CROATIAN SOCCER REPORT

SLAVEN BELUPO PLAYS TRICKS, RIJEKA LOSE

2009-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

HAT TRICK MAESTRO, ALJOŠA VOJNOVIĆ

The first leg of the 2009-10 Europa League second qualifying round got underway today. Croatian clubs, NK Rijeka and Slaven Belupo both started their European seasons on the road.

Slaven Belupo torched Macedonian side Milano (no relation with AC Milan) as they pulled some 'tricks' out of the bag in a 4-0 win. Hungarian Csaba Csizmadia opened up the scoring in the 26' only moments before Aljoša Vojnović completely took over the game.

Vojnović scored a 'natural hat trick' (three goals in the same half) within five minutes to end the first half. This 4-0 away result will certainly see Slaven Belupo join Hajduk in the next round.

A DEJECTED ANAS SHARBINI TRIES TO STAY POSITIVE FOR THE SECOND LEG

NK Rijeka could not get anything going as they travelled to Luxembourg to take on Differdange. Rijeka lost the game 1-0 and will have to score some goals next week at Kantrida in order to move on. Anas Sharbini played the entire match today.

I originally thought this would be an easy test for Rijeka. Are they having the same problem Dinamo Zagreb had earlier in the week? I mean, how good can a team from Luxembourg possibly be?

Videos and highlights will be put up on this post later today as they hit the web.

In other news, Hajduk Split will host English side Blackburn Rovers in a friendly at the Poljud July 18th.

EUROPEAN CUP SEASON BEGINS

2009-07-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

DINAMO HELD TO GOALLESS DRAW IN FIRST LEG AGAINST PYUNIK. I DID NOT WATCH THE GAME BUT CSR'S ELITE CLAIM THAT DINAMO PLAYED AWFUL WITH A SHAMEFUL DISPLAY OF SOCCER.

Dinamo Zagreb start their UEFA Champions League campaign tomorrow (July 14th) as they travel to Armenia to take on Pyunik in the second qualifying round. It shouldn't be too tough for Dinamo to get past the Armenian champions as the 'Modri' would then have a guaranteed 'seeded' spot for the third qualifying round.

Dinamo Zagreb was ousted out of Champions League last year in the third qualifying round by eventual UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk. Dinamo were then put into the UEFA Cup tournament where they had a dramatic 3-3 away draw with Sparta Prague; clinching the next round with the 'away goals rule'. The boys from Zagreb finally ran out of gas in Group Play when they could only earn three points against Udinese, Tottenham, NEC and Spartak Moscow.

Will Dinamo do better this season?

HERE'S A LOOK AT DINAMO'S NEW GEAR FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON

The inaugural Europa League tournament, formerly UEFA Cup, also continues this week as the second qualifying round gets started. Slaven Belupo will take on Macedonian side Milano away on July 16th with the return leg in Koprovnica exactly one week later. Slaven Belupo got here by barely squeaking by Maltese side Birkirkara 1-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round. Remember that Hajduk crushed Birkirkara 7-0 last year over two legs. Did Denis share confidential Croatian soccer information to the Birkirkara Ultras while he was in Malta last summer? Hmmm...

NK Rijeka also join in on the Europa League fun as they travel to Luxembourg to take on Differdange on July 16th. Anas Sharbini should put a few goals away for Rijeka in what should be an easy test.

Hajduk will have to wait to open up their Europa League campaign as they have bypassed the first two qualifying rounds. They will be an unseeded team in the third round where they have the possibility of playing AS Roma, PSV Eindhoven, Hamburg, Fenerbahçe or Fulham. The draw for the third round will take place on July 17th but games won't be played until the 30th.

It should be another fun season watching these small Croatian clubs do some damage around Europe!

'POLJUD' NAME NO MORE?

2009-07-13T01:28:00.001-07:00

Rumors are circulating around Croatia that Hajduk Split have put a 7.5 million Kuna per year price tag on current naming rights for Poljud stadium. This is an obvious attempt at bolstering the team bank account but we're going to have to see if any company takes the bait.

I'm a soccer traditionalist but this move by Hajduk wouldn't really bother me if it ever went through. They can rename the venue KIKI Stadion for all I care but the Poljud will forever be known as the Poljud in my eyes just as Maksimir would remain the same- until Mamić gets enough power to name the place after himself of course. (Joke: please don't jump all over me Dinamo supporters.)

KRIŽANAC SCORES BEAUTY FOR ZENIT VICTORY

2009-07-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

While the rest of Europe is still on summer vacation, Croatian central defender Ivica Križanac made the most of his return from a one month break in the Russian Premier League with the lone goal in Zenit's win over FC Moscow. Križanac doesn't score often, but when he does he certainly makes the highlight reel. Check out Ivica's bicycle kick goal from earlier in the season:

Križanac will certainly make a difference when he returns to the Croatian national team in August as he was injured for the match against Ukraine. We all know that Križanac, Kranjčar and Eduardo will give the team a huge boost when they return.

In other Russian news, Stipe Pletikosa sat on the bench once again in Spartak Moscow's 1-0 win over Rostov.

KOVAČ CALLS IT A CAREER

2009-07-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Niko Kovač, one of Croatia's all-time legends, has finally decided to hang up his cleats after a spectacular 20-year club career. Niko went out with class Friday evening in a 0-0 friendly against Bayern Munich. Players from both squads gave Kovač big hugs after the final whistle as he then made a lap around the field to thank all the fans for their support with tears in his eyes. Robert Kovač was also in attendance to watch his brother's last professional match.

Niko Kovač has played with Red Bull Salzburg since 2006 where he scored nine goals in 65 appearances. Earlier in his career, he played for the likes of Hertha Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich; tallying a total of 479 matches played at club level.

Kovač was a true leader his entire career. So what will he do now?

Niko has taken over the reigns as manager of Red Bull Salzburg's youth squad. He definitely isn't looking for a well-deserved vacation as he starts his coaching career immediately after retiring as a player.

All the cards are in place for Kovač to follow Slaven Bilić as the next manager of Croatia. Sure he's still young but he knows the system and most importantly all the current players respect him. I would support this move by the HNS instead of bringing in a foreign coach or promoting one of the current assistants.

We've all witnessed how great Croatia really is without Niko, so why not keep him around?

Who's with me on this?!

PLETIKOSA IN LIMBO, STILL NO MOVE FOR KLASNIĆ

2009-07-09T01:22:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-06-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

SOLDO TO COLOGNE

SHARBINI TO RED BULL

CROATIA IN TURMOIL

2009-06-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

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!