are 4th in the French Ligue 1 standings, although first place Bordeaux are only 2 points above them. Next up: away at league rival Marseille.
PHOTO: rclens.fr, Vedran Runje at Saturday practice
Vedran Rujne and Lens tasted bitter defeat, losing 1-0 to Lorient after a 79' goal from Sylvain Marchal on Saturday night from the Stade du Moustoir. The loss puts Lens in 15th place of the Ligue 1 standings heading into next weekends match against guests Sochaux.
ITALY
PHOTO: lastampa.it, Dario Knežević
Dario Knežević played the entire match in Livorno's 3-3 draw against visitors AS Roma, earning a yellow card in the 24'. Knežević also earned AS Roma a penalty shot in the 40'(which was missed) after pulling down an opposition player in the box. The result provides a much needed point to Livorno, who now sit in 18th place in the Serie A standings. Though they remain in the relegation zone, there is still the possibility that they will remain in the Serie A for next season.
Mato Jajalo
Mato Jajalo was not featured in Siena's roster for a 3-3 draw against Juventus.
Igor Budan
Igor Budan was not featured in Palermo's roster for a 3-2 loss against Udinese.
SPAIN
Mate Bilić
Mate Bilić was an unused substitute in Sporting Gijon's 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao
RUSSIA
PHOTO: fc-zenit.ru, Ivica Križanac
After an underwhelming 2009 campaign, Zenit St. Petersburg opened the 2010 Russian Premier League season with a solid 1-0 victory over PFK Samara Kryliya Sovetov with 18,000 in attendance from the Metallurg Stadium. Ivica Križanac, who is now beginning his 6th season with Zenit, played the entire contest for his side. Next weekend, Zenit host Spartak Moscow.
Tomislav Dujmović
FK Rubin Kazan defeated Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 from the Tsentralnyi Stadium with 12,500 in attendance. Newly minted Croatian NT callup Tomislav Dujmović played the entire match, receiving a yellow card in the 59'. Lokomotiv Moscow host PFK Samara Kryliya Sovetov next weekend.
Pletikosa to London this summer?
Stipe Pletikosa remains out of the Spartak Moscow lineup since severely injuring knee ligaments this past summer in training with his club. On the day he injured his knee, all signs pointed to a move to London to join his fellow Croatian NT teammates at Tottenham Hotspur. With summer 2010 approaching, and Pleti still out of the Spartak lineup, is this finally the year Stipe makes his move to the EPL that he has so desperately been seeking?
UKRAINE
PHOTO: shakhtar.com, Darijo Srna
Darijo Srna played the entire contest in Shakhtar Donetsk's 2-1 win over Metalist. Next weekend, Srna and company take on Zorya in the Ukranian Premier League.
PHOTO: fcdynamo.kiev.ua, Ognjen Vukojević celebrating with teammates
Dynamo Kiev re-established their three-point lead at the top of the Ukranian Premier League standings with a 1-0 win over Vorskla by way of a goal from Andriy Shevchenko. Ognjen Vukojević made an appearance during the contest, although at this time it is unknown what his impact was on the final outcome of the match. Dynamo Kiev take on Metallurg Donetsk next weekend.
TURKEY
Drago Gabrić
A last minute goal by Gomes da Costa Carlos Alanzinho gave Trabzonspor a point to take home from the Kamil Ocak Stadium, as they battled with Gaziantepsor to a 1-1 draw in Turkish Super League action on Friday night. Drago Gabrić entered the contest in the 61' minute for teammate Engin Baytar. Hrvoje Čale was not featured on Trabzonspor's roster after picking up an injury this past week. Trabzonspor host perrenial Turkish powers Galatasaray next weekend.
AUSTRIA
Nikola Pokrivač
Red Bull Salzburg defeated guests Kapfenberg SV 1-0 in Austrian Bundesliga action. Nikola Pokrivač played the entire contest for his side, receiving a yellow card in the 68'. Red Bull Salzburg continue to lead in the standings with the victory and will be away at Austria Vienna next weekend.
PHOTO: skrapid.at, A masked Nikica Jelavić celebrating with teammates
Rapid Vienna defeated city rivals Austria Vienna 2-0 from the Gerhard-Hanappi Stadium. Nikica Jelavić, still donning a protective mask after suffering a broken nose 2 weeks ago, played the entire match and scored in the 76'. The match was punctuated with red cards for 2 Austria Vienna players towards the end of the game for committing rough fouls following a very frustrating day against their rivals and a raucous home crowd. Rapid remain in 2nd place of the Austrian Bundesliga standings and are away at SK Sturm Graz next weekend.
BELGIUM
Ivan Perišić
Due to a minor injury, Ivan Perišić was not featured in Club Brugge's roster for a 1-0 win over his former club Roeselare.
~Ivica Peroš, reporting from Long Island, New York
