Hrvatska - Danska / Croatia - Denmark

Dragi prijatelji nogometa,

ispred Hrvatskog nogometnog saveza, želim vam dobrodošlicu u Zagreb uoči posljednje domaće utakmice hrvatske reprezentacije u okviru ovogodišnje Lige nacija u kojoj ćemo snage odmjeriti s Danskom.Hrvatska

iskustva s Ligom nacija proteklih godina uglavnom nisu bila rezultatski pozitivna, no nakon dva briljantna rezultata u lipnju, s puno uzbuđenja i optimizma dočekujemo rujanske susrete s Danskom i Austrijom. Vatreni su impresivnim pobjedama u Kopenhagenu i Parizu, protiv dvije sjajne reprezentacije, došli u poziciju da s dvije pobjede mogu osigurati prvo mjesto u skupini i time plasman na završni turnir Lige nacija.

Iako bi to bio izvanredan rezultat i vrijedan uspjeh, svjesni smo da je Liga nacija prije svega odlična priprema za Svjetsko prvenstvo u Kataru. Vidjeli smo u lipnju koliko su male razlike između vrhunskih ekipa te smo unutar deset dana došli od opravdanih kritika nakon poraza od Austrije do jednako opravdanih hvalospjeva nakon trijumfa nad Francuskom. Hrvatska je pokazala da je moćna, da je jaka i da je opasan protivnik svakoj reprezentaciji, ali samo kada su zajedništvo, koncentracija, disciplina i kompaktnost na najvišoj razini. To je ono što priželjkujemo vidjeti u utakmicama protiv Danske i Austrije, kao zalog optimizma uoči Katara.

Drago nam je što je reprezentacija nakon dvije godine ponovno u Zagrebu, ali zasigurno svi dijelimo nezadovoljstvo činjenicom da u glavnom gradu ne postoji stadion dostojan svjetskih doprvaka. Zbog svih uspjeha reprezentacije, zbog hrvatskih navijača i zbog značaja nogometa u našem društvu, vjerujem da se može i treba pronaći odgovarajuće rješenje.

Iznimno poštujemo reprezentaciju Danske koja proteklih godina ima

Welcome

konstantu dobrih rezultata. Igračima, stožeru, delegaciji i navijačima Danske želim dobrodošlicu i ugodan boravak u našem glavnom gradu, uz želju da uživamo u velikom sportskom nadmetanju.

Sretno Hrvatska!

Marijan Kustić, Hrpredsjednikvatskognogometnog saveza

With impressive victories at Copenhagen and Paris, against two excellent opponents, the Vatreni have secured an opportunity to win the group and reach the UEFA tournament.LeagueNationsfinal

Dear friends of football,

on behalf of the Croatian Football Federation, I wish you a warm welcome to Zagreb, on the eve of the final home match of the Croatia national team in this year's UEFA Nations League, against Denmark.

During the previous years, Croatia's results in the UEFA Nations League have not been very positive, but following two brilliant outcomes this June, we are excited to optimistically await September encounters with

Denmark and Austria. With impressive victories at Copenhagen and Paris, against two excellent opponents, the Vatreni have secured an opportunity to win the group and reach the UEFA Nations League final tournament.Thatwould

be an extraordinary result and a major success, yet we are aware that the UEFA Nations League is primarily a great opportunity to prepare for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Back in June, we have witnessed the thin line between top European teams: in just ten days, we have crossed from the justified criticism following the defeat versus Austria, to equally justified praise following the triumph in France. Croatia has confirmed that this is a powerful, strong squad, a tough opponent for any national team, but only when team spirit, focus, discipline, and unity remain at the highest level. That is something we want to see against Denmark and Austria, to boost the optimism before going to Qatar

After two years, we are happy to see Croatia back in Zagreb, but undoubtedly we all share the discontent due to the fact that in the capital city, there is no stadium that the vicechampions of the world deserve. Because of every national team's success, because of Croatia's supporters, because of the importance of football in our society, I am convinced we can, and we must, find an adequate solution.

We immensely respect the Danish national team, that has recently enjoyed a series of great achievements. To their players, coaching staff, the delegation, and supporters, I wish a warm welcome and a pleasant stay in our capital city of Zagreb. Let us enjoy a beautiful sporting event.

Best of luck to Croatia!

Marijan Kustić, President of the Croatian Football Federation

Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija protiv Danske igra prvu od dvije rujanske utakmice u završnici skupine 1 A Lige nacija. Vatreni se poslije izvjesnog izbivanja vraćaju Maksimiru s kojega “puca pogled” prema Final Fouru prestižnog reprezentativnog natjecanja. Josip Juranović će u svom rodnog gradu s Vatrenima nastojati napraviti rezultatski iskorak i izboriti mjesto među četiri najuspješnije reprezentacije elitne skupine Lige nacija.

“Uvijek je poseban osjećaj igrati utakmice na domaćem terenu pred našim navijačima. Na Maksimiru su se uvijek igrale kvalitetne utakmice, s klubovima ili reprezentacijom, uvjeren sam da će tako biti i ovaj put”, ističe Josip Juranović, koji će na maksimirskim tribinama imati značajnu podršku najbližih.

“Doći će moja obitelj, zaručnica i cijela njezina obitelj, kao i najbliži prijatelji. Oni su mi uvijek velika podrška, vjerujem da ćemo im moji suigrači i ja omogućiti razlog za zadovoljstvo igrom i rezultatom”.

Hrvatska u Maksimiru ima priliku nastaviti uspješan rezultatski niz poslije gostujućih pobjeda protiv Danske i Francuske u lipnju.

“Poslije onog lošeg starta i poraza od Austrije u Osijeku, u sljedeće tri utakmice pokazali smo naše pravo lice, pogotovo u pobjedama protiv Danske i Francuske. Pobijediti na njihovom terenu aktualne svjetske prvake velika je stvar, ali i potvrda da Hrvatska spada u sam vrh europskog i svjetskog nogometa. Okrenuli smo u te dvije gostujuće pobjede stvari u našu korist, u slučaju eventualne

pobjede nad Danskom imamo priliku zasjesti na čelo ljestvice. Vjerujem da ćemo utakmicu svi dočekati zdravi, a u tom slučaju zna se tko je favorit u Maksimiru”.

Naravno da nitko u taboru Vatrenih nema namjeru podcijeniti protivnika, ali samopouzdanje je na vrlo visokoj razini.

“Protiv Danske očekujem borbenu Hrvatsku koja će od prve do zadnje minute dati maksimum svojih mogućnosti i na kraju s našim navijačima proslaviti još jednu pobjedu. Neće biti jednostavno, igramo u najjačem razredu Lige nacija u kojem nema slabih protivnika, ali znam koliko ova Hrvatska može, a može jako puno”.

U susretu protiv Danske promociju će doživjeti i novi dresovi koje će Vatreni nositi i na skorašnjem Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru.

“Svaki dres naše reprezentacije nosi posebno značenje, a ova nova, prva garnitura jako podsjeća na onaj dres iz slavne 1998. godine i Svjetskog prvenstva u Francuskoj na kojem smo osvojili brončanu medalju. Jedva čekam istrčati u novom dresu, vjerujem da će nam donijeti sreću protiv Danske, ali i u utakmicama koje će uslijediti”.

Rujanske utakmice Lige nacija svojevrsna su uvertira nastupu Vatrenih na svjetskoj smotri u Kataru.

“Naravno da su nam utakmice protiv Danske i Austrije u prvom redu značajne zbog rezultata u Ligi nacija, ali one će biti i

IT'S A SPECIAL FEELING TO PLAY IN FRONT OF OUR HOME CROWD

Croatia national football team is facing Denmark in the first of two September matches in UEFA Nations League Group A1. After a pause, Croatia is coming back to Maksimir Stadium, and has an opportunity to reach the Final Four of this prestigious international competition. In his hometown, Josip Juranović and the Vatreni will try to secure a berth among the four best national teams in the elite Nations League group.

"It is always a special feeling to play home matches in front of our home crowd. At Maksimir, there have always been quality matches, both at club and international level, and I am convinced that this will be a case once again", Juranović emphasizes, as he awaits a strong support from his family

"My family will come, my fiancee and her family, and my best friends as well. They were always very supportive, I believe my teammates and I will give them a reason to be happy - through both performance and the outcome".

At Maksimir, Croatia has a chance to continue the winning streak, following the away victories at Denmark and France in June this year.

"After a bad start and a defeat against Austria in Osijek, in the three following matches we have shown our true face, especially as we managed to beat Denmark and France. To defeat the current world champion at their stadium is a major achievement, and another confirmation that Croatia belongs to the top of European and world football. Now

the odds are in our favour, if we win against Denmark we can be at the top of the group. I believe we will avoid injuries, and then there can be only one favourite at Maksimir".

Of course, no one in Croatia's camp is disrespecting the opponent, but the selfconfidence is at a high level.

"I expect to see aggressive Croatia, we will be giving our best from the kick-off to the final whistle, and I hope we will celebrate a victory with our fans. This will not be easy, there are no easy opponents at this Nations League level, but we know the potential of this Croatia team; it is very big".

Against Denmark, Croatia will wear the new jersey, that was presented for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar

"Every Croatia jersey has a special meaning, and the new kit reminds us of the famous 1998 generation, and the World Cup in France when we won the bronze medal. I can't wait to wear the new kit, I believe it will bring us luck against Denmark, and every other game to come".

These September encounters in Nations League are also a preparation stage for the World Cup in Qatar.

"The matches against Denmark and Austria are important because of the Nations League itself, but the World Cup in Qatar is just around the corner and we have to prepare accordingly. They will be a guideline for what we are all expecting and looking forward to. How will Croatia

perform in Qatar? Croatia is eager to achieve, to give everything on the pitch and to provide more joy for our fans throughout the world. I am convinced we will approach the matches accordingly; we have the quality, and with a necessary bit of luck I believe we can play a significant role in Qatar".

VRIME JE...

Dugogodišnji hrvatski reprezentativac i osvajač srebrne medalje na FIFA Svjetskom prvenstvu 2018. godine, Šime Vrsaljko, odlučio je okončati reprezentativnu karijeru te se prigodnim dopisom oprostio od vatrenog

Neopisdresa.ivje

osjećaj odjenuti na sebe taj crveno-bijeli dres, izaći pred hrvatske navijače, staviti ruku na srce i zapjevati Lijepu našu. Da, osjećaš ogroman teret u tom trenutku jer znaš da idućih 90 minuta cijeli jedan narod priželjkuje isto što i ti - pobjedu, trijumf, slavlje. No, prije svega osjećaš nemjerljiv ponos što baš ti - sa svojim suigračima - imaš privilegiju predstavljati svoju zemlju.

Zbog te emocije, nije lako donijeti odluku da je kraj. Prihvatiti da je vrijeme za mlađe i da ne možeš više dati ono što si prije mogao. Da više nećeš staviti na sebe sveti dres, da više nećeš slaviti s Hrvatskom važne golove i pobjede, ili se zagrliti sa svima uoči velike utakmice i na kapetanovo "Iznad svih" iz petnih žila viknuti:"HRVATSKA!"Nijelakorećizbogom

jer je igranje za Hrvatsku ispunjenje sna.

Međutim, znam da je vrijeme. I znam da je pošteno prema reprezentaciji, suigračima, izborniku.

Zbog toga mi je lakše.

Lakše mi je i zato što znam da sam dao sve od sebe. Na svakom treningu, na svakoj utakmici, na svakom natjecanju. Ne žalim ni za čim i cijenim svaki trenutak proveden s hrvatskom reprezentacijom. Lako je razmišljati o Rusiji 2018. godine, no doživio sam brojne druge uspone i padove, uspjehe i neuspjehe, suze radosnice, ali i suze zbog velike tuge. Svako to iskustvo obogatilo me kao igrača i čovjeka te ništa ne bih mijenjao na tom putu.

Lakše mi je zato što sam stekao prijateljstva koja će trajati cijeli život. Lakše mi je zato što je hrvatska reprezentacija moja druga obitelj i ti odnosi neće prestati završetkom reprezentativne karijere.

Lakše mi je, naravno, i zbog Rusije. Mjesta na kojem smo ostvarili svoje snove kroz nezaboravnih mjesec dana u kojima nismo samo došli do finala Svjetskog prvenstva već smo iz dana u dan razveseljavali, nasmijavali i povezivali našu naciju. Te utakmice, ta slavlja, i oni dočeci u Zagrebu i Zadru su nešto što nikada, nikada neću zaboraviti. Nije tajna da sam za taj uspjeh žrtvovao koljeno, i opet bih sve napravio isto jer za to smo svi živjeli. Mi u svlačionici i vi na tribinama.

Dragi navijači - vaša podrška, emocija i ljubav prema reprezentaciji uvijek su mi bili dodatni poticaj, atom snage u onim presudnim trenucima kada se sve lomi. Hvala vam od srca na tomu.

Bilo je zadovoljstvo ovih 11 godina dijeliti svlačionicu s velikim igračima i ljudima. Hvala svim mojim suigračima - s vama bih išao u svaku bitku. Koliko smo na terenu ostavili krvi, znoja i suza, toliko smo se izvan terena družili, zabavili i nasmijali. Te uspomene čuvat ću zauvijek.

Lokal-patriotski, ponosan sam što sam svlačionicu dijelio sa svojim Zadranima, Subom, Livijem i Lukom. Trebam li što dodatno reći o Luki? Igrati s jednim od najboljih svjetskih veznih igrača svih vremena posebna je privilegija za sve nas, ali Luka mi je prije svega - prijatelj. Jednako tako, bila mi je čast učiti od velikog Darija Srne, a potom ga i naslijediti u reprezentaciji.

Dejan je priča za sebe. Sreća je u životu, a kamoli u poslu, pronaći osobu s kojom ste na istoj valnoj duljini, s kojom dijelite fore jednako lako kao što dijelite teške trenutke. Tko bi rekao da ću uživati 11 godina dijeliti krevet s njim? :-) Loki, učinio si mi ovu reprezentativnu priču još posebnijom i veselim se nastavku našeg

Hvalaprijateljstva.Slavenu

koji mi je dao šansu i uveo me u reprezentaciju. Hvala Zlatku Daliću na suradnji i nezaboravnoj Rusiji. Hvala svim izbornicima i trenerima na podršci, savjetima i trudu koji su uložili da postanemo što bolja ekipa, na terenu i izvan njega.

Hvala svim članovima stožera - liječnicima na čelu s dr. Nemecom, dr. Bahtijarevićem, dr. Jankovićem i dr. Vlahovićem, izvrsnim fizioterapeutima i marljivim ekonomima, Ivi, Nikši, Tomi, Dragi i svim djelatnicima Saveza koji su uz nas i koji upotpunjuju našu reprezentativnu obitelj. Hvala i svim čelnicima Saveza na podršci, nekadašnjem predsjedniku Šukeru, kao i neumornom g. Srebriću. Hvala aktualnom predsjedniku Marijanu Kustiću na odličnoj komunikaciji i razumijevanju.

Hvala i svim medijima koji su pratili moj reprezentativni put. Imate važnu ulogu u očuvanju kulta reprezentacije te se nadam da ćete nastaviti konstruktivno i afirmativno davati svoj doprinos uspjesima hrvatske reprezentacije.

Posebna zahvala ide mojim roditeljima i bratu, koji su mi bili podrška u svakom trenutku. Mogu se samo truditi biti jednaka inspiracija i potpora svojoj djeci. Srce mi je puno jer znam da je moj Dido Šime i s drugog svijeta ponosan na mene jer sam ispunio sve ono što je sanjao.

Raduje me što u reprezentaciji i danas vidim talent, kvalitetu, ambiciju i strast koju sam vidio na početku svoje reprezentativne karijere. Postavili smo visoko letvicu u Rusiji, no time se ne treba opterećivati - dajte uvijek sve od sebe i navijači će to cijeniti, a rezultati nagraditi. Uvijek ću biti uz vas!

Nije lako, ali...

Vrime je.

Uvijek vaš,

Šime Vrsaljko

IT’S TIME...

Longstanding Croatia international and essential member of the team that won the FIFA 2018 World Cup silver medal Šime Vrsaljko has decided to end his international career and to say his goodbyes to the national team in this open letter.

I don’t know if I have the words to describe the feeling of putting on the iconic checkered shirt, stepping out onto the pitch in front of Croatian supporters, putting your hand on your heart and singing the national anthem. Yes, you feel an immense burden and responsibility because for the next 90 minutes a whole nation stands behind you and they all want the same things that you do – victory, triumph, celebration. Even more immense, however, is the pride that you feel because it gets to be you – out of all of the young players who dream about this moment, you and your teammates have been extended the privilege of representing yourThecountryemotions that come over you in that moment make it anything but easy to make the decision that you’ve played your last match for Croatia. To accept that it’s time to make space for the young players coming through, and to accept that you are no longer able to give what you had been able to just a few years ago. It’s no easy feat to process the fact that you’ll never put on that shirt again, that you won’t be hugging your teammates on the pitch when a goal is scored or a victory is reached, and that you’ll no longer get to put your arms around them in those last few moments before a match begins and wait for the captain to shout “Above all”, so that you can shout back with all your might:

I“CROATIA!”t’snoteasyto say goodbye because to play for Croatia is to get to live out your childhood dreams.

But… I know it’s time. And I know this decision is one that I made out of respect for my national team, my teammates, my head coach. Because of that, I can live with it easier

I can live with it easier because I know I gave it my all. At every training session, at every match, at every tournament. I regret nothing and I cherish every moment I spent with the national team. It might be easy here to think only of Russia and the summer of 2018, but during my years with the Croatian national team, I’ve lived through many ups and downs, and I’ve had my fair share of successes and failures. Every single one of those moments – whether it brought me tears of joy or tears of sadness – enriched me as a player and as a man. When I look back at all of them, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I can live with this decision easier because I made friends that I’ll have for the rest of my life. I can live with this decision easier because the national team is my second family – that won’t change one bit now, even though I’ll no longer be playing for the team.

Of course, I can also live with this decision easier because of Russia. The place where we got to make our absolute wildest dreams come true. During that month, we not only got to reach the World Cup final, we got to make our people laugh, feel proud, feel connected to one another. Those matches, those celebrations, and all those faces of all those people who came out to welcome us in Zagreb and in Zadar are sealed into my memory forever. It’s no secret that this silver medal cost me a pretty rough knee injury – but let me tell you, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Because at that moment, we were all living for that success. We were living for it in the locker room, and we knew you were living for it on the stands in Russia and on public squares, in bars, and in front of your TVs back home in Croatia.

And to the fans – your support, your passion, and your love for the national team have always given me that extra push and have helped me discover that last bit of strength in me in those moments where everything was at stake and I thought I had nothing left to give. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for that.It

was a pleasure to have spent the past 11 years sharing a dressing room with great players and even greater human beings. Thank you to all of my teammates – I’d take you to battle with me anytime. We left our blood, sweat and tears on the pitch, but we also had so many good times together off of it. These memories will stay with me forever.

Those who know me also know that I identify as what we’d call a “local patriot”, and as such, I’d be remiss not to mention how much I loved sharing that dressing room with my fellow children of Zadar –Suba, Livi, and Luka. And when it comes to Luka, need I say more? What a privilege it is for all of us that we got to play with one of the best midfielders of all time! It’s an even more important privilege for me, however, that I get to call Luka my friend. I also want to mention Darijo Srna – it was an honor to learn from him, and to take his place in the team when he retired.

Dejan is a special story. It takes a great amount of luck to find people – especially people you work with

– that are your kindred spirits, that you can call on just as easily during the best of times and the worst of times. Who would have thought that I’d get so much joy out of having him as my roommate for these eleven long years? :) Loki, you made my career as a Croatia international even more special – I look forward to the many years of friendship that we have ahead of us.

I also want to thank Slaven for giving me a chance and calling me up to the national team, as well as head coach Zlatko Dalić for his cooperation and for that unforgettable month in Russia. Thank you to all the other coaches and head coaches, too – I hope you know how much I valued your support, your advice, and all the effort that you put into making us all a better team both on the pitch and off of it.

Thank you to all the members of staff who took care of us for all these years – our medical staff, including Dr. Nemec, Dr. Bahtijarević, Dr. Janković, Dr. Vlahović, and all of our physical therapists, as well as Iva, Nikša, Tomo, Drago, and every other person from the Croatian FA that worked along us and helped us make our team a family. I also want to thank the leadership of the Croatian FA, former president Davor Šuker, and the tireless Mr. Srebrić. Thank you to current president Marijan Kustić for his excellent communication and understanding.

Thank you to the media that covered the Croatian national team and my career – you play an important role in keeping the story of the Vatreni alive. I hope that you’ll continue to cover the team in a constructive way and to contribute to its successes.

I want to extend special thanks to my parents and my brother, who supported me every step of the way I can only hope that I can provide that same level of inspiration and support to my own children. My heart is full because I know that my grandfather Dido Šime is always looking down on me from above and that he’s so proud because I got to do everything that I dreamed of.

We have so many talented, hard-working, ambitious, and passionate players in the national team now, and I’m so happy that in their eyes I see the same drive, pride, and passion that I witnessed when I first set foot in the dressing room of the Vatreni as a young player. What I want to say most to all of them is this: I know we set the bar high in Russia, but don’t let that be a burden on your shoulders. If you always do your best, the fans will reward you, and so will the outcome. I’ll always be with you!

It’s not easy, but…. It’s time.

Yours forever, Vrsaljko

Proud Official Carrier of Croatian Football Federation

SVJEŽA ENERGIJA NA

Hrvatski nogometni savez i tehnički partner Nike predstavili su nove dresove hrvatske nogometne reprezentacije s legendarnim kvadratićima, koje će aktualni svjetski doprvaci prvi put nositi na utakmici Lige nacija protiv Danske.

Redizajnirani crveno-bijeli prvi dres te prirodom inspirirani drugi dres nosit će kapetan Luka Modrić i suigrači na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru, gdje će momčad nastojati ponoviti rusku čaroliju iz 2018. godine i Hrvatsku ponovno učiniti "malom zemljom za velika nogometna dostignuća".

Prva garnitura dresa inspirirana je temom vatrenog srca, savršeno se uklapajući u strastven, radišan i vatren karakter hrvatskog naroda i reprezentacije. Riječ je o redizajniranoj i moderniziranoj verziji kvadratića koji su odavno postali globalno prepoznatljiv simbol hrvatskog ponosa. Neravnomjerno posloženi, donose pravo osvježenje, a na bijeloj površini središnjeg dijela dresa, uz plavi Nikeov logo, i dalje se ponosno ističe grb Hrvatskog nogometnog

saveza.Pričuvni

dres dodatno oplemenjuje kultne kvadratiće kroz simboliku prirodnih ljepota i nacionalnog ponosa; oni su u ovom slučaju zamagljeni i valovitih linija u kombinaciji tamnoplave i tirkizne boje, a dizajnirani tako da podsjećaju na plime i oseke Jadranskog mora čiji valovi zapljuskuju hrvatsku obalu. Stilski uzorci prezimena i brojeva na dresovima također su u duhu hrvatske povijesti i tradicije s obzirom na to da su inspirirani povijesnom hrvatskom glagoljicom."Izuzetnosam

ponosan što sam imao privilegiju najviše puta odjenuti predivni hrvatski dres te se veselim novoj garnituri koja slijedi prepoznatljivu tradiciju. Ta magična crveno-bijela polja čine hrvatski dres

najprepoznatljivijim na svijetu, a novi dizajn podsjeća me malo na 1998. godinu i legendarnu momčad koja je inspirirala moju generaciju. Također, jako mi se sviđaju atraktivan dizajn i privlačne boje na pričuvnom dresu, siguran sam da će biti jako popularan među našim navijačima", izjavio je kapetan hrvatske reprezentacije, Luka Modrić.

U izradi novih dresova hrvatske nogometne reprezentacije korištena je Nikeova inovativna Dri-FIT ADV tehnologija, napravljeni su od sto posto recikliranog poliestera, izrađenog od recikliranih plastičnih boca, a njihov prozračni materijal sprječava pretjerano znojenje i zagrijavanje tijela.

NEW CROATIA TEAM KIT INJECTS FRESH ENERGY INTO ICONIC CROATIAN CHECKERS

The Croatian Football Federation and its technical partner Nike present a new take on Croatia's storied checkered shirt, which the reigning world vice-champions will debut at their match versus Danmark. The remixed redand-white home kit and the nature-inspired away kit will be worn by Luka Modrić and the rest of Vatreni at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the team will look to recapture the magic of 2018 and to once again make Croatia the most talked-about country in the football world.The

Croatia home kit is animated by the theme of vatreno srce (“hearts on fire”), a nod to the passionate, hard-working, fiery character of the Croatian people and the team. The 2022 home kit introduces a remixed and modernized take on the checkers, the globally recognized symbol of Croatian pride. The intricate placement and scaling of the University Red checkers, contrasted by Battle Blue, injects fresh energy into the traditional national symbol of the Thenation.Croatian away kit further

nation’s iconic checkers through the lens of nature and national pride. The away kit’s checkers feature blurred, wavy lines and utilize a color palette of Blackened Blue and Laser Blue, designed to resemble the ebbs and flows of the Adriatic Sea, which lines Croatia’s coast.

Further underlining the Croatian history and tradition, the typeface applied to the names and numbers on the kits is inspired by the historic Croatian Glagolitic alphabet."I'mimmensely

proud of the fact that I've gotten to put on the Croatian shirt more times than anyone else, and I'm excited to soon be stepping out onto the pitc h in a new team kit that simultaneously updates and honors the tradition of the iconic Croatian checkers. That striking combination of red and white fields has made us one of the most recognizable teams in the world - for me, the way they're incorporated into this new shirt design evokes the 1998 kit and the legendary team that inspired my generation of players. The design elements and the color palette of the away kit are instantly compelling, too - I can see a lot of our fans wearing it when they come out to the stadium to support us," says Croatia captain Luka Modrić.

The new Croatia shirts are made with Nike's innovative Dri-FIT ADV technology, with the breathable knit material keeping athletes cooler and dryer for longer. The polyester used for making the shirts is 100% recycled and is sourced from plastic bottles.

Presenting away

DOMINIK LIVAKOVIĆ

NOGOMETNO ODRASTANJE…

Najranija nogometna uspomena: Najbolji vratar turnira u Privlaci

Tko me uveo u čari nogometa: Sam Prvi nogometni idol: Casillas

Klub za koji sam navijao kao mali: Real Madrid

O MENI…

Najbolji igrač protiv kojeg sam igrao: Cristiano Ronaldo

Najveći utjecaj na mene imao/imala je…: Djedovi Vojmil i Šime

Najbolja obrana u karijeri: Kaneu u zadnjim minutama, Dinamo - Tottenham

Najveći trenutak u karijeri: srebro u Rusiji, igrati za reprezentaciju na Euru, pobjeda s Dinamom protiv Tottenhama

Najdraža pjesma: Nisam od pjesama Omiljena serija: Prijatelji

Omiljeni film: Batman

Omiljeno jelo: Ženine tortilje

Drugi sport koji najbolje igram: Košarka

Najbolji nogometaš svih vremena: Cristiano Ronaldo Omiljeni “follow” na Instagramu: misic_josip_ Moja najveća nogometna vrlina: Refleks

Da nisam nogometaš bio bih…: Pojma nemam

Najbolji dio treninga: Šutevi, završnica

Jedna stvar koju bih želio ostvariti u karijeri: Osvojiti još jednu medalju s Hrvatskom

SUIGRAČI U REPREZENTACIJI…

Tko bi bio najbolji trener? Luka Modrić

Tko najbolje pjeva? Bruno Petković

Tko je najzabavniji? Domagoj Vida

Najdulje pred ogledalom? Lovro Majer

Tko se najbolje odijeva? Mateo Kovačić

DOMINIK LIVAKOVIĆ

GROWING UP IN FOOTBALL…

ootball: The best ournament in Privlaka ootball: Myself

r Casillas

wing up: Real Madrid

ABOUT ME…

Best player I’ve faced: Cristiano Ronaldo

Biggest influence: My grandfathers Vojmil and Šime

Best save in my career: vs Kane in the last minutes, Dinamo vs Tottenham

Best moment of my career so far: Silver medal in Russia, play for Croatia at Euro, win with Dinamo against Tottenham

Song of my life: I'm not one for songs

Favourite series: Friends

Favourite movie: Batman

Favourite dish: Tortillas prepared by my wife

Another sport I’m good at: Basketball

The greatest footballer of all time: Cristiano Ronaldo

Favourite “follow” on Instagram: misic_josip_

My best footballing attribute: Reflex

If I wasn’t footballer I would be…: The best part of training: Shots on goal

One thing I want to do in career: Win another medal with Croatia

TEAMMATES…

Would be best coach: Luka Modrić

Best singer: BrunoojPetkovićVida

he mirror: Lovro Majer

ionable style of dressing: ić

QUALIFIERSEURO2004 0:0 2:0 4:0 2:0 0:1 0:3 2:1 1:0 CRO-SLO 1:1 SLO-CRO 0:1

CROATIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

Founded: 13. 06. 1912

FIFA affiliation: 17. 07. 1941. / 03. 07. 1992

UEFA affiliation: 17. 06. 1993

President: Marijan Kustić

Most caps: Luka Modrić (152) Top scorer: Davor Šuker (45)

FIFA World Cup - 6 final tournaments out of 7 competitions (since 1996)

UEFA EURO - 6 final tournaments out of 7 competitions (since 1998)

FIFA World Ranking Denmark

Best ranking: 3 place - 1999 3 place - 1997

Worst ranking: 125 place - 1994 51 place - 2017

Current ranking: 15 place - 8/2022 10 place - 8/2022

Web site: hns-cff.hr dbu.dk

FIFA code: CRO DEN

DANSK

DANISH FOOTBALL UNION

Founded: 18. 05. 1889

FIFA affiliation: 21. 05. 1904 / UEFA affiliation: 1954

President: Jesper Møller

Most caps: Peter Schmeichel (129)

Top scorer: Poul "Tist" Nielsen and Jon Dahl Tomasson (52)

FIFA World Cup - 6 final tournaments out of 16 competitions (since 1958): 1x Quarterfinals (1998); 3x Round of 16 (1986, 2002, 2018); 1x Group stage (2010); Qualified (2022)

UEFA EURO - 9 final tournaments out of 16 competitions (since 1960):

1x Champions (1992); 2x Semifinals (1984, 2020); 1x 4th place (1964); 1x Quarterfinals (2004); 4x Group stage (1988, 1996, 2000, 2012)

Area: 2Denmark 42,933 km

Danmark Population: Danska 5,913,538 (2022)

Area: 2Croatia 56,594 km

Kroatien Population: Hrvatska 3,888,529 (2022)

16. 6. 1996 EURO 1996 Group stage

Croatia - Denmark 3:0

29. 3. 1997 Qualifiers for World Cup 1998 Croatia - Denmark 1:1

10. 9. 1997 Qualifiers for World Cup 1998 Denmark - Croatia 3:1

10. 2. 1999 Friendly match Croatia - Denmark 0:1 5. 6. 2004 Friendly match Denmark - Croatia 1:2

1. 7. 2018 World Cup 2018 - Round of 16 Croatia - Denmark 1:1 (3:2 11m)

10. 6. 2022 Nations League Denmark - Croatia 0:1

PRVI

Danska je Hrvatsku prvi puta susrela u ulozi branitelja naslova europskog prvaka, na Europskom prvenstvu 1996. godine u Engleskoj, no Hrvatska je iz tog ogleda izašla na svjetskim naslovnicama. Ne samo zbog uvjerljivih 3:0 i osiguranog plasmana u četvrtfinale na premijernom velikom natjecanju, već i zbog fantastičnog loba Davora Šukera preko Petera Schmeichela, što je i danas jedan od najljepših pogodaka europskih smotri.

PAMTIMO

Hrvatski put do svjetskog srebra 2018. godine bio je na opasnom iskušenju u dvoboju osmine finala protiv Danske. Jorgensen i Mandžukić tresli su mreže na samom otvaranju utakmice, Kasper Schmeichel obranio je kazneni udarac Modriću na kraju produžetaka, a potom se u junaka prometnuo Subašić, zaustavivši rekordna tri danska pokušaja. Naposljetku je Rakitić stavio "točku na i", navijači su postali bogatiji za dramatično iskustvo, a Vatreni su otišli na megdan domaćinu Rusiji

POSLJEDNJI

Poslije uvodnog poraza od Austrije te domaćeg remija s Francuzima, hrvatski zaokret na staze uspjeha u Ligi nacija započeo je upravo ovog lipnja u Kopenhagenu, protiv Danaca koji su u kontinuitetu pružali izvrsne partije. Za konačnih 1:0 i sva tri boda pobrinuo se Mario Pašalić u 69. minuti utakmice, a izbornik Dalić imao je mnogo razloga za zadovoljstvo, posebno nakon odličnog drugog poluvremena. Vrijedi istaknuti i da je na Parkenu svoj posljednji nastup u hrvatskom dresu upisao Šime Vrsaljko.

FIRST

Denmark first faced Croatia as the defending champions at the EURO 1996 in England, but it was Croatia who emerged as the story of the day. Not only due to a convincing 3:0 victory and a secured quarterfinals berth at its first major tournament, but also due to a fantastic Davor Šuker's chip over Peter Schmeichel, which remains one of the best EURO goals ever.

MEMORABLE

On the path towards the World Cup silver medal in 2018, in the Round of 16 encounter against Denmark, Croatia was living on the edge. Jorgensen and Mandžukić scored in the opening minutes, Kasper Schmeichel saved Modrić's penalty in the closing minutes of extra-time; with Subašić destined to become a hero as he stopped record-high three Danish penalties in the shootout. It was Rakitić who sealed the victory, the fans were enriched by an unforgettable, dramatic experience, and the Vatreni proceeded to face theRuhosts,ssia.

RECENT

Following the initial defeat by Austria and the home draw with France, Croatia was diverted to the road of Nations League success this June in Copenhagen against the Danes, who continuously performed on the highest level. Mario Pašalić scored on 69 minutes to provide a 1:0 victory, giving head coach Dalić plenty to happy about, especially with the excellent second half. At Parken, Šime Vrsaljko made his final appearance in Croatia shirt.

DENMARK

National Team Squad vs CRO (22/09)

Kasper Hjulmand - Head Coach

Year Team Results

Born: 9. 4.1972, Aalborg (DEN)

2006 - 2008 Lyngby 2006-2007: Promotion from the 1st division to the Super League.

2011 - 2014 FC Nordsjælland 2012: Danish champion; 2013: Danish vice-champion

2014 - 2015 Mainz 04

2016-2019 FC Nordsjælland 2018: third place in Danish Superliga

2020 Danmark Head coach

Kasper Schmeichel 5 November 1986 84 0 Nice (FRA)

Frederik Rønnow

4 August 1992 8 0 Union Berlin (GER)

Oliver Christensen 22 March 1999 1 0 Hertha Berlin (GER)

Joachim Andersen 31 May 1996 17 0 Crystal Palace (ENG)

Simon Kjær 26 March 1989 119 5 Milan (ITA)

Joakim Mæhle 20 May 1997 29 9 Atalanta (ITA)

Andreas Christensen 10 April 1996 56 2 Barcelona (ESP)

Rasmus Nissen Kristensen 11 July 1997 8 0 Leeds United (ENG)

Jens Stryger Larsen 21 February 1991 49 3 Trabzonspor (TUR)

Alexander Bah 9 December 1997 3 1 Benfica (POR)

Victor Nelsson 14 October 1998 7 0 Galatasaray (TUR)

Mathias Jensen 1 January 1996 19 1 Brentford (ENG)

Thomas Delaney 3 September 1991 69 7 Sevilla (ESP)

Christian Eriksen 14 February 1992 115 38 Man. United (ENG)

Philip Billing 11 June 1996 3 0 Bournemouth (ENG)

Daniel Wass 31 May 1989 43 1 Brondby (DEN)

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

5 August 1995 58 5 Tottenham (ENG)

Casper Nielsen 29 April 1994 0 0 Club Brugge (BEL)

Martin Braithwaite 5 June 1991 60 10 Espanyol (ESP)

Andreas Skov Olsen 29 December 1999 21 7 Club Brugge (BEL)

Kasper Dolberg 6 October 1997 35 10 Sevilla (ESP)

Mikkel Damsgaard 3 July 2000 16 4 Brentford (ENG)

Andreas Cornelius 16 March 1993 41 9 Copenhagen (DEN)

Robert Skov 20 May 1996 11 5 1899 Hoffenheim (GER)

Jesper Lindstrøm 29 February 2000 5 1 Eintracht (GER)

Rasmus Højlund

4 February 2003 0 0 Atalanta (ITA)

Christian ERIKSEN

Nakon 115 nastupa i 38 pogodaka za Dansku, Christian Eriksen superzvijezda je danske reprezentacije, a kultni status učvrstio mu je incident s Eura 2020, kada je preživio srčani udar - niti godinu dana poslije vratio se u nacionalni dres, a za povratnički su mu pogodak trebale samo dvije minute. Danska kreativna desetka stasala je u Ajaxu, a nakon Tottenhama, Intera i Brentforda danas brani boje Manchester Uniteda.

Kasper SCHMEICHEL

Sin danskog rekordera po broju nastupa, Petera Schmeichela, također je ostvario impresivnu karijeru među vratnicama. Na klupskoj razini postao je ikona Leicester Cityja, prije ovoljetnog transfera u redove Nice, a reprezentativac je od 2013. godine i debija u Skopju. U neizvjesnom srazu s Hrvatskom na Svjetskom prvenstvu 2018. godine, Schmeichel je obranio kazneni udarac Modriću u produžecima te Badelju i Pivariću u raspucavanju, te je unatoč eliminaciji svoje momčadi proglašen igračem utakmice.

Simon KJÆR

Iskusni branič Simon Kjær vodeći je po broju nastupa za Dansku među aktivnim reprezentativcima (119), a klupska ga je karijera, između ostaloga, vodila i do europskih velikana Rome, Seville i naposljetku Milana, s kojim je ovoga ljeta osvojio titulu državnog prvaka. Zbog svoje je ljudske, kapetanske, zaštitničke reakcije prema Eriksenu, u trenutku njegovog srčanog udara, prošle godine postao jedan od dobitnika posebne nagrade predsjednika Uefe, Aleksandera Čeferina.

After 115 international caps and 38 goals, Christian Eriksen remains the superstar of the Denmark national football team. His cult status was unexpectedly confirmed at EURO 2020, when he survived a cardiac arrest - less than a year later he was back in the national team shirt, and needed only two minutes to score a comeback goal. The creative No. 10 matured in Ajax, and following the stints at Tottenham, Inter, and Brentford, he became a Manchester United player

The son of the Danish record holder for most international appearances, Peter Schmeichel, has also produced an impressive career between the posts. At club level, he became a Leicester City icon, before moving to Nice this summer, while making his Denmark debut in 2013 in Skopje. As Denmark took on Croatia in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16, Schmeichel saved Modrić's penalty in extratime, alongside Badelj's and Pivarić's efforts in the shootout. Despite Denmark being eliminated, he was awarded as the Man of the Match.

Experienced defender Simon Kjær tops the Denmark international appearances list among the active players (119), and the highlights of his club career included European giants Roma, Sevilla, and finally AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title last season. Courtesy of his human, lifesaving and protective reaction of a true leader in the moment when Eriksen went down due to a cardiac arrest, he was awarded the UEFA President's Award in 2021.

Kada 26 godišnji branič redove Chelseaja zamijeni redovima Barcelone, to dovoljno govori o njegovim kvalitetama. Christensen je s klubom sa Stamford Bridgea osvojio Ligu prvaka, Europsku ligu, europski Superkup, Svjetsko klupsko prvenstvo i FA kup, a s obzirom na igračke vještine, posebno vrlo dobra dodavanja iz posljednje linije, očekuje se i uspješan mandat na Camp Nou.

Mikkel DAMSGAARD

Mikkel Damsgaard, koji je nakon Nordsjaellanda i Sampdorije preselio u Premiership, u momčad Brentforda, ima samo 22 godine i jedan od najvećih zaloga za budućnost danskog nogometa. Pogotkom Rusiji na Euru 2020 postao je najmlađi danski strijelac na europskim smotrama, u polufinalu protiv Engleske bio je autor jedinog pogotka Danske na toj utakmici, a njegove vještine na različitim ofenzivnim pozicijama zaslužile su brojne pohvale.

Head coach: Kasper HJULMAND

Kasper Hjulmand trebao je preuzeti dansku reprezentaciju poslije Eura 2020. godine, no kako je turnir odgođen, dobio je priliku voditi nacionalnu selekciju na velikoj sceni te je odmah osvojio navijačka srca, odličnim nastupima svoje momčadi i plasmanom u polufinale. Osim toga, pod njegovim je vodstvom Danska izborila odlazak u Katar s fantastičnim nizom od devet pobjeda, a sada pretendira i na završni turnir Lige nacija.

When a 26-year-old defender replaces Chelsea ranks with Barcelona ranks, that speaks highly of his qualities. At Stamford Bridge, Christensen has already won the Champions League, Europa League, European Supercup, Club World Cup, and the FA Cup. Considering his playing skills, especially excellent passes from the defensive line, he is expected to succeed at Camp Nou as well.

Mikkel Damsgaard, who moved to Brentford in the English Premiership following his episodes at Nordsjaelland and Sampdoria, is just 22 years old, and represents the future of Danish football. His goal against Russia at EURO 2020 made him the youngest Danish goalscorer at the European Championships, then he scored the only Denmark's goal in the epic semifinals against England, and his versatile offensive skills are highly praised.

Kasper Hjulmand was set to take over Denmark reins after the EURO 2020, but due to postponement of the final tournament, he got the opportunity to lead the national team at the major tournament and won many hearts with extraordinary performances of his team, that managed to reach the semifinals. Moreover, his Denmark qualified for the World Cup in Qatar with a fantastic nine win streak, and now has set its sights on the Nations League Final Four

AZI SE! U TIŽE HRVATSKA!

skoomiče zlato. Sasvim dovoljno razloga da kao gošća sportašica završi u službenoj brošuri Vatrenih. Adut više je njezina privrženost hrvatskoj nogometnoj reprezentaciji.

Prije svega čestitke na posljednjim velikim uspjesima, srebrnoj medalji na Svjetskom prvenstvu i zlatnoj medalji na Europskom prvenstvu, šestoj uzastopnoj. Odakle crpiš motiv i energiju da toliki niz godina budeš na najvišoj razini?

“Ljubav je pokretač svega, atletikom se bavim još od drugog razreda osnovne škole i ta ljubav traje do danas. Uz ljubav prema onome što radim, mislim da su moji najveći aduti dosljednost, predanost i maksimalna posvećenost. Dobila sam dar od Boga da svojim postojanjem i djelovanjem promičem sjaj i ljepotu Lijepe naše diljem svijeta, motiviram ljude i budem im uzor, nit vodilja na njihovom putu. Jedino ako istinski volite ono što radite i ako date cijelog sebe u to što radite, ništa nije nemoguće i sve je ostvarivo. Snaga, vjera i motiv potječu iznutra, iz samoga sebe jer svi smo mi jednaki pod suncem. Ako istinski nešto želimo, ako se prepustimo vjeri i užitku, budemo realni i racionalni, onda možemo doći na svjetski vrh u bilo kojem poslu. Biti vrhunska sportašica je moj dječački san, svakim danom, svakim treningom i svakim trenutkom to želim, to hoću i to mogu, sve dok sam zdrava znam da ću dati svoj maksimum da bih živjela taj san što dulje! I da, hvala na čestitkama, nadam se da ćeš ih u budućnosti biti još”.

Uzimajući u obzir tvoj odnos prema vrhunskom sportu može se povući paralela s kapetanom Vatrenih, Lukom Modrićem, koji na pragu tridesetsedme igra nogomet karijere. U čemu je tajna dugovječnosti u vrhunskom sportu?

“Luka Modrić! Veliki Luka Modrić je istinski primjer svega ovoga što sam navela. On je, kao prvo,

jedan predivan i staložen čovjek, koji voli ono što radi i koji daje cijeloga sebe u to što radi. Veliki je uzor i mentor. Trajati toliko dugo u njegovom sportu djeluje čak malo i nestvarno, ali to je “NAŠ” Luka, čovjek koji ne poznaje granice, čovjek koji ruši sve predrasude i sve nas čini najponosnijima na svijetu. Luka će trajati koliko bude želio jer vjerujem i znam da ima još jako puno godina pred sobom i jako puno želje da bude ovo što jest - naš ponos i dika. Želim mu svu sreću, da ga sve loše zaobilazi, a sve dobro po zasluzi dođe. Trajati dugo u vrhunskom sportu iznimno je teško, ali ako ćeš tako gledati, nećeš ništa postići. Treba živjeti u skladu s onim sto radiš, misliti više koraka unaprijed i biti pametniji i mudriji, ponekad ne dozvoliti da učiš na svojim greškama, nego preduhitriti nevolju. Oporavak, trening i način života, sve treba biti posvećeno i upućeno u jednom smjeru ako želiš biti na svjetskom vrhu. To nije lako ni psihički ni fizički. Zato je potreban poneki as iz rukava, a to su hrabrost i velika želja za postignućem”.

A sad malo o nogometu… Je si li se ikad okušala igrajući? Kakva je Sandra Perković kao nogometašica?

“Uff… Naravno da jesam, kao dijete iz Dubrave okušali smo se u svim sportovima i, odmah da vam kažem, u svemu smo dobri, a ja sam u igri najbolja na golu. Prirodnije mi je bacati lopte, nego ih voditi, ha, ha, ha… Uostalom, imala sam starijeg brata pa je to bio još jedan razlog da sam kao njegova mlađa sestra, koja je silno željela biti s njim na nogometu, uvijek završila na golu”.

Koliko uopće pratiš nogomet? Za koji klub navijaš? Koji ti je omiljeni nogometaš?

“Naravno da pratim nogomet, tko normalan ga ne prati? S obzirom na to da surađujem s profesorom Branimirom Vajdom, u svakodnevnom sam kontaktu s nogometašima. Naravno da navijam za Dinamo, volim plavu boju i volim svoj klub. Cijenim i poštujem rezultate svih hrvatskih klubova, ali “plavi” su mi najdraži. Budući da smo ga već ranije spomenuli, naravno da je Luka Modrić moj najdraži sportaš, također uz njega ima još jako puno naših kojima se divim. Nogomet je momčadski

sport tako da puno malih djelića čini savršenu ekipu, a to je naša hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija. Iskreno, još uvijek ne znam koja mi je draža, generacija '98. ili generacija '18., imala sam priliku doživjeti obje i na to sam jako ponosna”.

Pamtimo te kao vatrenu navijačicu Vatrenih na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Rusiji. Možeš li se malo prisjetiti tih dana kad je Hrvatska nizala velike pobjede do osvajanja srebra i jednog od najvećih uspjeha hrvatskog sporta u povijesti?

“Uvijek sam vatrena navijačica kad igraju naši, u nogometu, vaterpolu, tenisu… Jednostavno volim Hrvate u svakom sportu. Ta 2018. godina za mene je bila posebna zbog više stvari. Naši dečki rasturili su na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Rusiji, ja sam osvojila povijesni, peti naslov europske prvakinje, a kao šećer na kraju te magične godine, Luka i ja, rame uz rame, osvojili smo nagrade za najbolje hrvatske sportaše. Eh, Rusija… Tih mjesec dana svi smo disali kao jedno, svi smo vikali kad su oni vikali, svi smo slavili kad su oni slavili, svi smo plakali kad su oni plakali i svi smo se smijali kad su se oni smijali. To je bilo najljepše razdoblje u posljednjih nekoliko godina. To je bilo više od sna. Snaga koju smo tada gledali, koju smo dobivali, ponos i zajedništvo koje nas je motiviralo iz dana u dan, i sve nas ujedinilo. Kad je Hrvatska igrala u Rusiji, ništa drugo nije

postojalo. Odbrojavali smo sate i minute, završavali sve obaveze i poslove samo da bismo u miru uživali u predstavi koju su nam oni priređivali. Iz utakmice u utakmicu sve se poklapalo i sve je dolazilo na svoje mjesto. U to vrijeme pripremala sam se za svoje peto europsko prvenstvo, motiv i želja koje sam dobivala od Vatrenih da bih i ja uspjela ispisati povijest bili su nemjerljivi. Sjećam se kao danas finala, sjećam se tog “zlatnog” srebra, bilo je i ostalo veliko. Ono na što sam iznimno ponosna je ono sto je došlo poslije. Doček, slavlje, smijeh i suze, Hrvatska kao jedno, Hrvatska koja dugo nije bila tako ujedinjena, ona prava, istinska Hrvatska. Zato dečki još jednom kapa do poda i veliko vam hvala za sve što se nam tad omogućili i ono što nam još dolazi!”.

Uskoro nas očekuje nastup Hrvatske na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru. Čemu se nadaš kao naša vjerna navijačica?

“Želim im svu sreću na ovom prvenstvu, da im se ispune sve želje koje si sami žele. Želim im da budu zdravi, motivirani i fokusirani. Nama se ne trebaju dokazivati, mi ionako znamo da su najbolji i da ćeš uvijek biti naš ponos, kako god igrali. Neka igraju srcem, kao što to uvijek i čine, neka uživaju i neka budu svoji, a onda drugi neka se brinu kako će s njima. Vatreni, sretno! Svijete, pazi se, stiže Hrvatska!

WATCH OUT, WORLD! CROATIA IS COMING TO QATAR!

Sandra Perković sticks with the good old habits, and tests limits, from competition to competition. In a short period, she managed to win the World Championships silver, and then took the sixth consecutive European gold. That's more than enough to earn a place in Croatia's official match programme. An additional argument is her devotion to the national football team.

First of all, congratulations on the recent success and both medals. Where does the motivation and the energy come from, after all these years at the top level?

"Love is the generator of all things. I'm into athletics since the second grade of elementary school, and that love has not vanished since. Besides loving what I do, I believe my virtues are consistency, and utmost commitment. God has given me gift to exist and act, to promote the beauty of our homeland throughout the world, to motivate people, and be an example, to set a guideline on their path. If you truly love what you do, and if you give your best, only then nothing is impossible, everything can be done. Strength, faith, and motivation come from inside, because under the sun we are all the same. If we truly want something, if we believe and enjoy, stay realistic and rational, then we can reach the top of the world, in any profession. It is my childhood dream to be a top athlete - I want that every day, every practice session,

"Luka Modrić! The great Luka Modrić is a true example of everything I've said. First of all, he is a wonderful, composed man who likes what he does, and gives everything he has. He is a role model, a mentor. It is unreal to stay at the top of his sports, but that's OUR Luka, a man who knows no limits, who destroys prejudice, and makes us the proudest people in the world. Luka will play on as long as he likes, because I believe and I know he has many years ahead, and plenty of desire to remain what he is, our pride. I wish him all the best, that everything bad bypasses him, and everything good comes by merit. It is extremely tough to stay that long in sports, but you will achieve nothing if you look at things that way. One should live according to what one does, think ahead, and stay smart and wise - not just learn through own mistakes, but anticipate trouble. To recuperate, to practice, to live, everything has to be devoted to a single direction to stay at the top. That's not easy, neither mentally nor physically. That's why you need an edge, and that's courage and major desire to achieve something".

About football... have you ever tried to play? Sandra Perković, a footballer?

"Of course I have, as a kid in Dubrava we were playing all sports, and let me tell you, we were good in all of them, and I was the best as the goalkeeper. It comes more natural to me to throw the ball than to dribble (laughs). Besides, I've had an older br her nd as theootbyoungerallwithosts".

t's your er? ho doesn't?

Don’t fill your life with days, fill your days with life.

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photo by davor rostuhar photo by s. carek / ztb

Croatian club, but Dinamo is my favourite. Since we have mentioned him before, Luka Modrić is definitely my favourite player, and there are many others I admire. Football is a team sport, and there are many pieces of the puzzle that make a perfect team, and that is the Croatia national team. I still can't say which is my favourite, the generation of 1998 or the generation of 2018 - I had the opportunity to experience both events and I'm very proud of it".

We remember you as a passionate Croatia supporter at the World Cup in Russia. Can you take us through those days, when Croatia was winning to reach the final and take the silver, in one of the greatest stories of Croatian sports in history?

"I'm always a passionate supporter when Croatia plays, whether in football, waterpolo, or tennis. I love Croatia in any sports. The year 2018 was a special year - our guys were brilliant at the World Cup, I took the historic fifth European title, and finally, as the cherry on top, Luka and I were standing on the podium as t athletes of the year in Croatia. Russia... t month we were all breathing as one, we shouted when they shouted, we celebrated when t celebrated, we cried when they cried, we laughed when they laughed. That was the bes period in several years, it was more than a dream. That strength we have witnessed, t

pride and unity that motivated us daily, that united us all. When Croatia played at that World Cup, nothing else existed. We have counted the days and the minutes, finished every other task just to enjoy their show. Everything was coming to place, match by match. I was preparing for my European Championships, and the motivation and desire I was getting as I watched the Vatreni was fantastic. I wanted to rewrite history as they did. I remember the final, the silver that felt like gold - that was big. And it stays big. I'm extremely proud of what came next, the welcome, the celebration, the laughter and the tears, Croatia as one, Croatia that has not been so united for so long, the true Croatia. Therefore, hats off guys, once again, and thank you for what you have made possible, and what is to come!"

Soon, Croatia will play at the World Cup in Qatar. As a loyal supporter, what are your hopes?

"I wish them all the luck in the world, to make their desires come true. Let them stay healthy, motivated, and focused. They do not

OOHPhoto:

op om pr 1996. godine (3:0), Davor Šuker postigao je prvi i treći - i to kakavpogodak Vatrenih. ?Tko je postigao drugi / In Croatia's legendary encounter (3:0) with Denmark at EURO 1996, Davor Šuker opened and closed (what a goal!) the scoring. Who scored Croatia's second Stanića) Mar b) Robert Prosinečki c) Zvonimir Boban Davor pogodak Vatrenih. ?postigao drugi (3:0) EURO scoring. Boban

Što je komentator utakmice na HRT-u rekao nakon pogotka Briana Laudrupa u Splitu, u kvalifikacijskom dvoboju 1997. godine (1:1)? What did HRT commentator say following Brian Laudrup's goal in Wor Cup qualifier (1:1) in Split in 1997? To je taj majstor / That's that maestr To je taj vjetar That's that wind To je taj sudac / That's that referee danskihKojoj je reprezentativaca Danijel Subašić obranio jedanaesterce u raspucavanju na Svjetskom prvenstvu 2018. godine? / Croatia's goalkeeper Danijel Subašić saved a record-high Koliko je ukupno pogodaka Davor Šuker postigao u utakmicama hrvatske reprezentacije protiv Danske? In total, has Davorhow many goals Šuker scored in Croatia's matches against Denmark? je na svom povijesnom putu prema naslovu europskog prvaka 1992. godine prvo prošla skupinu sa Engleskom, Švedskom i Francuskom, a potom je ? /u polufinalu i finalu svladala In their historic EURO 1992 campaign, Denmark faced England, Sweden, and France in the group stage, and then managed to defeat which two teams in the semifinals and the final?

a) Nizozemsku i Švedsku / NED & SWE b) Nizozemsku i Njemačku / NED & GER c) Njemačku i Francusku / GER & FRA iočnecti/Corrvorgoods:nswera1.b,2.c,3.b,4.b,