This is Vekić’s first Wimbledon quarterfinal and third overall at Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open 2023, US Open 2019).

The dramatic match was interrupted three times due to the rain, and in the crucial set, Vekić showed her will and achieved a spot among the top eight.

Vekić routinely took the first set, while Badosa was convincing in the second. The Croatian tennis player had a better start to the decisive part and took a 2:0 advantage with a break. When she needed to confirm that advantage, Donna gifted three points to her opponent with two unforced errors, and Badosa quickly returned to the game.

The third set was by far the most equal, but Vekić did not give up her attacking game. She took another break and brought the match to an end.

In the quarterfinals, Vekić will play against the winner of the match between Lulu Sun (WTA – 123rd) and Emma Raducana (WTA – 135th).

The post Donna Vekić Reaches Wimbledon Quarterfinals for First Time appeared first on Total Croatia.

Croatia gained a capital advantage in the first quarter with a 31-13 lead. They entered the second with +15 (31-16) and kept the opponent within striking distance with a smart game.

Luka Dončić woke up in the second quarter, but Croatia had solutions and eliminated all threats. Ivica Zubac stood out, scoring 14 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the first half, and Croatia went into halftime with a 13-point lead (54-41).

Zubac scored the first points to open the second half for +15 (56-41). Slovenia then woke up and with a 5-0 streak, made it 61-51. Croatia responded strongly. Smith, Zubac and Hezonja lead Croatia to +19 (67-48).

With that result, 14 minutes from the end, Zubac earned his fourth personal foul. Slovenia could have taken advantage of this, but the fantastic Goran Filipović with two three-pointers brought an incredible 21-point lead (74-53). With a score 81-60 for Croatia, the match was interrupted due to a clock malfunction.

Fortunately, the unplanned break did not slow down the spirited Croatian machine. Filipović immediately let it be known with a three-pointer that Croatia is still hot, young center Danko Branković followed up on his cheerful play, Dario Šarić continued to excel and in the blink of an eye, it was +25 for Croatia (89-64). In the final 10 minutes, it was 93-68. Croatia’s advantage grew to +29 (102-73). The final five minutes of the game were spent in a show-stopping tone until the final score of 108-92.

Dario Šarić scored 19 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Ivica Zubac excelled and scored 18 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in less than 19 minutes on the court. In addition to 21 points, Goran Filipović had 4 rebounds and 6 assists, and he made 6 out of 7 three-pointers. Mario Hezonja recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. Danko Branković scored 15 points in 12 and a half minutes with 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Jaleen Smith was also excellent, scoring a three-pointer when Slovenia came close to (61-51), and added 11 points, and 3 rebounds and assists in the victory.

Next up is New Zealand on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 4:30 pm.

Croatia plays in Group A with Slovenia and New Zealand. They cross over with Group B, which includes Egypt, Greece, and the Dominican Republic. Both groups play close to Athens, in Piraeus. Only the winner of the tournament will qualify for the Olympic Games. In Group B, the Dominican Republic beat Egypt 90-77.

The post Croatia Basketball Beats Slovenia to Open Olympic Qualifiers in Greece appeared first on Total Croatia.

Ivica Olić assumed the duties of Croatia U-21 national team coach after agreeing on the details of cooperation with the president of the Croatian Football Federation, Marijan Kustić. His appointment was confirmed by the HNS Executive Board, reports HNS.

In September, the Croatia U-21 national team continues qualifications for the 2025 European Championship in Slovakia with two home matches. The first match against the Faroe Islands is scheduled for September 5, while the second match will be played on September 10 against Portugal. The young national team will be led by Ivica Olić in both games, who replaced Dragan Skočić.

When taking office, Olić met with HNS president Kustić and the technical director of the A and U-21 national team Stipe Pletikosa at the Federation’s headquarters.

Before assuming this role, Olić was an assistant coach to Zlatko Dalić, helping the national team win the silver medal at the World Cup in Russia, the bronze medal at the World Cup in Qatar, and the silver medal in the Nations League last year. Olić also managed CSKA Moscow before working with HNS.

“I am extremely proud and honored to lead the young Croatia national team, and I thank President Kustić and the HNS management for their trust. I look forward to working with our talented players. I believe that together we will be successful and will finish the current cycle by qualifying for the European Championship. Our young team has great potential. My goal is to provide them with the necessary support and guidance to develop their talents and achieve the success they deserve. I have always believed in the power of teamwork and togetherness. I am sure that with work, effort, and dedication, we will achieve our goals, both in terms of good results and the development of players for the senior national team,” said Ivica Olić.

The post Ivica Olić Named Croatia U-21 Coach appeared first on Total Croatia.

June 26, 2024 – Croatia has been officially eliminated from EURO 2024 after England and Denmark failed to win in their final group stage matches last night.

And that last-second goal against Italy will haunt Croatia for a while. It ended their EURO 2024 dream and knocked them out of the tournament in the group stage, which is something we have not yet seen under coach Zlatko Dalić. Croatia returned to Zagreb today to begin their summer holidays much earlier than planned.

Now, as the tournament continues and the tears of fans begin to dry, we anticipate what’s next for Croatia.

The first action for the Vatreni will be the Nations League, in which Croatia will defend the 2023 silver medal. The first match is the toughest, as Croatia visits Portugal at Luz stadium in Lisbon on September 5. Three days later, on September 8, Croatia will host Poland at Opus Arena in Osijek, which will be Croatia’s first official appearance this year on home soil.

Croatia will welcome Scotland in Zagreb on October 12, visit Poland in Warsaw on October 15, and conclude this Nations League cycle against Scotland in Glasgow on November 15 and Portugal in Split on November 18. In that last game, a surefire spectacle at Poljud Stadium, the team going to the Nations League Finals could be decided, which will be the highlight of the second part of the competitive year.

However, there is another strategically important date for Croatia this year, and it has not yet been determined. Namely, at the beginning of December, the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualification groups will be held, as the tournament is slated for USA, Canada and Mexico in two years. It is crucially important for Croatia to maintain a high FIFA ranking to fall into the strongest group. For the first time, there will be 12 groups in the qualifications. Only the winner will directly qualify for the World Cup and the second-place teams will go to additional qualifications.

But one more question remains – will Croatia have a new coach and captain before gathering again? We will have to wait and see.

The post What’s Next for Croatia After Euro 2024? appeared first on Total Croatia.

June 24, 2024 – A heartbreaking finish for Croatia who was up 1-0 until the 97th minute. All Croatia needed was a win to move to the round of 16. And now, they’re a step away from elimination.

It was D-Day for Croatia. The last round of Group B at EURO 2024. Sitting at the bottom of Group B with only 1 point collected in the tournament thus far after losing 3-0 to Spain and drawing against Albania 2-2, only a win against Italy tonight would send Croatia into the round of 16 as 2nd place in the group, so long as Albania didn’t beat Spain.

While a draw could potentially get Croatia through as one of the best 3rd place teams, Croatia would have to wait on how the other rounds finish to learn their fate – and nothing would be in their hands.

A win, and we’re in. That’s the only way to go into the Italy match.

Dalić had to change his tactics for this match to play for the win. He returned Pogrančić to the back line and brought in Sučić and Pašalić into the attack. Kramarić was played up top.

A win would send Croatia to the next round to play Switzerland in Berlin on June 29th, so long as Albania did not beat Spain.

Lineups

CROATIA: Livaković – Stanišić, Pongracić, Šutalo, Gvardiol – Modrić, Kovačić, Brozović – Pašalić, Kramarić, Sučić

ITALY: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Darmian, Jorginho, Barella, Pellegrini, Raspadori, Dimarco, Retegui

Match Report

Croatia played a beautiful possession game for the first four minutes, which finally ended with Italy’s first real touch on the ball – a goal kick after Luka tried playing Krama. In the next play, Gvardiol crossed to the right side and Sucic rocketed a left-footed shot at the Italy keeper from 20 meters out. Donnarumma got his fingertips on the ball and it went out for a corner.

Italy had their first attack in the 7th minute, but it was nothing the Croatia defense couldn’t clear. Pellegrini had a chance in the 11th minute but it went out for a goal kick.

Kramaric’s fancy footwork resulted in a shot that was cleared by the Italy defense.

In the other Group B match, Spain scored in the 13th minute against Albania.

Italy had its first corner in the 14th minute, but Luka’s masterclass took the ball back into Italy’s half.

There was another great attack for Croatia in the 17th minute thanks to high pressing. Croatia was playing brilliantly so far and we can only hope they keep it for the rest of the match.

Italy missed a chance in the 21st minute, heading wide of the goal. The ref signaled to a corner, which was questionable. Broz’s head was there to clear it out, then Italy played it back in and got another corner.

Another chance for Italy came in the 25th minute after Luka missed the ball in the midfield. Luckily Pograncic was there to defend the ball out for a corner. This was followed by an unreal Livakovic masterclass, saving a sure goal in the 27th minute.

Croatia needed the get their possession back after too many chances for Italy.

When Croatia held possession they were stunning to watch. Calm, controlled, and knew their next move before making it. We move up the pitch and into the box, but still didn’t have a good attempt on goal.

The ref, however, seemed to favor all fouls on Italy.

Italy had a weak shot on goal in the 36th minute which was no problem for Livakovic to save.

Croatia had another corner in the 37th minute which went out for a goal kick.

One last chance for Croatia during stoppage time but Pasalic played Broz a quick ball which went out for a goal kick. The match was 0-0 at halftime.

Dalic made one sub going into the second half – Budimir for Pasalic.

Gvardiol intercepted the ball from Italy at the halfway line and had a brilliant run through the middle of Italy’s half. He played Budimir on the left who played it back to Stanisic. He crossed back in too hard.

Another great attack forCroatia thanks to high pressing – Krama played with the ball around in the box and crossed to Budimir but he couldn’t get to it.

A clear handball in the box forced the ref to consult with VAR. And it was a penalty for Croatia. Donnarumma saved Luka’s shot, but Croatia managed to get the ball back and send it into the box. Luka redeemed himself big time, and with a mixup in front of the keeper, he scored for 1-0 Croatia!

Croatia needed to keep this lead and not concede a goal. There was a corner for Italy in the 61st minute which was headed over the goal.

Another corner for Italy in the 64th minute was cleared out by the Croatia defense. Stanisic saved the day on another Italy attempt two minutes later. And yet another Italy corner came in the 67th. The pressure was on.

Dalic subbed on Perisic for Sucic in the 70th minute. A great game for the 21-year-old. Kova was subbed off for Ivanusec.

A free kick for Italy was given in a very dangerous spot in the 71st minute. Luckily it deflected and went out for a corner.

The ref was again calling everything in Italy’s favor, but Croatia remained solid – calm and composed.

15 mins to go – could Croatia hold the lead?

A brilliant attack for Croatia came in the 80th minute. Broz crossed it in and it just missed Budimir’s head. Majer came on for Modric in the 80th minute, and the Croatia captain received a standing ovation. He passed the captain band onto Perisic.

Croatia almost made it 2-0 with a great action in the box – there were 8 minutes to go. And another great play in the 85th.

Italy had a brilliant chance which skid past the penalty area and went out for a goal kick. There were three minutes to go before stoppage time.

Dalic subbed off Kramaric for Juranovic in the final minute in an effort to keep the defense solid.

The ref added 8 minutes of stoppage time, which seemed like an awful lot for this half. Italy had another corner, and it was an absolute nail biter. Then the unthinkable happened – one minute to go, and Italy had a counter attack. A break in the defense, and a goal. It was 1-1 and the ref blew the final whistle.

Croatia now only has two points and needs to hope one of the other groups can help them out to be one of the best 3rd placed teams.

Luka was the player of the match and addressed the press after the match.

How does it feel to be oldest goal scorer in the Euros?

“It means nothing when you don’t get the result you want.”

An Italian reporter thanked Luka for his career and the joy he gave us watching him all these years. Will he continue playing for Croatia?

“I will continue with the national team for as long as I can.”

“This is really tough. It’s hard for me to find the words. We will need time to recover from this. We fought from the beginning, we gave everything we had. We thought we deserved more but that is football.”

“This result and the loss against Turkey in 2008 hurt the most in my national team career.”

Dalic spoke next.

“First I have to thank my team on a great game. Our plan was to control the game and take the lead. Unfortunately, in the last minute, we conceded a goal.”

What about the referee’s decisions?

“I have no idea how the ref found 8 minutes for injury time. I have said this time and time again. For FIFA and UEFA, we are a small country. Why are we one of the only top teams that played at 3 pm? No other top team did. We are small and always have to fight for ourselves.”

“Our problem is conceding goals. We need to work on that.”

Why did Luka come out?

“Luka came out because he was too tired. We needed fresh legs. We had fresh players in his position, and we needed that.”

How are the emotions?

The post EURO 2024: Utter Shock for Croatia as Italy Equalizes in Final Minute for 1-1 appeared first on Total Croatia.

It was the calm before the storm – 24 hours before Croatia and Italy kick-off in what feels like a final match for fans of the Vatreni. In just 24 hours, Croatia and Italy play the last round Group B match at EURO 2024. A win would send Croatia through to the next round, and anything but could send them home. A win, unfortunately, is the only safe result.

Before the two teams meet at 9 pm on Monday in Leipzig, Zlatko Dalić and Mateo Kovačić addressed the press for what could be the last time at the Euros in Germany. Of course, we all have hope that will not be the case.

“It will be nice play against some of my old teammates. It will be a very tough game – they are quality and organized. We know what our goal is, and we need to show we are the best once again when it’s hardest,” said Kovačić.

“We are ready. Vida is the only injured. Everyone else is healthy. It’s yet another historic game for us and we know we need to win. We need those 3 points. Everything else will send us home – that is the only way to look at it,” said Dalić.

Is it Luka’s last dance?

“We don’t think about it as Luka’s last competition. We are happy he is still with us and leading us. Tomorrow we will show again that we can do this for him,” said Kova.

What is different from Qatar?

“It wasn’t a good start for us. This isn’t the national team. We conceded too many goals this competition. We don’t have Perišić in the same form he was in Qatar. The players are 2-3 years older,” said Dalić.

“I don’t know how many historic matches we have played so far, haha. We have a lot of pressure, from our fans and international media. When it’s the hardest we always show our best face. We will fight until the end. Our goal this tournament is to get out of the group,” he added.

What happened with our star midfield – Modrić, Kova and Broz?

“We know we weren’t calm on the ball or compact in these last few games. We weren’t ourselves. We know we are not on the level we should be. Now we have Italy, we know that we will be much better tomorrow. We have played together many times, and we will show our experience tomorrow,” said Kova.

Final words

“Italy can play for a draw, and that makes it very tough for us. I believe in my team. I believe we can change our play, just like we did against Brazil, Argentina, etc,” said Dalić.

“We don’t think of this tournament as the last major tournament for this generation,” concluded Kova.

The post “Winning is the Only Option”: 24 Hours Before Croatia and Italy at EURO 2024 appeared first on Total Croatia.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Jadranka Dozan writes, the sheer sum of the cash turnover for the Croatian hospitality sector speaks volumes about the effect the Euros are having. It also provides somewhat of an answer as to whether the upcoming Olympics will affect the arrivals of foreign tourists and their spending habits.

It’s currently expected that this tourist season as a whole, including the pre- and post-season, will be solid this year. At the same time, for some business niches, football euphoria is a time of extraordinary “harvest”, with the fact that it undoubtedly depends on how long Croatia will stay in the Euro. The Croatian hospitality sector has been proverbially raking it in thanks to the Croatian national team.

fan supplies see the retail sector’s numbers climb

Among those who recorded above-average turnover on the days of the two matches of the Croatian national team so far are those in the Croatian hospitality industry.

According to the data taken from the Tax Administration on consumption measured by fiscalised turnover, on the day of Croatia’s very first match against Spain, cafes, restaurants and other establishments which deal with the provision of food and beverage preparation and serving services reported almost 19 million euros in turnover, of which. Those working in the Croatian hospitality sector in Zagreb alone reported more than 3.2 million euros.

On the day of the match between Croatia and Albania, bills worth 16.3 million euros were issued in the Croatian hospitality industry (of which about three million euros came from Zagreb). This slightly smaller amount can certainly be partially explained by the fact that it was a weekday and that the match took place earlier on in the day.

Nevertheless, even those 16.3 million euros are significantly more than the average daily turnover of the Croatian hospitality sector in the first twenty days of June. As of Wednesday, they reported around 295 million euros in turnover since the beginning of this month alone.

The positive influence of Croatia’s matches for the retail sector has so far been most heavily reflected in the increased spending the day before. In the trade sector, the day before Croatia’s first match, more than 110 million euros passed through the fiscal coffers, which is ten million more than the previous day and five million more than on Saturday, that is, on the day of the match itself.

All in all, since the beginning of this year, bills and receipts worth more than 17.8 billion euros have been issued in all activities in the fiscalisation system, of which 2.52 billion refer to the first 20 days of June alone. In the first five months of 2024, the total fiscalised turnover stood at almost two billion euros. That is 14 percent higher than in the same period last year.

The fiscal coffers of those in the Croatian hospitality sector had registered more than 1.37 billion euros by the end of May. That’s a whopping 37 percent more than was recorded by the end of May last year. With 295 million euros already having been reported and registered until June the 19th, this month will obviously exceed last year’s comparable turnover (with 410 million euros in turnover). That means that it is looking more than likely that last year’s half-year turnover of the Croatian hospitality sector (1.4 billion euros) will be exceeded by hundreds of millions.

It’s impossible not to highlight the fact that significantly higher prices are to a large extent responsible for this increase. The latest data from the CBS on inflation also alludes very strongly to that. Looking at some annual comparisons, the largest price increase in May was recorded precisely in the Restaurants and Hotels category, with an average annual growth of almost 11 percent.

When it comes to tourism, bills and receipts worth almost 465 million euros were paid with both cash and cards in the accommodation sector. Compared to last year, this is an increase of more than 60 million euros or about 15 percent.

Over the first 20 or so days of June, bills and receipts worth more than 180 million euros were issued. That hints to the notion that June could end with more modest growth compared to the same month last year, with 342 million euros in turnover.

The post Huge Sums for Croatian Hospitality Sector Owing to Euro 2024 appeared first on Total Croatia.

vedran corluka

The versatile defender joined Manchester City in 2007 as one of their first big signings after Thaksin Shinawatra’s takeover. He impressed with his strength, speed and composure on the ball, and earned a move to Tottenham Hotspur a year later. He spent five seasons at White Hart Lane, helping Spurs reach the Champions League for the first time and becoming a fan favourite. He later moved to Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012, where he eventually retired in 2021.

niko kranjcar

Niko Kranjcar was a skilful and versatile midfielder who could play on either wing or behind the striker. He joined Portsmouth from Hajduk Split in 2006 and became a key player for Pompey, scoring some memorable goals and winning the FA Cup in 2008. He followed his manager Harry Redknapp to Tottenham Hotspur in 2009 and continued to impress with his flair, creativity, and long-range shooting. He also played for Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League in 2014/15, but he could not prevent their relegation. He scored 24 goals in 154 Premier League games.

nikica jelavic

The powerful striker made his name at Rangers, where he scored 36 goals in 54 games and won three trophies. He joined Everton in 2012 and continued his prolific form, scoring nine goals in his first 13 games and winning the Premier League Player of the Month award in April. He also had spells at Hull City and West Ham United, where he helped them avoid relegation with his aerial prowess and clinical finishing.

mateo kovacic

The talented midfielder started his career at Dinamo Zagreb, where he won four league titles and two cups. He moved to Inter Milan in 2013 and then to Real Madrid in 2015, where he won three Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. He joined Chelsea on loan in 2018 and made his move permanent a year later. He has become a key player for the Blues with his vision, passing and creativity. He was voted Chelsea Fans’ Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season.

slaven bilic

The charismatic centre-back was one of the first Croatian players to play in the Premier League, joining West Ham United in 1996. He was a leader on and off the pitch, forming a solid partnership with Rio Ferdinand and earning respect from fans and teammates alike. He also played for Everton before retiring in 2001. He later became a successful manager, leading Croatia to Euro 2008 quarter-finals and West Ham to their best Premier League finish in 2016.

mario stanic

The skilful winger joined Chelsea in 2000 from Parma and made an instant impact with a stunning goal on his debut against West Ham United. He scored four goals in his first three games and became a cult hero at Stamford Bridge. He was also a versatile player who could play as a striker or an attacking midfielder. He won two FA Cups and one Charity Shield with Chelsea before retiring in 2004 due to injury problems.

igor stimac

The tough-tackling defender was another pioneer of Croatian football in England, joining Derby County in 1995 and shining a light on the talent of Croatian players. He was a key player for the Rams, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in his first season and establish themselves as a top-flight club. He was also a vocal leader who inspired his teammates with his passion and commitment. He later played for West Ham United before becoming a manager.

davor suker

The legendary striker is one of those Croatian players most fans remember keenly. He was one of the best goalscorers of his generation, winning the Golden Boot at the 1998 World Cup with six goals and leading Croatia to third place. He joined Arsenal in 1999 from Real Madrid and scored 11 goals in his first season, including a hat-trick against Leicester City. He also won the FA Cup and the Charity Shield with the Gunners before moving to West Ham United in 2000.

dejan lovren

The imposing centre-back joined Southampton in 2013 from Lyon and quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League with his aerial dominance, physicality and anticipation. He earned a move to Liverpool in 2014 and became a key part of their defence under Jurgen Klopp. He won the Champions League, the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with the Reds before joining Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2020.

luka modric

The maestro midfielder joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 from Dinamo Zagreb and became one of the best players in the Premier League with his sublime skills, vision and work rate. Perhaps the most well known of all Croatian players, he was the heartbeat of Spurs’ midfield, creating chances, scoring goals and dictating the tempo of the game. He also won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2011 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year twice. He moved to Real Madrid in 2012 and has since won four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles and the Ballon d’Or in 2018.

The post The 10 Most Successful Croatian Players In The Premier League appeared first on Total Croatia.

June 19, 2024 – Afer a nailbiting finish, Croatia and Albania draw 2-2 in Hamburg.

Croatia and Albania met at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg for the second match of Group B at EURO 2024. After Croatia’s shock defeat to Spain in Berlin, Croatia needed to win against Albania — and the fans were out in all of their red-and-white-checkered glory once again. But the Albania fans were out in full force, too.

Dalić made some changes to the lineup compared to the Spain match. Ivan Perišić started from the first minute at left back, Gvardiol and Šutalo were paired back at center back, and Juranović at right back. The midfield line stayed the same, and Petković replaced Budimir up top.

Lineups

Croatia: Livaković, Juranović, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Perišić, Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić, Majer, Kramarić, Petković

Albania: Strakosha, Hysaj, Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti, Mitaj, Asllani, Ramadani, Laci, Asani, Manaj, Bajrami 

Match Report

Albania looked dangerous in the first few minutes of the match and pressured Croatia’s defense. From the 5th minute, Croatia regained possession and pushed into Albania’s half. A corner kick was played short, and a free kick for Croatia was unsuccessful.

The stadium had never been louder. Especially when Croatia’s defense slept and conceded a cheap goal for 0-1 Albania in the 12th minute.

Albania was running everything down their right side, likely taking advantage of Perišić’s fitness. Croatia picked up the intensity in the next 10 minutes but alas, they failed to finish. Brozović had the first shot on target in the 20th minute.

Petković missed a chance over the goal in the 26th, and then a dangerous free kick was awarded to Albania the following minute. Another great chance for Albania finished over the goal.

Mdorić lost the ball in Croatia’s half which almost resulted in another goal for Albania, but luckily Gvardiol was there to save the day.

Croatia played possession from the 30th minute and was granted a foul on the left edge of the box, but no one was in front of the Albania keeper to knock it in.

The match was 1-0 for Albania at halftime.

Sucic and Pasalic were subbed on for Majer and Brozovic to start the second half. Let’s hope this helps Croatia’s game.

Juranovic launched the ball into the box from the right but it ended in the keeper’s hands.

Sucic had a shot on goal in the 50th minute and Croatia was definitely more active in Albania’s half for the first 10 minutes.

Kova took a shot in the 53rd minute that went into the keeper’s hands. Perisic launched a ball from the left to Pasalic’s head that went out for a goal kick.

Another good chance for Croatia in the 56th minute went out for a corner, and Sutalo’s near post header missed the goal.

Perisic took his chances with a shot in the 60th minute which deflected off the Albania defender and went into the keeper’s hands. Albania had not been dangerous in Croatia’s half yet this half.

Albania was dangerous in the 66th minute going one-on-one with Gvardiol, but the shot went wide of the goal.

Perisic launched another great ball from the left to the far post, but Pasalic’s header missed the goal. Budimir was subbed on for Petkovic in the 68th minute.

Another corner was awarded for Croatia in the 70th minute, but it was cleared by the Albania defense.

And then finally, right as we were beginning to lose hope – Kramaric saves the day to score for 1-1 in the 74th minute!

Pasalic missed a sitter in front of the keeper in the next minute, but another miracle for Croatia – an own goal in the 76th minute for 2-1 Croatiaaaaaaaa!

Okay, okay – and the fans started screaming again. But another goal would be good to help Croatia’s goal differential in Group B. Sosa was subbed on for Perisic and Baturina for Kramaric in the 85th minute.

Luka shot from just outside the box in the 88th minute, but went wide of the goal. The Croatia fans were counting down the seconds to the final whistle.

Baturina wowed with an incredible run up the left side in the 89th minute and shot at the keeper. Well done to the 21-year-old – and what a way to arrive at your first Euros.

Five minutes of stoppage time were added to the end of the match. All Croatia needed to do was hold onto their lead, but not even that was possible. Albania scored a last-minute goal for 2-2. And everyone was in disbelief.

Croatia plays Italy on Monday at 9 pm in the most decisive game of Group B. Can the Vatreni make magic happen again? The tournament no longer depends on them, and a win against Italy is the only option.

“It wasn’t easy to play the first half against Albania. The pitch was really dry, which also made it difficult. It was hard to create space on the wings. The second half was much better – we were much more dominant and aggressive. We had a lot of chances, but this is football. Sometimes you score a goal in the final minute to win it, and others you get scored on in the last second. That happens in football. We know we need to beat Italy, we have no other choice,” said Kramarić, the player of the match.

“We needed to get that third goal. We didn’t, and that is football. We will give everything we can in the final game against Italy. Croatia has been in these tough situations 100s of times. We will get three points against Italy.”

Dalic commented on the match.

“We are still alive, and the last game is key. We have to win against Italy. We are best when it is toughest.”

The post EURO 2024: Croatia and Albania Draw 2-2 in Hamburg appeared first on Total Croatia.

He is arguably the most famous living Croat, a global superstar whose magic on the football pitch has inspired millions of kids around the world, many of whom wear the Croatian number 10 replica shirt as a sign of their devotion. But the glittering career of Luka Modric and all the global attention is a far cry from him very humble beginnings in Zadar as a child growing up and just wanting to play football.

During the 2018 World Cup, some footage emerged of a 5-year-old Luka Modric herding goats in the hills above Zadar. It was an insight into a totally different world in which the Croatian captain grew up.  

As we prepare to watch Croatia play yet again (and hopefully better), let’s look back at how those who knew the young Luka Modric perceived him as a child. It all started off perfectly in the Zadar hinterland under the care of his doting grandfather, before war took over their lives and forced them to become refugees…

The post Luka Modric: War, Childhood & Croatian Football appeared first on Total Croatia.