CROATIAN SOCCER REPORT

PLETIKOSA IN LIMBO, STILL NO MOVE FOR KLASNIĆ

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:22:00 +0000

PLETIKOSA PRAYS FOR A TRANSFER

The Russian Premier League will resume its season this Saturday after a short one-month long summer break. Spartak Moscow currently sit in third place only four points behind leaders FK Rubin Kazan.

Although Spartak is doing well this season, Croatian goalie Stipe Pletikosa has not been involved in any of his club's games since a 3-1 loss to FC Moscow on April 11th. That means Pletikosa has not played competitive soccer in three months! This is an absolute disgrace for Croatia as they cannot use Pleti if he is out of form.

It bothers me that Spartak has not yet unloaded Pletikosa this summer. They had a perfect window of opportunity in the past month and did nothing with it. If Stipe doesn't make a move happen soon his Croatian career could very well be coming to an end should he remain a #2 in Russia for another year.

LATEST NEWS ON PLETIKOSA, FROM JUNE

Let the debate begin...

WHERE WILL KLASNIĆ PLAY NEXT?

Ivan Klasnić is coming off a horrible season with Ligue 1 side Nantes where he only scored six goals in 28 appearances. Now that Nantes has been relegated back down to the French second division, no one expects Klasnić to stay with the team.

His best move is to move back to Germany where he had so much success with Werder Bremen. Schalke or Stuttgart would be ideal for Klasnić.

This post was written due to popular demand by Prva Generacija.

WHAT IN THE WORLD WILL DARIJO SRNA DO?

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:55:00 +0000

IS SRNA CONFUSED?

Darijo Srna was linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe only a few weeks ago. Rumors of the Croatian winger moving to Champions League holders Barcelona seemed to have almost become a reality. Now- nothing!

So what happened? Why did the offers just stop like that so suddenly?

If I had to put money on it, I would say Srna has already made his decision and will remain captain of UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk. But anything can happen in the summer transfer window so we're just going to have to sit and be patient until official news out of Ukraine is released.

Srna was also linked with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and AC Milan.

MODRIĆ, ĆORLUKA ON SPURS TRADE BLOCK?

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:56:00 +0000

It is being reported at both Goal.com and Net.hr that Tottenham is willing to sell any of their players this summer except for Jonathan Woodgate, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.

Of course this is just a business move by Spurs management to lure interest from other clubs across Europe, but do they really have the guts to sell Luka Modrić or Vedran Ćorluka?

Should Tottenham actually complete the selling of a Croatian; where would you like to see Vedran or Luka play?

I'd like to see them go to Bayern Munich and join Olić and Pranjić. Then the next step is to replace Bayern's T-Com sponsorship with Karlovačko. Anyone with me? (I'm kidding of course.)

BBB STOP FRIENDLY IN AUSTRIA

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:40:00 +0000

Yes ladies and gentlemen, the BBB work hard in the summer as well.

Dinamo Zagreb played a friendly against Steaua Bucharest in Austria on July 5th; only for the match to be called off in the 85th minute due to BBB interference. Members of Dinamo's illustrious club were trouble from the beginning.

The Bad Blue Boys lit flares from grass stands overlooking the field, stole corner flags and ultimately swarmed the pitch before the game was even done in the afternoon matinee. Dinamo lost 1-0.

All in all, it was yet another bad move in representing Croatia as Dinamo will now go home early without playing their final friendly which was planned for July 8th.

I'll let the photos and videos from the following articles do the talking for me:

SPORTSKE NOVOSTI

NET.HR

INDEX.HR

SVIRČIĆ LOSES WALLET, PART DEUX

noreply@blogger.com (Denis Svirčić) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Last Saturday, June 27th, Ante Kvartuč was kind enough to feature me in a story on CSR. Here is that Previous Story for those of you hibernating this summer.

Today, I managed to catch up with the man behind the truth, Dane Maretić. After visiting the police station for a second time to recover his name and phone number, playing phone tag for a few days, and figuring out where to find the lad, I finally met with the founder of my wallet.

We met on the Šibenska Riviera , had a drink, cracked a few jokes, and exchanged gifts like captains of football clubs. He presented me with a few Šibenik Županija car window banners and i gifted him a bottle of whiskey.

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Dane Maretić holding my wallet for hopefully the last time

A very special thanks to Dane Maretić Šibensko Kninsko Županija

~ Denis Svirčić, reporting from Šibenik, Croatia

HNL 'LIGA 16' TO BE DISBANDED

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Numerous newspapers out of Croatia are reporting that the HNL will disband their experimental 'Liga 16' immediately after the current 2009-10 season. This is one of the quickest reversals I have ever seen in professional sports.

Only weeks after the HNS decided to add four more teams to the already 'watered-down' Prva Liga, they are now rescinding their decision and will have a new plan and layout for the 2010-11 season.

Now the question is: Will they go back to 12 teams or consolidate the Prva Liga even more?

I would personally like to see Croatia hold eight teams in their top tier of football as the competition would keep teams and fans alike more honest. Although, I would not have an issue with 10 teams.

OFFICIAL: ŠIMUNIĆ SIGNS WITH HOFFENHEIM

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:49:00 +0000

After nearly 10 years in Berlin and 218 appearances, Josip Šimunić will no longer wear a Hertha uniform as Hoffenheim has locked in the fierce center back for the next three years. Šimunić and his manager at Hertha have been on shaky ground after disagreements left their relationship in shambles.

Hoffenheim has reportedly bought Josip for seven million Euro and will pay him three million per season.

I'm happy with this move as Joe won't have to over-perform as if he were at a big club. Hoffenheim had a fantastic run last season and was even in first place going into the winter break.

MANDŽUKIĆ STAYS AT DINAMO

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:23:00 +0000

Dinamo Zagreb's most prized possession, Mario Mandžukić, will be playing in the Croatian capital for at least one more season. This ends all speculation of Mandža going to Bremen, Wolfsburg, Portsmouth or even Tottenham.

Hope that makes all you BBB out there happy!

Will it make a difference though?

Dinamo is always a favorite to win the Croatian title; but do they have enough to make a run in Champions League this season?

SVIRČIĆ LOSES WALLET, RECOVERED AT ŠIBENIK POLICE STATION

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:42:00 +0000

CSR's own, Denis Svirčić, lost his wallet in Šibenik while on assignment for CroatianSoccerReport.com. In case you are not one of Denis' friends on Facebook, here is what he had to say about it:

I lost my wallet today, filled with $200, 2 credit cards, CA Id, Croatia Id, school ids, (yellow and red card)..... wallet was untouched and recovered at Šibenik police station... The Šibenik man didn't want the 10% offered by police station, nor anything from me after I called him.... Only in Croatia(Sally)..... I say, only in Šibenik, Croatia.

I've heard hundreds of these stories in my 22 year lifetime; but never with all the cash returned and leaving without reward- let alone a reward from the police!

Whoever you are 'Anonymous Wallet Returner', thank you and may KARMA be with you!

-ONLY IN CROATIA

RUMOR MILL (6-27-09)

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Nikola Kalinić has gone on record in saying that he WILL NOT return to Hajduk Split this upcoming season. Valencia has been rumored to be on Kalinić's tail for a €7 million transfer in this Goal.com article.

This would be a life changing transfer for Kalinić; especially if he gets to play up top with David Villa; should he stay.

Thank you Ciganski Bosanac for breaking this news!

Sky Sports is reporting that Mario Mandžukić has been linked with possible transfers to English sides Tottenham and Portsmouth after his Werder Bremen deal was shot down.

Could Tottenham really become 'Dinamo Zagreb West' with three former players?

Goal.com is reporting that NK Rijeka's Anas Sharbini is on Liverpool and Aston Villa radars.

How well can the alleged 'next Zvonimir Boban' compete should he make the move to the Premiership?

There is still no news on Josip Šimunić. Last we heard was that there was a falling out between him and his coach at Hertha Berlin. Will he make a move to another Bundesliga club or travel to Spain or England?

I have a weird suspicion that Šimunić will remain at Hertha.

MARKO VIDALINA (24 SATA) INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Denis Svirčić) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Marko Vidalina interview

Well, as you all know by now, CroatianSoccerReport.com was featured last week in the highly circulated Croatian Newspaper, 24 Sata. On June 20th, I was fortunate enough to meet with the writer of that article, Marko Vidalina. Here is how the interview went:

Marko Vidalina Interview 24 Sata (1 of 2)

Marko Vidalina Interview 24 Sata (2 of 2)

Once again, I would like to thank Marko Vidalina for spending a few minutes with me for CSR and making us famous on 24 sata. For those of you that missed the article:
CroatianSoccerReport featured on 24 Sata

Update from Šibenik

After spending a day less than three weeks in Zagreb, I arrive in Šibenik on Monday June 22nd hoping to add something to the Bad Blue Boys visit, credentials for Croatia-Ukraine match, Alexander Žic interview, and Marko Vidalina interview.

Well it turns out that I jinxed myself with "the greatest news ever on CSR" a few weeks back. This news was supposed to be the beginning stages of a possible Dinamo Zagreb friendly in the United States. I spoke with one of the lead members of the Bad Blue Boys for about an hour, visited their headquarters, and was convinced that we would work together to make this happen.

This member of the Bad Blue Boys, made the trip to Toronto on July 12, 2005 to watch the only time Dinamo was featured in the United States against the powerful Glasgow Rangers. He( I am forbidden to mention his name) mentioned about his time in Toronto and how he and the rest of the Bad Blue Boys luckily had housing arranged with local Croatian families in Toronto.

Dinamo Zagreb-Glasgow Rangers Summary

Dado Pršo, Glasgow Rangers interview

"The small but vocal Rogers Centre crowd of 18,159 was split evenly between Rangers and Zagreb fans, but the Croatian's supporters were definitely louder. At one point they started a Glasgow Celtic chant to the ire of Rangers supporters."

~ TSN Summary

He, lets call him Bob, was super friendly, offered me a beer and we exchanged T-shirts. However, my requests of interviews(on and off camera), filming the Bad Blue Boys headquarters, and any other related Dinamo or Bad Blue Boys were denied by a simple phone call he made numerous times to his boss.

Still hopeful of an interview with the Bad Blue Boys, I tried the Dinamo headquarters. After playing phone tag with Dinamo secretaries about a dozen times, I finally got through to a Mr. Jagotić. I informed him where I was coming from and my intentions of one day hosting Dinamo Zagreb in North America. He explained to me that he was "very busy at the moment and will contact me via email if interested." next I contacted the Croatian Football Federation. After playing phone tag with them about a dozen times, they finally gave in and said "I need to contact Mr. Srebrić when he returns from U16 training outside of Zagreb sometime this week." Next I tried to get a hold of "Bob" hoping to get at least some little information to carry home with me, but no luck. Bob declined to answer my half a dozen phone calls and text messages. I still don't know how business gets done in Croatia.

Now, my objective is to connect with some big shots at Hajduk and/or Torcida in hopes of getting answers to a Hajduk friendly across the pond. I will keep you posted with my status and if anything new develops.

After reading the Dinamo Zagreb-Glasgow Rangers Summary, anything is possible

~ Denis Svirčić, reporting from Šibenik, Croatia

CSR FANS CHIME IN (2)

noreply@blogger.com (Denis Svirčić) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Photo: Michael Heuberger, Mensur Mujdža training for SC Freiburg

Ante and I are always looking to spice up CSR and a few months back we asked you, the fans, to contribute pictures, videos, reports, interviews and anything else you would like to share about 'up to the minute' news on Croatian soccer. Our dream is to one day have corespondents all over the world reporting on Croatian players from their own towns.

SC Freiburg season ticket holder, Manu, from Freiburg Germany, was the first to volunteer and will bring us news from the recently promoted Bundesliga club for the upcoming football season.

Today, recently signed Freiburg winger and Croatian under 21 prospect, Mensur Mujdža is in the spotlight. Mensur has played the last five seasons for NK Zagreb and was signed by recently promoted German Bundesliga club, SC Freiburg on June 17, 2009. The 25 year-old right wing back was also a member of the under 21 Croatian team, scoring twice in nine appearances.

Mensur Mujdža highlights

Training began for SC Freiburg last week, and with promotion to the Bundesliga comes a new sponsor. Nike has outbid Jako for the right to outfit Freiburg and will unveil the new kit on July 3th. Freiburg accommodated Mensur with the same jersey number(14) he wore with NK Zagreb.

Mensur Mujdža highlights(part 2)

Manu will also report on former NK Zagreb, Werder Bremen, Nuremburg, and Croatia striker Ivica Banović

Excellent work Manu, Ante and I look forward to the upcoming Bundesliga season. Keep us posted with the progress of Freiburg, Ivica Banović and Mensur Mujdža.

~“Manu, Croatia and SC Freiburg fan reporting from Freiburg, Germany”

PRANJIĆ SEALS DEAL WITH BAYERN

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Danijel Pranjić and Bayern Munich have finally come to terms in a three-year deal. Reports out of Munich are also stating that the transfer from Dutch side, Heerenveen, will cost Bayern €7million.

SKY SPORTS ARTICLE

However, the deal almost didn't go through once again as Heerenveen asked for €7.7 million at the last second when they already knew Bayern had capped a possible Pranjić transfer at €7 million even. So what did Danijel do?

He paid the difference of the cost out of his own pocket to Heerenveen in the amount of €700,00. What an incredible move! This shows how badly Pranjić wanted to get out of the Netherlands and move on with his career. Thank you Darijo for the Goal.com article.

This is fantastic news for Pranjić who will now have the opportunity to play in the top tier of German football as well as Champions League this upcoming season. Staying in the Netherlands one more season would have been disastrous for the Croatian left-back.

Pranjić will also be playing alongside fellow Croatian international Ivica Olić. With Darijo Srna and Josip Šimunić looking for new clubs this summer; can one more Croatian join the party in Munich?

Thanks to Igor in Vancouver BC and Zach G for the early morning articles!

ŠIMUNIĆ TO LEAVE BERLIN

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:53:00 +0000

IS ŠIMUNIĆ ALL ALONE IN BERLIN?
Yahoo.com is reporting that Croatian tough man, Josip Šimunić, is unhappy with current Hertha Berlin coach Lucien Favre over a disagreement and ultimately wants to leave the German capital.

Sounds like Šimunić is basically out the door in Berlin. So where to next?

German papers have Šimunić linked to Fulham, Portsmouth, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Hoffenheim.

I can see him staying in Germany and playing for Hamburg, Schalke or even Bayern Munich; but would like to see Joe take a leap in his career and move to England. He still has mileage on his body and could remain a beast at defense for any English side.

Thanks to JP and Tom in Winnipeg for the news!

CSR WORKIN' AROUND THE CLOCK...

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:57:00 +0000

CroatianSoccerReport.com began the month off by receiving credentials from the HNS (Croatian Soccer Federation) to cover the Croatia-Ukraine match in Zagreb first hand. So how could we possibly keep the momentum going from this historic CSR event?

Popular Croatian newspaper, 24 Sata, ran CSR's story on PSV's new Croatian uniforms on June 19th and gave us a nice pat on the back for all the good work we've been doing stateside.

24 Sata wrote:

HRVATSKI NOGOMET NA AMERIČKI NAČIN

Dok čekamo informaciju gdje će Srna igrati iduće sezone, evo nečega zanimljivoga, rečenica je kojom su vijest o 'kopiranju' dresova započeli na portalu croatiansoccerreport.com. Riječ je o projektu kojim se bave Hrvati u SAD-u, zaljubljenici u hrvatski nogomet. Prate HNL, sve naše igrače, pogotovo reprezentaciju. I rade sjajan posao, zahvaljujući CSR-u Hrvati u SAD-u doista imaju gdje vidjeti što se sve događa hrvatskom nogometu.

Read the CSR post that 24 Sata directly translated into Croatian above.

This article by 24 Sata only reinforces what Denis and I are trying to do as we slowly become a force in Croatian soccer media...

TO UNITE CROATIAN FANS AROUND THE WORLD

And of course we could not achieve any of this without our devoted readers and 'Prva Generacija' members who endlessly leave comments and debate on CSR about their most passionate thoughts on Croatian soccer.

So as our army grows, so does our say in Croatian soccer. Let's not stop here!

I would like you all to sign CSR's Twitition that would ultimately help bring Dinamo and Hajduk to North America for a series of friendlies.

Sure it seems impossible now, but if we can guarantee 'sold out' stadiums in New York, Toronto, Chicago, San Jose and Los Angeles; who's to say that the two Croatian juggernauts wouldn't make the trip.

Small steps as this is only the beginning!

PSV EINDHOVEN CROATIAN COPY CATS?

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Here's something for you all to ponder until we figure out where Srna will be playing next year.

Check out PSV Eindhoven's new away kit for the next two seasons. If it looks familiar, it's because Croatia wore these exact uniforms (in blue of course) during the 2006 World Cup and qualifying. These kits are also being tailored by Nike.

So what's the deal Nike?!

I know the world economy is suffering right now, but reusing original designs for club teams: C'mon!

I'm actually a bit flattered but the red and white checkers do have significance to the city of Eindhoven as the Brabant region's flag is completely covered in red and white checkers just like the Croatian 'grb'.

So what do you guys think?

Thanks to Oliver for breaking this news!

ALEXANDER ŽIC INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Denis Svirčić) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Alexander Žic

Alexander Žic Interview

After spending five days or so drinking Karlovačko and hanging out with friends and family, I thought, what a perfect way to start the work week than with an interview with fellow 'Prva Generacija' member Alexander Žic.

Update from Zagreb

The final question that I asked Alex is a little hint about previously mentioned 'greatest news ever for CroatianSoccerReport.com.' With this said, let's not get our hopes up or jinx(Ante) anything. As of right now, I am looking in to what it would take to host a Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split and ultimately Croatia for a friendly match in the United States. I won't mention anything more about this until I have further details. Also, I am not allowed to mention any details or names. I feel like I am communicating with the Sicilian mafia. Stay tuned.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from Bad Blue Boy waters

SRNA PACKING BAGS

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:08:00 +0000

LET THE PREDICTIONS BEGIN!

Reports as of June 16th are saying that European champions, Barcelona, have put in a bid for Darijo Srna as well as his current teammate Dmytro Chyhrynskiy. Barca has said they are willing to spend 15 million Euros for Srna!

Setanta Sports is reporting that Darijo Srna has received offers from two top European clubs even though he has not yet revealed who they might be. Srna sounds excited about the news which means he will most likely be leaving Shakhtar Donetsk.

Bayern Munich, Liverpool and AC Milan have all been linked with purchasing Srna. So where will he ultimately end up?

Thanks to Adrien for breaking this story on CSR.

END OF YEAR WRAP-UP

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:17:00 +0000

SOLDO TO COLOGNE

SHARBINI TO RED BULL

CROATIA IN TURMOIL

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:47:00 +0000

Goal.com has reported that Slaven Bilić is currently being wooed by English club, Portsmouth, as the Croatian national team seems to be unraveling by the second after it's 2-2 draw against Ukraine.

If that doesn't rattle your cage, even Vecernji List is reporting that Bilić has asked HNS president, Vlatko Marković, to release him from his current contract so that Bilić could find a club job this summer.

Sure, these are all probably rumors and could just as easily be dismissed in the next few days, but the fact that the team played poorly against Ukraine and morale is at a 52-week low concerns me. Celtic has also shown interest in the Croatian coach.

AGENT ARGENTINA AND WIFE AT DISNEYLAND WEARING BILIĆ SHIRTS

MAYBE CROATIA ISN'T BILIĆ'S "HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH" AFTERALL...

Agent Argentina and I were at Disneyland on Tuesday with a few friends when I was so kindly interrupted by Ivan and Luka's breaking news on the possibility of Bilić moving on as the national team manager. I quickly researched the subject on my iPhone to confirm the rumors to be true. Here's the immediate reaction...

REMEMBER TO SEND CSR YOUR VIDEOS

And if that didn't phase you, we might have another little team problem on our hands to address. During player press conferences the day before the Ukraine match, Ivan Jurić said a few things that ticked off fellow players which questioned his loyalty towards the team.

Here's the 'Cliff Notes' version of what Jurić said straight from Denis:

Jurić told the press that he didn't even know why Bilić chose him to play on the national team this late in his career. Jurić said of himself that he is old and small. He also said that Croatia is no Spain or Brazil; with his main intent being to relieve some stress off of the players' backs before the big Ukraine match. He just wanted to lighten the mood and be completely honest and realistic- to let his teammates know that the weight of the world WAS NOT on their shoulders.

Well....

That didn't exactly go according to plan as the majority of the team is now asking where Jurić's loyalties lie. Tension is brewing in the Croatian locker room. But is this already the end for Ivan Jurić?

Has Croatia hit rock bottom?

My Thoughts:

Two draws against Ukraine is bad but it isn't the end of the world! We're going to have to fight through all this as a team; a single unit and not as individuals. I would keep Bilić and let him finish his job on our way to South Africa. We can't let that pessimistic Croatian mentality devour us every time one little thing doesn't go our way. Fight through it and play like the champions you want to be!

CROATIAN DREAM HAS A BITTERSWEET ENDING

noreply@blogger.com (Denis Svirčić) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:16:00 +0000

Photo: Denis Svirčić, I should have packed more shirts

Pre-game Fans

After almost three days in Zagreb without running into one Croatian shirt, flag, jersey, or scarf, I began to wonder if the LA Galaxians fan base has surpassed the Vatreni. If you count the few days before game time then the Galaxians have us beat, however, the Vatreni true colors came out early Saturday morning blowing any MLS firm out of the water.

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Vatreni gather in front of Trg Bana jelačića hours before the game

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Klapa Croatia

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Even superheros couldn't power Croatia to victory

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Dude, your scarf is backwards

Pre-game

After a difficult and stressful work week(ya right), Croatia fans came from all over the world to witness in what might be the most important World Cup qualification match since a must final match win over Belgium sent Croatia to the 2002 World Cup. Hundreds of thousands of fans came from Karlovac, Vinkovci, Bjelovar, Split, Cakovec, Rovinj, Imotski, Hvar, Bibinje, Metkovic, Varaždin, Australia, Canada, New York, and San Pedro.

Kristena Interview

Andrij Interview

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Andrij and Kristena

First, I made my way down to the main square, where hundreds of fans have gathered to sing Croatian songs with the help of a tamburica ensemble. Here is where I interviewed the only three Ukrainian fans, dressed in blue and yellow, looking to party with local Croatian fans. Fortunately, they were from Britain and put my English to shame. Damn Los Angeles Unified School district. Andrij and Kristena were wonderful and they were both overjoyed to receive a CSR Slaven Bilić shirt.

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Andrij and Kristena

Tamburica in front of trg

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Alen and his posse

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Alen and his boys loving the shirt

After the interview with the Ukrainians, I spotted a group of 10 or so Croatian students just dying to be on CroatianSoccerReport.com. I just had a hunch. Alen was chosen by his mates for an interview and he didn't fail to disappoint. Alen was rewarded with two CSR Slaven Bilić shirts for his impressive performance. I do see a future in Hollywood for the young chap.

Alen Interview

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Alen and his crew rattling the tram

Next I made my way to the stadium with a tram filled with a sea of people wearing red and white checkers. Alen and his boys turned the tram into a party train. We arrived to Maksimir with thousands of fans keeping traffic at a stand still until police showed up at the scene.

Photo: Denis Svirčić; dude looking for a modeling career

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Salzburg was in the mix

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Fans before game

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Fan washing a ˝stuck in traffic˝ car's windshield with beer

Party-train

National guard on the scene

With several hundred police on the scene to patrol the party atmosphere, fans were covered in Croatian scarves or flags and many had their face painted in Croatian red and white checkers.

Flag go bye-bye

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Fans hoping to score a last minute ticket

Game Time

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Robert Prosinečki for Croatian TV

Early Saturday morning, I tried to get a hold of someone in charge of credentials to get me locker room and interview room access. No luck. For some reason, there was only one person in charge and his phone was either disconnected or busy each of the ten times I tried to reach him.

Croatia-Ukraine make way

Then I realized that I had field access, something reporters don't have. This meant that I was the only semi-reporter on the pitch and I was trying to give this up for a chance to sit with a few dozen reporters in a confined space(press picture shown in my last post).

Anthem

After spending an hour or so outside Maksimir taking in the atmosphere, I made my way to the entrance. First, I tried entering the south side of the stadium and was quickly denied entrance. Mind you, I spoke English which Croatians tend to eat up as someone important. They requested I enter the east side of the stadium. Quickly speed-walking to the east side, I was denied entrance once again, ˝no sorry, no more pass˝ shouted the guard. My dream quickly turned into a nightmare as for a split second I thought my access to the stadium has been revoked. I asked to speak with his supervisor. A tall, monstrous looking fellow came my way, took a gander at my badge and said, ˝ajde, ajde more˝(come on come in).

Making my way past security, I checked in with media. They gave me a vest and that was that. Within minutes I was on the pitch!(Well not on the pitch, but inches from the grass) A childhood dream has come true. Flashes of world cup qualifying 1998 came to mind every time when Croatia scored there would be ball boys and others behind the goal jumping up and down celebrating and I thought: ˝What would it be like to be in their shoes?˝

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Ivan Klasnić and Voronin

Croatian players laughed and joked around more with Ukrainian players than amongst themselves. Quite an unusual scene at Maksimir. For some reason, the players looked at this match as an all star or celebrity match instead of a world cup qualifier.

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Croatian bench before the game(look at all the cell phones)

From the above picture, one can see that the players aren't very close with each other. They were not together as a team, instead were just individuals. This vibe escalated onto the pitch, as Croatia were outplayed by a better collective unit. Besides Vedran Runje directing the defense, there was light communication between the rest of the players.

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Dario Srna warms up

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Mladen Petrić warms up

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Pregame shake

Quickly, I mingled with photographers trying to get some sort of instruction on what life is as a photographer. I met Robert Valai, lead photographer for Sportske Novosti. He gave me the rundown. Thank you Robert if you are reading. Robert suggested I stay near the tunnel when the players come on and off the field and behind the goal for the best view of action. Trying to get everything in before the players made their way to the pitch, i walked around the stadium a few times. I positioned myself five feet to the left Vedran Runje's goal for the start of the match.

Petrić Goal

Trying to stay professional, I didn't know weather to jump and cheer or stay calm after Mladen Petrić scored with my camera luckily catching the goal. From the view of the video, I was startled for a split second and bobbled the camera.

Photo: Denis Svirčić; Vedran Runje

Despite giving up two goals, Vedran did an exception job keeping the defense in tact. Joe, Robert and Danijel were caught napping multiple times and Vedran put them in place. After the equalizing Ukrainian goal, Vedran was clearly shaken up and noticeably lost confidence for the rest of the first half. He was sen multiple times walking back to the goal with his head down.

Photo: Denis Svirčić

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Just for the record, the Vatican flag was in action

I understand the Vatican flag to make an appearance against Turkey, but Ukraine?

Photo: Denis Svirčić, Rakitić and Jurić looking on behind the goal at halftime

Both Ivan Rakitić and Ivan Jurić watched the second half of the match standing behind the Ukrainian goal. They both looked out of place and a sure Southwest airlines ˝looking to get away˝ commercial moment.

The fans were alive only in spurts as they were clearly not impressed with Croatia's performance nor lack of effort in the first half. Whistles and heckling was heard all around the stadium at the halftime whistle.

Penalty kick?

Photo: Denis Svirčić, The game through my eyes

I was so close to the left post, that sound of Mladen Petrić and Luka Modrić hitting the post was like a slap in the face. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of effort in the first half, the lack of communication between the players: before, during and after the match. Ultimately, we deserved a draw as we were far superior individually, however, Ukraine had a better collective unit on the pitch. In the final 20 minutes, Croatia shown it true colors, but it was too little too late to make up for a disastrous first half.

Post-game Atmosphere

Croatian fans exiting the stadium

No more flags waving in the Zagreb wind. No more joyful faces. No more singing Croatian patriotic songs. What would have happened if Croatia would have lost? Only one could imagine.

After the match concluded, several thousand fans stayed an extra half hour to sing Croatian songs playing loud on the PA and to more importantly, salute the players even though most of them were unhappy with the result.

Photo: Denis Svirčić, A few hundred Ukrainians made the trip

Since I didn't have credentials with access to the press box or locker room, I intended to interview fans leaving the stadium. After filming the atmosphere(above video) I realized that most of these fans were a little touchy and could snap any second considering how much liquor was consumed before, during and after the match and more importantly the disappointing result.

I learned a long time ago, from a Los Angeles radio personality, to never take a fans opinion seriously after a disappointing result. For the most part, the emotional side takes over which ultimately turns off the brain. In the next few days, I will have fan interviews and exciting thoughts and analysis of the match.

What now?

Dream comes to an end

My work is not finished yet. I am still on the clock. In the next few weeks or so, I will speak with representatives of the Croatian Football Federation, Hajduk Split, and Dinamo Zagreb in hopes of achieving our preeminent goal: To bring the Croatian national team to north America

Well, my adventure came to an end with a disappointing result. However, what I experienced in the past few days will be remembered for the rest of my life. Also, the knowledge I gained from this trip and applying that knowledge as a skill will be used for future adventures. This is only a chapter from hopefully a long long CroatianSoccerReport.com history.

~Denis Svirčić, reporting from a rainy, Zagreb, Croatia

FANZONE: ASTORIA, NEW YORK

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000

IVICA'S INTRO

Predictions:

Sime 2:1 Hrvatska

Valentina 2:1 Hrvatska

Joso 1:0 Ukraine

Ante: 2:0 Hrvatska

My Personal Predicion: 1:0 Hrvatska

Atmosphere:

Just like any other NT game, the atmosphere was festive, with of course that tinge of nervousness and anxiety (at least in my mind). There was singing and cheering from start to end, but in the middle of that a persistent restlessness could be felt in watching our inability to penetrate the Ukraine midfield and defense. Walking in with high hopes, I am positive that everyone left Scorpio disappointed as I did. We have made the road to South Africa much more difficult for ourselves with this performance.

LIJEPA NAŠA DOMOVINO

HALFTIME

Halftime Question: How are we playing?

"Too defensive after the first goal. You can't sit on a one goal lead like that for an entire game." -Ante

"Not nearly enough offensive pressure. Runje looked pretty nervous in goal." -Marko

MODRIĆ GOAL

Thoughts and Analysis:

It is hard to be positive right now knowing the position we have put ourselves in.

I think this will be the last start for Runje in goal for the Vatreni. He clearly had trouble dealing with the pressure mentally from start to finish. Running around out of the box with Ukrainian players too close for comfort in our zone had me scratching my head.

I was hoping to see Ivan Klasnić in as as sub considering his big game experience.

I still can't believe how much Ivica Olić produces for club, but is totally useless for the NT.

SLAVEN, DANIJEL PRANJIĆ IS NOT A LEFT BACK! (hint: remove and replace Rakitić, a player not ready for the starting XI)

...and Ivan Jurić is clearly of no use to the NT.

A few positives...

We showed we were the better team by our play during the 2nd half.

At least we beat them 2 posts to nothing.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Mario Mandžukić substitution. Well done Mario!

~Ivica Peroš, reporting from New York

Ivica is on the board with the first official CSR Fanzone! Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to do this. You did an excellent job and hopefully we hear from you again; a trailblazer for the rest.

CROATIA-UKRAINE POSTGAME WRAP-UP

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:36:00 +0000

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Be your own critic. Croatia unlucky or what?

CROATIA-UKRAINE 'LIVE' GAMECAST

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:44:00 +0000

REFRESH PAGE FOR NEW UPDATES

CSR 2.0: SLAVEN BILIĆ SHIRT

crazysmurf00@earthlink.net (Ante Kvartuč) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Simply use the PayPal "Buy Now" button to order and pay for your shirt and we will mail it to you immediately. Shirts will be $15 which also includes shipping.

Slaven Bilić himself approves of the shirt.

Denis introduced himself to Slaven Bilić after the final training session at Maksimir. He was very impressed with the shirt as Denis gave him one as a gift. Bilić requested a large baby blue. Slaven thanked me and said he would check out CroatianSoccerReport.com.

CSR writer, Ante Kvartuč, sporting the new shirt.

TEAM CSR

BILIĆ MAKES CAMEO AT DISNEYLAND

Two weeks ago, CroatianSoccerReport.com debuted our first tee-shirt featuring Slaven Bilić at the Croatian Small Goals Tournament in San Pedro, California. The CSR team wore the shirts as their uniform and every player in the tournament received the shirt in their very own swag bag.

Today, in celebration of the Croatia v. Ukraine game, we make the shirt available to all CSR fans.

(Colors: Olive Green, Baby Blue, Royal Blue, Red, Pink) Any and all sizes are available.

Local sponsors shown on back of shirt.