March 20, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 26th round was played from March 17 to 19. This round saw Osijek take only one point against Šibenik, while Hajduk took 3 points at Poljud, and Dinamo celebrated against Rijeka at Maksimir. It was an emotional 26th round as Osijek captain Mile Škorić and Dinamo captain Arjan Ademi said goodbye to the Croatian league and will continue their careers in China. 

Varaždin - Gorica (2-1)

Varaždin and Gorica opened the 26th round on Friday, March 17, in Varaždin in front of 1585 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Varaždin took the lead in the 53rd minute when Brodić scored for 1-0. Mitrović equalized in the 74th minute for 1-1. Brodić found the net again in the 87th minute for the final 2-1. Varaždin had 56% possession, eight total attempts, and three on target, while Gorica had 12 total attempts and five on target. 

Varaždin is in 4th place with 36 points, while Gorica is in last place with 16. Varaždin plays Lokomotiva next and Gorica meets Dinamo. 

Osijek - Šibenik (0-0)

Osijek and Šibenik met on Saturday, March 18, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2321 fans. 

The match went without goals though the result could have ended differently had Caktaš not missed a penalty in the 71st minute. Osijek held 60% possession with 17 total attempts. Long-time Osijek captain Mile Škorić played his last game and will continue his career in China. Škorić played 333 games for Osijek since 2013. 

Osijek is in 3rd place with 37 points, while Šibenik is in 9th with 24. Osijek meets Rijeka next, and Šibenik meets Hajduk. 

Hajduk - Slaven Belupo (1-0)

Hajduk and Belupo met on Saturday, March 18, at Poljud Stadium in front of 14,005 fans. 

The only goal of the match came in the 72nd minute when Mikanović nailed the back of the net from outside the box for the Hajduk win. Hajduk held 63% possession with nine attempts, 3 of which were on target. 

Hajduk remains in 2nd place with 50 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 33. Hajduk meets Šibenik in the next round, and Belupo plays Istra 1961. 

Istra 1961 - Lokomotiva (0-0)

Istra and Lokomotiva met on Sunday, March 19, in Pula in front of 1419 fans. 

This match ended without goals. Istra had 46% possession compared to Lokomotiva's 54%. Istra had seven total attempts to Lokomotiva's 13. 

Istra is in 5th place with 35 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th with 32. Istra plays Belupo next, and Lokomotiva meets Varaždin. 

Dinamo - Rijeka (1-0)

Dinamo and Rijeka closed the 26th round on Sunday, March 19, at Maksimir Stadium.

The first half went without goals, but Ristovski found the back of the net in the 67th minute for 1-0. Dinamo had 58% possession and 13 total attempts, while Rijeka had 12. This was Dinamo captain Arijan Ademi's last match after 13 years with the club. He thus became Dinamo's most trophy-winning player in history, with 21 trophies total - 11 Croatian championship titles, six Cups, and four Super Cups. He played 373 games for the club, with 42 goals and 31 assists

Dinamo is in first place with 59 points, while Rijeka is in 6th with 34. Dinamo meets Gorica next, and Rijeka plays Osijek. 

The SuperSport HNL will resume on March 31st as we take an international break to kick off the European qualifiers for EURO 2024. Croatia meets Wales this weekend at Poljud and is training in Split all week. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 13, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 25th round was played from March 10 to 12, 2023. This round saw an exciting last-minute win for last-placed Gorica, a shocking loss for table leader Dinamo, and Hajduk secure an important away victory against Osijek. 

Gorica - Istra 1961 (5-4)

Gorica and Istra opened the 25th round on Friday, March 10, in Velika Gorica in front of 937 fans. 

Istra was the first to take the lead with a goal from Bakrar in the 13th minute. Bralic equalized in the 30th minute, and Mitrovic's goal was called offside to keep the result even. Bakrar put Istra back in the lead in the 42nd minute for 1-2 at halftime. Caseres made it 1-3 in the 55th minute, and Pršir came back for 2-3 in the 79th. Fućak leveled the result in the 81st minute, and it was 4-3 for Gorica two minutes later! An exciting stoppage time saw two more goals - Matheus made it 4-4, and Gorica secured the win thanks to Mitrović in the 96th minute.

Gorica remains in last place with 16 points, while Istra is in 8th with 31 and a game in hand. In the next round, Gorica meets Varazdin, and Istra meets Lokomotiva. Before that, Istra will meet Dinamo at home to make up their 12th-round match. 

Lokomotiva - Slaven Belupo (1-0)

Lokomotiva and Belupio met on Saturday, March 11, in Zagreb in front of 760 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Lokomotiva took the lead in the 47th minute thanks to an own goal by Soldo. That was enough to give Lokomotiva the win. Lokomotiva maintained 62% possession during the match and had six shots on target. 

Lokomotiva is in 7th place with 31 points, and Belupo is in 6th with 33. Lokomotiva plays Istra next and Belupo meets Hajduk. 

Šibenik - Dinamo (2-1)

Šibenik and Dinamo met on Saturday, March 11, in Šibenik in front of 2,497 fans. 

Two goals for Šibenik in the 40th and 42nd minutes shocked Dinamo, who were down 2-0 at the half. Ristovski came back with one goal for Dinamo in the 64th minute, but the current Croatian champion was unable to come back with another. Dinamo held 71% of possession and had 17 attempts on goal, of which only 6 were on target. Šibenik had only two shots on target which they scored. 

Šibenik is in 9th place with 23 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 56 points and a game in hand. Dinamo and Istra finally play their 12th-round makeup game on Wednesday. Šibenik meets Osijek in the 26th round, and Dinamo plays Rijeka. 

Rijeka - Varaždin (3-1)

Rijeka and Varaždin met on Sunday, March 12, at Rujevica in front of 5,114 fans. 

Selahi put Rijeka ahead in the 45th minute, and Ampem made it 2-0 in the 53rd. Five minutes later, it was 3-0 for Rijeka thanks to Banda. Jelenić came back with one goal for Varaždin in the 88th minute. Rijeka maintained 48% of possession in the match with 20 total attempts compared to Varaždin's 16. 

Rijeka is in 4th place with 34 points, while Varaždin is in 5th with 33. Rijeka plays Dinamo next, and Varaždin plays Gorica. 

Osijek - Hajduk (0-2)

Osijek and Hajduk closed out the 25th round on Sunday at City Garden Stadium in front of 6,107 fans. 

Livaja scored a penalty for Hajduk in the 28th minute for 0-1. Melnjak made it 0-2 seven minutes later. Osijek held 64% of possession and had 11 total goal attempts, the same as Hajduk. Osijek only had 2 attempts on target compared to Hajduk's 7. 

Osijek is in 3rd place with 36 points, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 47. Osijek meets Šibenik next, and Hajduk plays Belupo. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 5, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 24th round was played from March 3 to 5, 2023. This round saw the derby between Istra and Rijeka, while Lokomotiva scored four goals against Hajduk at Poljud, and Dinamo and Osijek finished 1-1 at Maksimir. 

Istra 1961 - Rijeka (0-2)

Istra and Rijeka opened the 24th round on Friday, March 3, in Pula in front of 3,019 fans. 

Jankovic made it 0-1 for Rijeka in the 22nd minute. Mlinar was shown a red card in the 70th minute forcing Istra to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. In the 90th minute, Erceg was shown his second yellow and was also sent off. His reaction to the referee may welcome the largest fine in HNL history. Jankovic scored five minutes later for the final 0-2 for Rijeka. Istra held 61% possession and had four attempts on target compared to Rijeka's 8. 

Istra is in 6th place with 31 points and a game in hand, while Rijeka is in 7th with 31 points. Istra plays Gorica next, and Rijeka plays Varazdin. 

Varazdin - Sibenik (2-0)

Varazdin and Sibenik met on Saturday, March 4, in Varazdin in front of 1,506 fans. 

Brodic scored for 1-0 Varazdin to end the first half. Teklic made it 2-0 in the 54th minute. Varazdin had 57% possession throughout the match, with five shots on target compared to Sibenik's four attempts. 

Varazdin is in 4th place with 33 points, while Sibenik is in 9th with 20. Varazdin plays Rijeka next, and Sibenik meets Dinamo. 

Slaven Belupo - Gorica (1-1)

Belupo and Gorica met on Saturday, March 4, in Koprivnica in front of 613 fans. 

The first half went without goals before Crnac made it 1-0 for Gorica in the 53rd minute. Crnac equalized for the final 1-1 less than 10 minutes later. Steenvoorden was shown a red card in the 75th minute, forcing Gorica to play with ten men for the remainder of the match. Belupo had 59% possession and six attempts on target. 

Belupo is in 5th place with 33 points, while Gorica is in 10th with 13. Belupo meets Lokomotiva next, and Gorica meets Istra. 

Hajduk - Lokomotiva (3-4)

Hajduk and Lokomotiva met on Sunday, March 5, at Poljud in front of 13,499 fans. 

Lokomotiva took the lead with two goals from Bubanja and Stojkovic in the 12th and 28th minutes. Lokomotiva almost made it 0-3 in the 35th minute, but the goal was called offside. Mlakar made it 1-2 for Hajduk in the 40th minute, and a Livaja penalty leveled the result to 2-2 in the 66th minute. Two goals from Ibrahim capitalized on catastrophic defensive mistakes, and it was 2-4 for Lokomotiva in the 87th minute. Benrahou came back with a goal in the 89th for the final 3-4. Hajduk had 52% possession and only four attempts on target compared to Lokomotiva's six. 

Hajduk remains in 2nd place with 44 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th with 28. Hajduk plays Osijek next, and Lokomotiva meets Belupo. 

Dinamo - Osijek (1-1)

Dinamo and Osijek closed out the 24th round on Sunday at Maksimir in front of 5,187 fans. 

Osijek took the lead thanks to Mierez in the 55th minute. However, Dinamo equalized seven minutes later off a Petkovic free kick for the final 1-1. Dinamo had 67% possession and five attempts on goal compared to Osijek's one. Dinamo also had 17 total attempts during the match. 

Dinamo is in first place with 56 points and a game in hand, while Osijek is in third with 36. Dinamo plays Sibenik next, and Osijek meets Hajduk. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 27, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 23rd round was played from February 24 to 26, 2023. This round saw Gorica record its first victory in half a year, and their second total this season. Rijeka's winning streak also ended in this round, while Osijek and Hajduk have fallen further away from Dinamo at the top of the standings. 

Sibenik v. Istria 1961 (0-0)

Sibenik and Istra opened the 23rd round on Friday, February 24, in Sibenik in front of 511 fans. 

The game went without a goal from either side. Sibenik had 40% possession compared to Istra's 60%. Sibenik had three shots on target and nine shots total, while Istra had no shots on target and three total shots.

Sibenik is in 9th place with 20 points, while Istra is in 5th with 31 and a game in hand. Sibenik plays Varazdin next, and Istra plays Rijeka. 

Gorica v. Lokomotiva (1-0)

Gorica and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, February 25, in Velika Gorica in front of 806 fans. 

Gorica scored first thanks to Juric in the 30th minute though it was called offside after consulting VAR to keep the score even. Fucak got back the goal for Gorica in the 87th minute for the final 1-0. This was Gorica's second win this season. Gorica only had 35% possession during the match, but they had 15 total shots and seven on target. Lokomotiva only had three shots on target. 

Gorica is in the last place with 12 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th with 25. Gorica plays Belupo next, and Lokomotiva plays Hajduk. 

Rijeka v. Slaven Belupo (0-1)

Rijeka and Belupo on Saturday, February 25, at Rujevica in front of 3000 fans. 

Rijeka was the first to score in the 44th minute, which was called back after consulting VAR. Finally, Crnac scored for 0-1 Belupo in the 85th minute. Belupo only had 35% possession during the match and only one shot on target which they scored. Rijeka had six shots on target and 18 total shots. 

Rijeka is in 7th place with 28 points, while Belupo is in 4th with 32. Rijeka plays Istra next, and Belupo plays Gorica.  

Dinamo v. Hajduk (4-0)

Dinamo and Hajduk met on Sunday, February 26, for the 'eternal derby' at Maksimir in front of 14010 fans. 

Ademi opened Dinamo's scoring spree in the 8th minute for 1-0 before Baturina made it 2-0 two minutes later. After that, it was 3-0, thanks to Ivanusec at halftime. Ivanusec scored the final goal of the match in the 63rd minute. Dinamo had 70% possession during the game, with 14 total shots and five on target. Hajduk was without half of its starters due to injury and illness, with Marko Livaja playing the first half even though he hadn't trained all week. Hajduk also debuted 16-year-old Luka Vuskovic, tying the record for the youngest player to make his HNL debut. 

Dinamo is in first place with 55 points and a game in hand, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 44. Dinamo plays Osijek next, and Hajduk plays Lokomotiva. 

Osijek v. Varazdin (0-1)

Osijek and Varazdin closed out the 23rd round on Sunday at City Garden Stadium in front of 1007 fans. 

The match's only goal came in the 28th minute when Drozdek scored for 0-1. Osijek had 65% possession during the game and three shots on target. Varazdin only had one shot on target which they scored. 

Osijek is in 3rd place with 35 points, while Varazdin is in 6th place with 30. Osijek plays Dinamo next, and Varazdin meets Sibenik. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 19, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 22nd round was played from February 17 to 19, 2023. Rijeka continued its winning streak in this round after beating Lokomotiva. Istra also continued to impress after beating Osijek at home. Sibenik secured an important victory in their fight to stay in the top league, while Hajduk struggled against the last-placed team. 

Slaven Belupo v. Sibenik (0-1)

Belupo and Sibenik opened the 22nd round on Friday, February 17, in Koprivnica in front of 589 fans. 

The match's only goal came when Peric scored for 0-1 Sibenik. Belupo had more possession during the game (55%) and 21 total shots to Sibenik's nine. Belupo also had seven shots on target compared to Sibenik's 4. The Sibenik keeper had to make seven saves compared to Belupo's three. 

Belupo is in 5th place with 22 points, while Sibenik is in 9th with 19. Belupo plays the next round against Rijeka, and Sibenik meets Istra. 

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (1-0)

Istra and Osijek met on Saturday, February 18, in Pula in front of 1,358 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Mlinar's goal was called offside in the 47th minute. Just 10 minutes later, Erceg scored for 1-0 Istra, though Osijek disputed the goal as they believed there was a foul on Čeberko before Erceg scored. It continued going downhill for Osijek when Mierez was shown a red card in the 79th minute. Erceg pushed Mierez, and referee Ante Čuljak did not call the foul. Mierez then hit Erceg and received a straight red card. Osijek thus played with a man down for the remainder of the match and created only one good chance with 12 minutes of stoppage time added. Istra had 47% of possession to Osijek's 53%. 

Istra is currently in 4th place with 30 points and a game in hand, while Osijek is in 3rd with 35. Istra's next match is against Sibenik, while Osijek meets Varazdin. 

Lokomotiva v. Rijeka (1-2)

Lokomotiva and Rijeka met in the second match on Saturday, February 18, in Zagreb in front of 1,102 fans. 

Frigan put Rijeka ahead in the 10th minute for 0-1. Obregon made it 0-2 in the 69th minute. Maric scored for 1-2 in the second minute of stoppage time. Lokomotiva maintained more possession during the match than Rijeka (63% to 37%) and had more shots on target (5 shots to 3). Rijeka's goalkeeper also made four saves compared to Lokomotiva's one save.

Lokomotiva is in 8th place with 25 points, while Rijeka is in 6th with 28. Lokomotiva meets Gorica next and Rijeka meets Belupo. 

Varazdin v. Dinamo (1-3)

Varazdin and Dinamo met on Sunday, February 19, in Varazdin in front of 7,581 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Ivanusec put Dinamo ahead with a goal in the 49th minute. Ivanusec increased Dinamo's lead to 0-2 in the 73rd minute. Teklic got one goal for Varazin in the 80th before Ademi scored five minutes later for the final 1-3. Dinamo had 56% possession in the match, 16 total shots, and seven on target. Varazdin only had six total shots and three on target. 

Varazdin is in 7th place with 27 points, while Dinamo remains in first with 52 points and a game in hand. Varazdin meets Osijek next, and Dinamo meets Hajduk at Maksimir. 

Hajduk v. Gorica (2-1)

Hajduk and Gorica closed out the 22nd round on Sunday at Poljud in front of 12,362 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Livaja found the back of the net for 1-0 Hajduk in the 59th minute. Bralic equalized just five minutes later for 1-1. Benrahou assisted Kalinic for the final 2-1 in the 78th minute. Hajduk maintained 56% of possession during the match. Gorica had 18 total shots compared to Hajduk's 9, but Hajduk had four shots on target compared to Gorica's 2. 

Hajduk is in 2nd place with 44 points, while Gorica is in last place with 9 points. Hajduk meets Dinamo next, and Gorica meets Lokomotiva. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 13, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 21st round was played from February 10 to 12, 2023. Another exciting round saw Hajduk score four goals against Varazdin for an important win, while Dinamo, Lokomotiva, and Rijeka also recorded 3 points. 

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (1-0)

Dinamo and Istra opened the 21st round on Friday, February 10, at Maksimir in front of 2,412 fans. 

Josip Drmic missed a penalty for Dinamo in the 29th minute, though Ristovski found the back of the net less than 10 minutes later to make it 1-0 at halftime. The second half saw two disallowed goals for Dinamo - one in the 64th minute when Spikic's goal was called offside and another four minutes later when Petkovic's goal was called offside. The game thus ended 1-0 for Dinamo, who had 56% of possession throughout the match and three shots on target compared to Istra's zero. 

Dinamo remains in first place with 49 points and a game in hand, while Istra is in 5th place with 27 points and a game in hand. 

Varazdin v. Hajduk (1-4)

Varazdin and Hadjuk met in the first Saturday match in Varazdin in front of 5,881 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Melnjak put Hajduk ahead for 0-1 in the 47th minute. Brodic equalized four minutes later for 1-1, but a red card for Elezi complicated Varazdin's chances as they played with a man down for the remainder of the match. Livaja found the back of the net in the 77th minute, Pukstas scored one minute after that for 1-3, and the young star scored again in the first minute of stoppage time for the final 1-4. Possession was even during this match at 50-50, while Hajduk had eight shots on target compared to Varazdin's 5. Both keepers also recorded four saves. 

Varazdin is in 6th place with 27 points, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 41. 

Osijek v. Slaven Belupo (0-0)

Osijek and Belupo met in the second Saturday match in front of 2,007 fans. 

The game went without goals and was overshadowed by a nasty injury for Osijek player Kristijan Lovric who claimed he couldn't feel his legs. In the 70th minute, Lovric was motionless after a tackle and was carried off the pitch by an ambulance. Fortunately, an MRI of his spine and pelvis showed that he was not seriously injured but received a blow to the lower back. Lovric hopes to return to training as soon as possible. 

Osijek is in 3rd place with 35 points, while Belupo is in 4th with 29. 

Sibenik v. Lokomotiva (0-4)

Sibenik and Lokomotiva opened Sunday's games in Sibenik in front of 628 fans. 

Kulenovic and Drum scored two goals within four minutes for 0-2 Lokomotiva in the first half. Gorican scored for 0-3 in the 77th minute, and Tuci scored for the final 0-4 in the 85th minute. Possession was relatively equal in this match, with Sibenik maintaining 47% to Lokomotiva's 53%. Sibenik had six shots on target to Lokomotiva's 7. 

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Sibenik is in 9th place with 16 points, while Lokomotiva is in 7th with 25. 

Rijeka v. Gorica (2-0)

Rijeka and Gorica closed out the 21st round on Sunday at Rujevica in front of 4,479 fans. 

After a scoreless first half, Marin scored a penalty for 1-0, and Liber made it 2-0 in the 83rd minute. Rijeka maintained 54% of possession throughout the match and had nine shots on target. Gorica's goalkeeper had to make seven saves. 

Rijeka is in 8th place with 25 points, while Gorica is in last place with 9 points. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 8, 2023 - Miroslav Ćiro Blažević lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, two days before his 88th birthday.

The legendary Croatian football coach lost his long battle with cancer on Wednesday. He was supposed to celebrate his 88th birthday in two days, reports Index.hr.

Blažević was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 but fought off the vicious disease. A year after that, he was operated on for melanoma. In September 2019, his cancer unfortunately returned. 

Blažević made one of his last public appearances in mid-December last year when he received the "Vladimir Beara" award in Zagreb for his contribution to the development of sports culture and social tolerance.

"You gathered in large numbers and showed me a great honor. But this is my last address to the public. It's over—no more. Goodbye Ćiro. I'm counting the last days, and I'm aware of that," Ćiro said. 

"I'm so sick; it's so hard for me. This f***ing illness has taken over. I'm struggling, and I'm suffering. I'm in great pain, so, well..." said Ćiro about the illness three days ago. "My legs can't hold me more than heavy water; I'm going for an infusion. The situation is difficult, to be honest. Very, very difficult. Cancer has spread to all my bones and the worst and most dangerous place - the liver. And it destroys everything slowly and surely," he added.

Miroslav Ćiro Blažević was born on February 10, 1935, in Travnik, where he began, as he always said, a modest football career. He was born as the eighth, youngest child of Katarina Blažević (née Matovinović) and Mate Blažević. Their first two children, Ivica and Marica, whom their parents did not talk much about, died at just a few months old from the Spanish flu. Miroslav also had sisters Jelena and Dragica, brothers Ante and Joško, and an older sister Jozefina in Zagreb.

Ćiro played football until he was 31 when he decided to become a coach in Moutier, Switzerland. He stayed in Switzerland and managed Vevey and Sion before taking over the national team of Switzerland in 1979. However, his rise as a coach began in 1979 when he came to Rijeka. Although he finished the Championship in 10th place, Ćiro led Rijeka to the Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final and lost to Juventus. At the end of the season, he came to Dinamo, and that's when the legend of Ćiro began.

After finishing fifth in his first season on the bench, Ćiro brought Dinamo the Yugoslav championship title in 1982 after 24 years of waiting and forever became a Dinamo legend. Cerin, Deverić, Mlinarić, Zajec, Vlak, and others played fantastic football that attracted an average of 30,000 spectators to Maksimir.

Dinamo confirmed the title by winning against Željezničar four rounds before the end, and the celebration in the city did not stop for weeks. The architect of that great success was Ćiro, who trampled everything in front of him with a white scarf around his neck.

"It was perfect and, without competition, the biggest success of my career. Kudos to the bronze medal in France, but for me, Dinamo's 1982 success is the crowning glory of everything I've done as a coach," said Ćiro on his 82nd birthday.

The legendary coach did not stop there and won the Yugoslav Cup with Dinamo the following season and left Dinamo for the first time at the end of the season. Then, he went to Grasshopper, with whom he won the Swiss Championship, and won the hearts of the fans again in 1985 when he led Priština to the first Yugoslav league.

In the same year, he returned to Dinamo and did not achieve notable results. Nevertheless, he welcomed the declaration of Croatian independence in Nantes, where he stayed until 1991, and after a year at PAOK in 1992, he returned to Dinamo. 

As a great admirer of President Franjo Tuđman and a prominent member of the HDZ, Ćiro could not refuse Tuđman's invitation to return to Croatia. He won the Croatian Championship in 1993 and the Cup in 1994. However, at the end of that season, Ćiro left Dinamo again, for the third time, because he was given the most significant task - to lead the Croatia national team.

Ćiro sensationally started the European Championship qualifiers. In front of a powerful Italy (with the help of Tomislav Ivić), they won first place in the group, and directly qualified for the European Championship in England. Croatia brilliantly passed the group with Turkey, Denmark (defending champions), and Portugal with six points, only to lose to Germany 2:1 in the quarter-finals with the great help of referee Leif Sundell.

At that time, Ćiro already enjoyed a considerable reputation in Croatia and Europe, but the best was yet to come. After the dramatic qualifications, Croatia qualified for the World Cup in France, winning a sensational third place in 1998. Ćiro's team led in the semi-final against France 1:0 but lost with two goals from Lilian Thuram, who were the only goals in his career for the national team.

France was the zenith of Ćiro's coaching career. In the qualifiers for Euro 2000, in the last round at Maksimir, Croatia had to beat Serbia for a place in the additional qualifiers, but they played 2:2 and were eliminated. There was also a change of generations and the qualifications for the World Cup in Japan and Korea. Croatia got off to a bad start, and after drawing against Scotland at Maksimir, Ćiro resigned.

In six years on the bench, Ćiro led Croatia 73 times and recorded 36 wins, 22 draws, and 15 losses.

In 2001, he went to Iran, which failed to take him to the World Cup in Japan and Korea. After that, he saved Osijek from relegation from the league, only to return to Dinamo for the fourth time in 2002 and win the league title. However, at the end of the season, he had an argument with Zdravko Mamić, who kicked him out of the club.

After Mura and Varteks, Blažević came to Hajduk in 2005, who was then preparing for Champions League qualifications. Before the draw, Ćiro said they would give him "that Liverpool," but the balls connected him with Debrecen, against whom Hajduk experienced one of the biggest embarrassments in its history. The Hungarian club won 3:0 in the first game and 5:0 at Poljud, and it was a defeat from which Ćiro could not save himself. On September 18, after a series of bad results, he resigned.

In 2007, Ćiro was third in the HNL with Zagreb. By the end of his prosperous coaching career, Ćiro would manage six more clubs, but he left his most significant mark as the head coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although part of the BiH public did not approve, Ćiro united the BiH national team in his way and soon earned the entire country's support, which once again breathed with its national team. He fit perfectly into the new environment and almost led Bosnia and Herzegovina to the 2010 World Cup. But, instead, he entered the additional qualifiers, where he lost to a strong Portugal.

After leaving BiH, Ćiro went to China and then to Iran, only to return to NK Zagreb in 2012, with which he was relegated from the league. In January 2014, he went to Sloboda from Tuzla and sensationally returned them to the Premier League in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After the end of the season, he took over NK Zadar, where he ended his coaching career in January 2015.

Ćiro Blažević's career overview

Playing career: Bratstvo Travnik, Dinamo, Lokomotiva, Sarajevo, Rijeka, Sion, Moutier

Coaching career: Vevey, Sion, Switzerland, Lausanne-Sport, Rijeka, Dinamo Zagreb, Grasshopper, Priština, Dinamo Zagreb, Nantes, PAOK, Croatia Zagreb, Croatia, Iran, Osijek, Dinamo Zagreb, Mura, Varteks, Hajduk, Neuchatel Xamax, Zagreb, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Shanghai Shenhua, China U-23, Mes Kerman, Zagreb, Sloboda Tuzla, Zadar

Trophies:

Sion, Swiss Cup - 1974

Dinamo
Championship of Yugoslavia - 1982
Yugoslav Cup - 1983
First HNL: 1993, 2003
Croatian Cup: 1994
Croatian Super Cup: 2002

Grasshopper
Swiss Championship: 1984

Hajduk
Croatian Supercup: 2005

Croatia national team:
3rd place at World Cup 1998

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 6, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 20th round was played from February 3 to 5, 2023. It was another round where Dinamo slipped up, this time against Belupo, Osijek lost to Lokomotiva, and Hajduk failed to take advantage of both results after losing to Rijeka at Poljud. While the race for the title could have been shaken up again this round, Dinamo once against sits comfortably at the top. 

Istra 1961 v. Varazdin (2-1)

Istra and Varazdin opened the 20th round on Friday, February 3, in Pula in front of 952 fans.

The game was exciting from the get-go as Erceg missed a penalty for Istra in the 5th minute. However, Galilea scored for 1-0 Istra in the 42nd minute, which is how the match ended at halftime. It didn't take too long for Varazdin to equalize when Brodic scored for 1-1 in the 57th minute. But in the final minute of regulation time, Maresic put Istra back ahead at 2-1 for the victory. 

The match was close overall. Istra maintained 51% of possession to Varazdin's 49%. Both teams had four shots on target, while Varazdin had 17 to Istra's 7. 

Istra is in 5th place with 27 points and a game in hand, while Varazdin is in 6th place with 27 points. 

Lokomotiva v. Osijek (1-0)

Lokomotiva and Osijek met in Zagreb on Saturday, February 4, in front of 710 fans. 

Pivaric scored the only goal of the match in the 39th minute. Lokomotiva maintained 55% of possession throughout the game compared to Osijek's 45%. In addition, Lokomotiva had four shots on target to Osijek's 4 and 14 total shots compared to Osijek's 8. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 7th place with 22 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 34. 

Slaven Belupo v. Dinamo (1-1)

Belupo and Dinamo met for the second match on Saturday in Koprivnica in front of 1,743 fans. 

Drmic gave Dinamo the early lead for 0-1 in the 3rd minute. Jambor equalized for 1-1 in the 32nd minute. Dinamo mostly struggled against a weaker Belupo. While Dinamo maintained 69% of possession throughout the match, they only had two shots on target (just like Belupo) and seven shots total (Belupo had 9). Dinamo also blocked three shots from Belupo, while Belupo only blocked one for Dinamo. Both keepers made one save. 

Belupo is currently in 4th place with 24 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 46 and a game in hand. 

Gorica v. Sibenik (0-3)

Gorica and Sibenik met on Sunday, February 5, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,024 fans. 

Cop scored Sibenik's first goal for 0-1 in the 44th minute. Dolcek made it 0-2 in the 64th minute and Cop again for 0-3 in the 90+4'. 

Gorica had more possession throughout the match (53%), while both teams had six shots on target. Gorica had 26 total shots to Sibenik's 15. 

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Gorica is currently in last place with 20 points, while Sibenik is 9th with 16. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (1-2)

Hajduk and Rijeka closed out the 20th round on Sunday in front of 13,098 fans who braved the icy bura. 

Knowing they had yet another chance to capitalize on Dinamo's draw against Belupo this weekend, Hajduk failed to secure 3 points. The first half went without goals, and Rijeka shocked Poljud by scoring two in the second half - in the 65th and 83rd minutes. Hajduk was awarded a penalty in the 90th minute, which Livaja scored for some hope in the 8-minute-long stoppage time, though another penalty was given to Hajduk six minutes later, which was saved by Labrovic. 

Hajduk maintained 57% possession with eight shots on target to Rijeka's 43% possession and six shots on target.

Hajduk remains in 2nd place with 38 points, while Rijeka is in 8th with 22.  

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

January 27, 2023 - A look at the latest SuperSport HNL transfer news from the top three teams in the league this season - Dinamo, Hajduk, and Osijek. 

The winter transfer period continues in the Croatian league, and while we have seen many stars leave Croatia already, we haven't seen many new players coming in... yet. We bring you the latest SuperSport HNL transfer news. 

Dinamo

Dinamo has been in the spotlight lately, and not for its success. Fierce conflicts within the club have affected the atmosphere at Maksimir. 

Thus, Dinamo captain Arijan Ademi asked to leave the club a few days ago and came to Maksimir with two offers. However, it seems that Dinamo leaders and coach Ante Čačić did not agree with his demands. 

Gol.hr reports that it is speculated that he will be offered a new Dinamo contract, but it is not excluded that there will be a transfer if the compensation is satisfactory.

Dinamo already sold a hugely important player in this winter transfer window when Mislav Oršić went to Southampton. With Bruno Petković injured and out of action for some time, Ademi's departure would be a big blow for Dinamo, especially after a surprising draw against Gorica to start the spring season.

Croatian media revealed on Friday that Dinamo is interested in bringing Swiss center back Bećir Omeragić, who would like to join the Zagreb club this winter transfer window.

Hajduk

Hajduk and French club Nimes Olympique agreed on the transfer of 24-year-old offensive midfielder Yassine Benrahou, who signed a contract with the Split club until the summer of 2026, with the option of extending it for another year. 

The new Hajduk player took his first football steps at the football academy AS Bondy and continued to develop through the academies of Bordeaux and the elite football academy "Clairefontaine."

He made his first senior appearances for Bordeaux's second team, and in the 2019/2020 season, he joined the first team and played ten official matches. He then moved to Nimes, playing in the first and second divisions. He played 91 games for Bordeaux and Nimes and scored 14 goals with 14 assists. For Bordeaux's second team, he played another 23 games and scored five goals with three assists. In addition, he played for France's U-16 and U-17 national teams. 

"Yassine is a player who, at the age of 24, has experience playing in the two highest leagues of French football. At the same time, he is a player who, during the negotiations, showed a strong desire to come to Hajduk. He has a versatile offensive player profile as an offensive midfielder who can also play well as a central midfielder and on the right wing. He uses his left foot dominantly and has excellent technical characteristics. In the attack, he perceives space very well, with a good overview, anticipation, and idea of the game," said sports director Nikoličius. 

Osijek

Croatia national team goalkeeper Ivica Ivušić will no longer defend for NK Osijek but will continue his career in Cyprus at the first league club Phafos. Ivušić received permission from the club to go for medical examinations, missed the team training, and flew to Cyprus earlier this week, where he signed. 

Osijek will reportedly earn around two million euros in addition to bonuses and a percentage of future sales.

If the bonuses are realized, Ivušić can become one of the club's most significant transfers. On the other hand, Ivušić became the most expensive player in the history of Pharos. 

Osijek already sold Dion Drena Beljo to Augsburg and Laszlo Kleinheisler to Panathinaikos during this transfer window. Ivušić is the third key player who has left Osijek so far. Marko Malenica, Osijek's second goalkeeper, will now be the starting goalkeeper. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

January 22, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL finally returned after a long winter break, with Croatian clubs back in action from Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22. The 18th round brought some unexpected results, making the race for the title interesting as we kicked off the second part of the season. 

Istra 1961 v. Slaven Belupo (0:0)

Istra 1961 and Slaven Belupo opened the 18th round on Friday, January 20, 2023, in Pula, in front of 557 fans. 

The match went without goals, while Istra held more possession (61%) with 15 total shots to Beluop's 5. Istra also had six shots on target to Belupo's 0. 

Istra is currently in 6th place with 21 points and a game in hand, while Belupo is in 4th with 27. 

Osijek v. Rijeka (1:1)

Osijek and Rijeka met on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at a snowy City Garden Stadium in front of 2,082 fans. 

The second draw of the 18th round at least featured some goals. Spoljaric scored for the Osijek lead in the 9th minute. Frigan equalized from the penalty spot in the 38th minute for 1:1. Osijek's goal in the 89th minute was called offside thanks to VAR, and the match ended 1:1. Osijek held 49% of possession to Rijeka'ss 51%, with four shots on target compared to Rijeka's 3. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 31 points, while Rijeka is in 8th with 16. 

Dinamo v. Gorica (0:0)

Dinamo and Gorica met in the second game on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in front of 3,568 fans who also had to brave the snow.

Not only was this the third draw of the 18th round, but yet another one without goals. Dinamo's goal in the 2nd minute was disallowed due to a foul after consulting VAR. Neither team was able to score for the rest of the match. Dinamo maintained 80% of possession throughout the game compared to Gorica's 20%. Both teams had three shots on target. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 42 points and a game in hand, while Gorica is in last place with 9 points. 

Hajduk v. Sibenik (2:1)

Hajduk and Sibenik met at Poljud on Sunday, January 22, 2023, in front of 9,358 fans. 

Sibenik took the lead in the 13th minute when Arai scored for 0:1. Kalik equalized for Hajduk just before halftime for 1:1. Livaja saved the day in the 85th minute with a goal for 2:1, the final result. Hajduk had 70% possession throughout the match compared to Sibenik's 30%. Hajduk also had seven shots on target compared to Sibenik's one. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 38 points, while Sibenik is 9th with 13 points. 

Varazdin v. Lokomotiva (0:0)

Varazdin and Lokomotiva closed out the 18th round on Sunday, January 22, 2023, in front of 785 fans. 

The final draw of the 18th round also saw no goals. However, it was a close match, with Varazdin maintaining 48% of possession compared to Lokomotiva's 52%.  Varazdin had four shots on target compared to 5 for Lokomotiva. 

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Varazdin is currently in 5th place with 24 points, while Lokomotiva is in 7th with 19. 

You can check out the HNL table HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.