Hrvatska - Wales / Croatia - Wales

HRVATSKA WALES

KVALIFIKACIJE ZA UEFA EURO 2024™

CROATIA v WALES

SPLIT - STADION POLJUD - 25. 3. 2023.

WELCOME

Dragi prijatelji nogometa, u ime Hrvatskog nogometnog savezaželim vam dobrodošlicu u Split i na stadion Poljud uoči prve utakmice Europskih kvalifikacija za EURO 2024, u kojojće Hrvatska odmjeriti snage s Walesom.

Nakon nezaboravnog FIFA Svjetskog prvenstva u Kataru, gdje je Hrvatska osvojila brončanu medalju, u novi kvalifikacijski ciklus ulazimo puni optimizma i vjere u našu reprezentaciju. Uspjeh u Kataru tim je vrjedniji jer je ostvaren s jednom pomlađenom reprezentacijom u kojoj su se sjajno povezali naši "senatori" s iskustvom pobjeđivanja na

Dear friends of football, on behalf of the Croatian Football Federation, I wish you a warm welcome in Split, at Poljud Stadium, on the eve of the first EURO 2024 qualifier, as Croatia faces Wales.

Following the unforgettable FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Croatia won the bronze medal, we enter the new qualifying campaign full of optimism and belief in our national team. The success in Qatar is even more valuable knowing it was achieved with a side full of young players, a great mix of our veterans, experienced in winning at the biggest of stages, and our youngsters, full of desire to contribute to the

najvećoj sceni i naši mlađi igrači s velikom željom da i oni doprinesu kontinuitetu uspjeha naše reprezentacije.

Najljepša je spoznajašto i stariji i mlađi igrači imaju jednaku strast prema pobjeđivanju i ponosšto predstavljaju Hrvatsku - to je taj kult reprezentacije koji se uspješno prenosi iz generacije u generaciju. Uz izvrsno vođenje izbornika Zlatka Dalića, njegov vrhunski stožer i kapetansko vođenje našeg briljantnog Luke Modrića, naša svlačionica uistinu diše kao #obitelj.

Naravno, u takvim okolnostima u novi ciklus ulazimo bez potrebe za većim promjenama u sastavu. Dvoboj protiv Walesa bitće prilika da zahvalimo Dejanu Lovrenu za izniman doprinos reprezentaciji u proteklom razdoblju, a isto ćemo učiniti i za srebrnog Ivana Strinića. Kao predsjednika Saveza, raduje mešto se na ispravan, dosljedan i korektan način opraštamo od naših zaslužnih reprezentativaca, uz vrlo otvorenu komunikaciju i pošten odnos. Njima su vrata hrvatskog nogometa uvijek otvorena.

U kvalifikacije ulazimo s dokazano uspješnom, uigranom i kvalitetnom ekipom, a uvjeren sam da imamo i ogroman motiv. Naime, pred nama je EURO u Njemačkoj, a s obzirom na broj navijača Hrvatske koji bismo tamo mogli očekivati, siguran sam da bi svim igračima bilo ispunjenje sna nastupati za Hrvatsku uz takvu podršku.

Naravno, pritom imamo veliko poštovanje prema našim suparnicima u skupini, počevši od Walesa koji je također sudjelovao na Svjetskom prvenstvu i s kojima smo proteklih godina imali puno zanimljivih i neizvjesnih susreta. Igračima, stručnom stožeru, službenoj delegaciji i navijačima Walesaželim dobrodošlicu i ugodan boravak u Splitu i Dalmaciji.

Svim navijačima hrvatske reprezentacije zahvaljujem na podršci Vatrenima te vas pozivam da zajedno uživamo u novom nogometnom spektaklu, uz fer i korektno navijanje!

continuity of our national team's success.

The most beautiful thing is that both older and youngers players share the same passion for winning, and the same pride when representing Croatia - that is the team spirit that is successfully transmitted from generation to generation. With Zlatko Dalić's extraordinary guidance, his superb coaching staff and the leadership of our brilliant captain Luka Modrić, our team truly breathes as one, as a #family.

Of course, in these circumstances we require no major changes in Croatia's squad at the beginning of this campaign. The match against Wales will be an opportunity to express gratitude for Dejan Lovren's exceptional contribution to the national team in the previous period, and we will do the same for the silverwinning Ivan Strinić. As the HNS president, I am happy to see how our retired internationals receive a proper, consistent, and fair farewell, with open communication and honest relationships. To them, the doors of Croatian football are always open.

Croatia enters this qualifying campaign with a successful, coordinated team full of quality, and I am convinced that we are strongly motivated as well. The EURO 2024 is hosted by Germany, and considering the number of Croatian fans that could travel there, I believe that every player's dream would come true, to play with such a support.

Furthermore, we sincerely respect our qualifying opponents, starting with another World Cup participant Wales. We have enjoyed a number of tough, interesting encounters with Wales in previous years. To Welsh internationals, their coaching staff, the official delegation and supporters, I wish a warm welcome and a pleasant stay in Split and Dalmatia region.

I would like to thank all Croatia fans for their support for the Vatreni, and I invite you to enjoy another football spectacle together, cheering in the spirit of fair-play!

Sretno Hrvatska!

Best of luck to Croatia!

Marijan Kustić,

DOBRODOŠLI

Predsjednik Hrvatskog nogometnog saveza President of the Croatian Football Federation

Službeni sponzor

HRVATSKOG NOGOMETNOG SAVEZA

Perišić: "Jošjedna proslava bronce na ispunjenom Poljudu"

Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija vraća se na scenu. Prvi put poslije veličanstvenog rezultata osvajanjem bronce na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru.

Vatreniće protiv Walesa u Splitu otvoriti nastup u kvalifikacijama za Europsko prvenstvo i jošjednom pružiti priliku hrvatskim navijačima ovacijama nagraditi njihov fenomenalan uspjeh u Dohi. Utakmica s Velšanima posebnoće biti inspirativna zakojiće, ne bude li Ivana Perišića nekih nepredvidljivih okolnosti, na Poljudu upisati 124. nastup u reprezentativnom dresu.

CROATIA BACK IN ACTION AFTER QATARI JOY

Perišić:

Croatia national football team is back in action, for the first time after the magnificent achievement, the bronze-winning FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar.

Against Wales in Split, the Vatreni embark on a EURO 2024 qualifying campaign, simultaneously providing the fans with another opportunity to salute their phenomenal success in Doha. The encounter with Wales will be especially inspiring for. Barring any Ivan Perišić unforeseen circumstances, he will earn his 124th international cap.

"To celebrate this bronze once again, at sold-out Poljud"

“Lijepo je opet biti doma. Pogotovo je lijepo opet biti na reprezentativnom okupljanju, naći se jošjednom poslije sjajnog rezultata na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru. Iako su prošla većtri mjeseca, jošuvijek je sve to na neki način svježe. U svakom slučaju, sretni smo i zadovoljništo smo opet zajedno”, kaže Ivan Perišićkoji je svjestan važnosti velikog rezultata u Kataru.

“Vjerojatnoćemo biti jošsvjesniji kako bude prolazilo vrijeme. Osvojiti medalje na dvama uzastopnim svjetskim prvenstvima je fenomenalna stvar, ali to je samo potvrda kontinuiteta ove reprezentacije. Kad smo osvojili srebro u Rusiji nitko nije mogao pretpostaviti daćemo većna sljedećoj svjetskoj smotri opet biti na pobjedničkom postolju, ali uspjeli smo. Dokazali smo svijetu da je Hrvatska nogometna velesila, potvrdili smo se jošjednom na velikoj sceni, nastavili kontinuitet velikih rezultata. I to sa značajno pomlađenom reprezentacijom,što jošviše daje na vrijednosti naše bronce u Kataru”.

Budući da se u nogometu neživi od stare slave, pred Vatrenima je novo dokazivanje u novom kvalifikacijskom ciklusu.

“Istina, pred nama su novi izazovi. Očekuju nas dvije vezane utakmice s Walesom i Turskom, protivnicima koji zaslužuju

"It's nice to be home again. It's especially nice to meet the national team again, after the great result at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Three months later, it all seems somehow fresh. In any case, we are happy to be back together again", says Perišić, aware of the significance of this Qatari achievement.

"We will probably get even more aware, as time passes by. To win medals at the consecutive World Cup is phenomenal thing, but it's just the affirmation of this team's continuity. Following the silver in Russia '18, no one could have predicted that we'll be at the podium again at the very next World Cup. Yet, we did it. Now we have proof that Croatia is a football powerhouse, as we have confirmed our quality at a big stage, repeating major achievements. Moreover, it was done with a rejuvenated team, which adds extra value to our bronze".

Since there is no living in the past in football, the Vatreni go to prove this quality in another qualifying campaign.

"True, there are new challenges ahead. We await clashes with Wales and Turkey, opponents who deserve to be fully respected. It's very important to open this campaign

maksimalno uvažavanje. Jako je važno novi ciklus otvoriti dobrim rezultatima. U proteklim smo godinama visoko postavili letvicu, od nas se sad uvijek očekuju velike stvari. Svjesni smo toga i ne bježimo od odgovornosti, plasman na Euro nameće se kao imperativ u kontekstu kontinuiteta”.

Olakotna okolnost ječinjenica da je Hrvatska plasmanom na završnicu Lige nacija osigurala plasman u dodatne kvalifikacije za Europsko prvenstvo u Njemačkoj iduće godine, ali naravno da svi u taboru Vatrenih streme izravnom plasmanu.

“Neželimo ništa prepustiti slučaju, odlični rezultati u Ligi nacija jedna su opcija više, ali nastojatćemo izboriti izravan plasman na Euro”.

Poljudski stadion evidentnoće biti rasprodan, što znači daće Hrvatska protiv Walesa imati ogroman vjetar u leđa.

“Na Poljudu uvijek vlada fantastična atmosfera i svima nam je veliki gušt igrati u Splitu. Uvjeren sam daće tako biti i ovaj put. Utakmica protiv Walesa bitće jošjedna prilika da s našim navijačima proslavimo katarsku broncu i pobjedom zakoračimo u novi kvalifikacijski ciklus. Našće pristup utakmici protiv Walesa sigurno biti na

with positive outcomes. During the previous years, we have set the bar very high, the expectations are now very high. We are aware of this, and we embrace the responsibility. The EURO 2024 berth is an imperative, in terms of continuity".

Another mitigating circumstance is that Croatia's has already bought the ticket for the EURO 2024 play-offs, but everybody in Croatia camp desires the direct qualification.

"We don't want to take any chances. Good results in the UEFA Nations League provide another opportunity, but we want to qualify directly".

The Poljud Stadium is sold-out, which means that Croatia will have a strong tail wind against Wales.

"There is always a fantastic atmosphere at Poljud, we all enjoy playing in Split. I am convinced that this time it will all be the same. The game against Wales will be another opportunity to celebrate the Qatari bronze with our fans, to start the qualifying campaign with a victory. Our approach will definitely be appropriate, we desire more success and we know the importance of these points. Furthermore, we'll be extra motivated

maksimumu,željni smo novih uspjeha, znamo koliko nam znače ti bodovi, a bitćemo dodatno motivirani pred velikim brojem naših navijača”.

Utakmice s Walesom i Turskom bitće svojevrsna priprema za nastup na završnici Lige nacija.

“Puno očekujemo i od Lige nacija, pruža nam se prilika za još jedan povijesni rezultat, iako smo većpuno napravili plasmanom na završni turnir. Bilo bi lijepo otići do kraja, iako smo svjesni da nas očekuju zahtjevne utakmice. Sve četiri reprezentacije s pravom se nadaju najboljem rezultatu, riječje o momčadima najviše klase i u svakoj utakmiciće odlučivati nijanse. U polufinalu igramo protiv domaćina Nizozemske koja se i u Kataru predstavila u jako dobrom izdanju, ali svjesni smo svojih kvaliteta i bitćemo opet spremni za velike stvari”, zaključio je Perišić.

in front of our numerous fans".

The Wales and Turkey tests will also be seen as the preparation stage for the UEFA Nations League Final Four.

"The expectations at the final tournament are also high. That's the opportunity for another historic achievement, even though we have already done a great job. It would be nice to go all the way, yet we know how difficult it is. All four teams have the right to hope, these are top teams and the smallest of differences can become crucial. In the semifinals, we play the Netherlandsthey performed well in Qatar, but we also have quality. Croatia is ready to thrill once again", Perišić concludes

Vjerni partner reprezentacije i više od 70 lokalnih klubova.

DEJAN LOVREN OPROSTIO SE OD HRVATSKOG

SVJETSKE MEDALJE

Impresivna karijera Dejana Lovrena

Reprezentativna karijera Dejana Lovrena započela je vrlo rano, brojnim nastupima za mlađe kategorije: mladi braničkoji je stasao u Karlovcu, Dinamu i Interu iz Zaprešićačak je 48 puta zaigrao za različite hrvatske selekcije.

Debi za Vatrene dočekao je u listopadu 2009. godine, u prijateljskoj pobjedi protivpokazatće se znakovito - Katara, pod vodstvom Slavena Bilića, na riječkoj Kantridi.

Na prvi je pogodakčekao do rujna 2011. godine, a u strijelce se upisao u kvalifikacijskoj pobjedi na Malti, u ciklusu u kojemu je dao značajan doprinos plasmanu na Europsko prvenstvo u Poljskoj i Ukrajini, na kojemu ipak nije zaigrao zbog ozljede.

Stoga je na velikim natjecanjima debitirao u Brazilu 2014. godine, gdje je od početka do kraja odigrao sve tri utakmice u skupini, nakončega je uslijedilo, kako i sam priznaje, turbulentnije reprezentativno razdoblje te se redovitim nastupima za Hrvatsku vratio u kvalifikacijama za Svjetsko prvenstvo u Rusiji.

Na povijesnom putu hrvatskih reprezentativaca prema svjetskom srebru, Lovren je igrao jednu od ključnih uloga, kako na terenu, tako i izvan njega, a najveća mu je nagrada stigla u obliku nastupa u najvećoj utakmici na planetu, finalu Svjetskog prvenstva.

Paralelno, ništa manje impresivan nije bio niti na klupskom planu, s obzirom da su mu nastupi u Lyonu i Southamptonu donijeli transfer u slavni Liverpool, s kojim se okitio naslovom europskog prvaka te prekinuo dugogodišnji post na Anfieldu i osvojio Premiership. Trofeje je

Dejan Lovren'S IMPRESSIVE CAREER

Dejan Lovren's international career began very early, in Croatia's youth categories: the young defender who made it through Karlovac, Inter Zaprešić and Dinamo academy collected 48 appearances in various national selections before reaching the senior stage.

His senior debut came in October 2009 friendly in Rijeka, against - interestingly - Qatar, when head coach Slaven Bilić gave him the opportunity.

Lovren scored his first international goal in September 2011, in a EURO 2012 qualifier away win at Malta. Due to injury, however, he wasn't available for the final tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Therefore, his first major competition was the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He played three full matches in the group stage, followed by, even by his own admission, a turbulent international period. Still, he returned to regular international duty during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

On the Croatia's historic road towards the silver medal, Lovren played one of the key roles, both on and off the field. The ultimate reward came as he got the opportunity to play in the biggest match on the planet, the FIFA World Cup final.

Simultaneously, he was equally successful on the club level, as his Lyon and Southamption episodes allowed him to sign for English powerhouse Liverpool. In this epic red shirt, he won the Champions League, and brought back the Premiership title to Anfield. Further trophies came as he joined Zenit St. Petersburg.

Lovren gave his contribution as Croatia

DRESA, A IZA NJEGA OSTAJU BOGATA REPREZENTATIVNA KARIJERA IČAK DVIJE

DEJAN LOVREN RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY FOLLOWING A GREAT CAREER IN CROATIA JERSEY, INCLUDING TWO FIFA WORLD CUP MEDALS.

zatim osvajao i kao član Zenita iz St. Peterburga.

Vatrenima je pomogao izboriti nastup na Euru 2020, uz pogodak Slovačkoj, dok je u Ligi nacija uspio zatresti mrežu svjetskih prvaka Francuza, vrlo lijepim udarcem u Parizu. Na kontinentalnoj smotri zaigrao je protivČeške iŠkotske.

78 nastupa/caps

reached EURO 2020, including a qualifying goal against Slovakia, while he also managed to score against the world champions France in the Nations League clash in Paris. At EURO 2020, he appeared against Czech Republic and Scotland.

5 golova/goals

Neizostavan je bio i u kvalifikacijama za Svjetsko prvenstvo u Kataru, da bi ponovno zasjao na najvećoj pozornici i kao standardni, iskusni član obrambene postave s Vatrenima u domovinu donio broncu zlatnog sjaja. U međuvremenu je postigao i jedan od ključnih pogodaka za plasman Hrvatske na završni turnir Lige nacija, u gostujućoj pobjedi nad Austrijom.

Hvala Deki!

THANK YOU Deki!

He was indispensable as Croatia reached the World Cup in Qatar, and shone once again at the biggest stage. As the most experienced member of the national team back four, he brought the bronze medal to his beloved homeland. In the meantime, he managed to score one of the crucial goals, against Austria, in Croatia's campaign to reach the Nations League Final Four.

Posljednju utakmicu za hrvatsku reprezentaciju tako je odigrao u polufinalu svjetske smotre protiv Argentine, a ukupno ih je skupio 78, uz pet pogodaka. Nakon 14 godina, na svoju se reprezentativnu karijeru može osvrnuti sa zadovoljstvom i ponosom, znajući da je za svoju Hrvatsku davao sve od sebe te joj donio slavlja o kakvima se nije moglo niti sanjati.

Thus, his final appearance for Croatia was the FIFA World Cup semifinal against Argentina, and Lovren signs off with a total of 78 caps and five international goals. After 14 years, he can look back to his Croatia career with pleasure and pride, knowing he gave everything for the national team, providing his nation with unexpected, amazing reasons to celebrate.

Draga reprezentacijo, dragi vjerni navijači,

želio bih vam se obratiti s ne baš radosnim vijestima, ali vjerujte mi, ovu odluku donio sam otvorena srca i nakon dugo razmišljanja. Dosta mi ovo teško pada, i dok to pišem pokušavam ne zaplakati, ali većme dobro poznajete kaočovjeka sa srcem i neskrivenim emocijama.

Došao je i taj dan kada se moram pozdraviti i reći Zbogom hrvatskoj reprezentaciji, makar i dalje sebe vidim kao vatrenog navijača kojiće uvijek bodriti svoju reprezentaciju.

Sanjao sam kao dijete daću igrati na velikim turnirima, u tom najljepšem dresu sašahovnicom na sebi. Bijelo-crvene kvadratiće sam prvi put odjenuo s devet godina i nikada neću zaboraviti taj poseban osjećaj - kao da sam imao na sebi Supermanov plašt. Osjećao sam se moćno, samouvjereno, neustrašivo, baškao i moj heroj Superman.

Neopisivo.

8. listopada 2009. godine zauvijek ću pamtiti kao službeni debi za moju Domovinu.

Prošao sam kroz sve mlade selekcije, ali uvijek samželio osjetiti taj vrh piramide, a to je A reprezentacija. Tu sam zapravo mogao pokazati svoje istinske vještine cijelom svijetu.

Iskreno, na početku sam očekivao više od sebe. Bio sam nekoliko puta razočaran svojim izvedbama, smatrao sam da mogu puno više dati, ali jednostavno se neke stvari nisu poklopile. Da budem potpuno otvoren, jednom samčak i razmišljao otići prijevremeno od vas. J***, mladost-ludost, nisam imao previše strpljenja sa sobom. Nadam se da mi niste uzeli za zlo, jer sam u konačnici poslušao svoje srce i nastavio, uvelike i zbog vas, dragi navijači.

Želim svim mladim nogometašima poručiti da hrvatsku reprezentaciju trebate gledati drugačije nego bilo što drugo - gledajte ih kao svoje superheroje.

Najljepša strana ove reprezentativne priče za mene je sve ovošto smo ostvarili u proteklih pet godina. Iskreno govoreći, meni je i dalje sve to kao jedan veliki san. Toliko je emocija prošlo kroz mene, pogotovo 2018. i 2022. godine, da je to teško opisati.Živio sam za takve trenutke i doživio sam ih s najvećim ponosom. Neću ih nikada zaboraviti, nositću ih zauvijek u svom srcu.

Želio bih zahvaliti svim izbornicima na suradnji, počevši od mog prvog Slavena Bilića, pa preko Igora Štimca, Nike Kovača i AnteČačića do Zlatka Dalića. Svatko od vas je ostavio nešto iza sebe teću vam zauvijek biti zahvalan jer sam od svakoga naučio puno toga.

Želio bih svim bivšim i aktualnim suigračima zahvaliti na jednom prekrasnom i nezaboravnom putovanju. Imali smo zajedničkih uspona i padova, smijanja i plakanja teću vas sve zauvijek imati u srcu. S nekima od vas igrao sam više od 10 godina zajedno. Doživljavam vas kao svoju braću, bili ste tu za mene kada mi je doista bilo teško. Hvala vam puno.

Hvala svim ljudima iza kulisa koji su tu bili od prvoga dana. Ne mogu sve po redu imenovati, ali znamo dobro tko su ti ljudi. Vi ste sržove reprezentacije, niste na naslovnicama i ne dobivate možda previše pažnje, ali vjerujte mi - bez vas smo nitko i ništa.

Za kraj bih samo htio reći da od sada imate jednog novog navijača. Kao i do sada, ostajemo jedni uz druge, jer je naše zajedništvo od neprocjenjive važnosti za hrvatsku reprezentaciju, ono je naša najveća snaga.

Hvala vam od srca, vašDejan

Dear teammates, dear Croatia fans,

I want to address you today with some somber news, but believe me, the decision that I am about to announce is one that I made with an open heart and after a lot of consideration. This announcement doesn’t come easily to me, and while I am writing this letter, I am doing my best not to cry, but I hope that by now you have come to know me as a man with heart and a man that does not hide his emotions.

The time has come for me to say my final goodbye to the Croatian national team, though I will forever remain a huge supporter of the Vatreni and will follow the team in each coming match.

As a child, I dreamt of playing at major tournaments and getting to put on that red-and-white shirt. I put on the Croatian checkers for thefirst time when I was nine years old and I will never forget that special feeling–like putting on Superman’s cape. I felt powerful, confident, and fearless, just like my favorite superhero. Words can’t fully capture that feeling.

I will forever remember October 8, 2009 as myfirst appearance for Croatia.

I played for all of the youth teams, but I always wanted to reach the peak of that mountain and to be capped for the senior team. To me, playing for the Vatreni would allow me to show what I can do in front of the entire world.

To be honest, I expected more from myself in the beginning. There were several matches where I was disappointed by the way I had played, where I thought I could have given much more, but it took a while for things to fall into place for me. To be even more painfully honest, at one point I had even thought about leaving the Vatreni long before my time to retire had come. F***, I was young, and I wasn’t very patient. I hope you don’t take this against me because, in the end, I listened to my heart and continued playing–and you, the fans, were a huge part of that decision.

I want to tell every single young football player in the country that they

must look at the Croatian national team as a completely other dimension of football–look at these players as your superheroes.

The most beautiful chapters of my national team story were the ones that we wrote during the pastfive years. This is, if I’m being honest, still a complete dream to me. So many emotions went through me, especially in 2018 and 2022, and Ifind it difficult to put these experiences into words. I lived my life in hope that I would get to experience moments like those and, when they did come, I lived them with immense pride. These memories will remain in my heart forever.

I want to thank all of the head coaches I worked with, starting with myfirst head coach Slaven Bilić, and including IgorŠtimac, Niko Kovač, AnteČačić, and Zlatko Dalić. Every single one of you left their mark on me and I will always be thankful for what you’ve taught me.

I want to thank all of my former and current teammates on this beautiful, unforgettable journey. We had our ups and downs, we cried together and we celebrated together, and I’ll always carry you in my heart. I spent more than a decade playing with some of you. I see you as my brothers, and you stood by me in my toughest moments. Thank you.

Thank you to the team behind the scenes that’s been with us since day one. I can’t list them all here, but we all know who they are. You are the heart of this team, and though your faces might not be on covers as much as they deserve, trust me–we are nothing without you.

I’d like to say onefinal thing–I might be stepping down as a player, but at least you’re gaining a new fan. Let’s stick by each other’s side, like we have so far, because the unity among us has always been the one quality that sets us apart from everyone else –it is our greatest strength.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Yours, Dejan

Jaću budan sanjati...

Dejan Lovren zauvijek je rekao zbogom Vatrenima. Poslije 78 utakmica. I dvaju povijesnih uspjeha. Sa srebrom i broncom oko vrata. I suzom u oku…

Emotivno oproštajno pismo ostaje kao trajni spomen na sjajan Dejanov reprezentativni opus i vječna inspiracija nekim novim dječacima koji su, jednakom strašću kao i Dejan na početku svoje karijere, uronili učari“najljepše igre”i prepustili joj se dušom i tijelom. Snovi su, naravno, neštošto se uvijek podrazumijeva. Samo…Mnogi ostaju nedosanjani…

Dejan je svoje ostvario puno prije negoli je na

I will dream awake...

Dejan Lovren said his farewell to the Vatrenih, following 78 appearances, and two historic achievements. With a silver and a bronze around his neck, and a tear in the eye...

The emotional farewell letter remains an permanent memory on Dejan's international career and an eternal inspiration to the young boys who have dived into the "most beautiful game" with body and soul, with the same

najvećim pozornicama s Vatrenima slavio povijesne uspjehe hrvatskog nogometa i sporta uopće. Onoga dana kad je na kultnoj Kantridi prvi put odjenuo dres s crvenim i bijelim kvadratima više ništa u njegovomživotu nije bilo isto. Reprezentacija je bila i ostala njegova najveća nogometna radost.Žar i suze radosnice u njegovim očima poslije antologijskih pobjeda Vatrenih u Rusiji i Kataru toće zorno i dočarati. I puno reći o Dejanu igraču ičovjeku.

U Dohi je veću prvim danima u jednom manjem društvu za doručkom dovoljno glasno rekao:“Ljudi, vidjetćete, idemo do kraja!”. Bio je potpuno iskren. I vjerovao sto posto u tošto govori. Sada je to sasvim jasno, silno ježelio otići kao pobjednik.

Zato i jest bio posvećeniji nego ikad. Sebi, suigračima, momčadi. Domovini.Čak i medijima, koji uglavnom nisu praštali neke njegove “nestašluke”i (pre)odvažne stavove pa su ga (pre)često

passion as Dejan did at the beginning of his journey. The dreams are, of course, implied. However, many do not come true...

Dejan's dreams came true even before he reached the biggest stages and celebrated the historic achievements of Croatian football and Croatian sports in general. Nothing was ever the same in life after the day when he wore the red-and-white checkered shirt for the first time at the iconic Kantrida Stadium. The national team was his biggest joy in football, and it remained so. His passion, the tears in his eyes following the legendary Croatia's victories in Russia and Qatar, prove it. They also say so many things of Dejan as a player and as a person.

During the first days in Doha, in a smaller company, at breakfast, he spoke loudly enough: "People, you'll see, we'll go all the way!" He was completely honest. And he completely believed in what he says. Now it is clear, he desperately wanted to leave as a winner.

That's why he was more dedicated than ever. To himself, to his teammates, to his team. To his homeland. Even to media, who mostly did not want to forgive his "misbehaviour" and (too)

hvatali na“krivoj nozi”. Ima nešto i u Dejanovom temperamentu…

Onom zbog kojega nije posustajao ni kad je njegova klupska i reprezentativna karijera bila na velikoj kušnji. Onom zbog kojeg nikad nije zazirao od protivnika. Onom zbog kojeg je glavu podmetao tamo gdje mnogi ne bi nogu. Onom zbog kojega je utro put od neizvjesnih izbjegličkih dana ranog djetinjstva do zvjezdanih trenutaka na najvećim nogometnim priredbama. Onom zbog kojeg i jest postao jedan od najvećih.

Pa ipak…O Dekijuće, više od svega, reći neke drage zajedničke katarske uspomene daleko od svjetala velike scene. U rijetkim trenucima predaha na pješčanoj plaži hotela u Dohi. Pritom se ne znašto je bilo upečatljivije, njegov pogled prema nebu dok istinski uživa u zrakama sunca i mašta o jošjednom velikom uspjehu s Vatrenima ili njegov dječački zanos dok s ocem, sinom i kćeri igra picigin i strastveno broji svaki udarac dlanom, svesrdno se trudeći da loptašto kasnije dodirne morsku površinu.

Slike za pamćenje koje se nikad neće otrgnuti zaboravu. Slike koje ostaju za sva vremena. I govore puno više od srebra i bronce oko vrata…

bold stances, and (too) often got him on the wrong foot. There is something in Dejan's temper...

The temper that did not falter not even when his club and international career were severely tempted. That made him take on opponents without fear. That made him go with his head where many wouldn't go with a foot. That saw him find the path from the uncertain refugee days of the early childhood to superstar moments at the biggest football stages. That made him one of the greatest.

Still, some dear memories from Qatar, far from the spotlight, say the most of Deki. The rare moments of rest on a sandy beach of the Doha hotel. It is difficult to say what was more impressive, his look to the sky as he truly enjoys the sunshine and dreams of more success with the Vatreni, or his inner child as he plays the ball game with his father, son, and daughter, passionately counting every strike, trying so hard not the let the ball touch the sea.

There memories will never be forgotten. They remain for a lifetime, and say so much more than the silver and the bronze around the neck...

Energija koja pokreće Hrvatsku

Otišao je najveći šarmer hrvatskog nogometa

Istina je. Koliko god zvučalo nestvarno i bolno. Putem dobrih spominjanja otišao je Miroslav Ćiro Blažević.

Dovoljno bi bilo samo staviti točku jer…Ime MiroslavaĆire Blaževića samo po sebi zvuči gordo. I veliko. U svakom pogledu.

A opet…Ćiro zaslužuje besjedu. Barem nekoliko blagoglagoljivih i nipošto kurtoaznih rečenica, koje, dobro to znamo, nitko nije nizao kao on. Zbog kojih su se njegovi sugovornici uvijek osjećali blagoslovljeno i važno.

Bilo je, doduše, i onih trenutaka kad bi se u njemu uzjogunili travnički korijeni i proradila “čaršijska baraba”pa je znane i neznane“častio” sočnim psovkama.Što na umu, to na drumu! Do prvog zajedničkog susreta kad je, naravno, svima i sve bilo oprošteno. Takav je bioĆiro. Jedan od onih na koje se nikad nisi mogao naljutiti…

Zato i jest bio omiljen u svakom društvu. Pogotovoženskom. Iako…Njegov neodoljiv šarm bašnikoga nije mogao ostaviti ravnodušnim. I lagao je kad je govorio da najviše na svijetu voli“lovu”. Koliko god novac, da se ne lažemo, bio visoko na listi njegovih životnih prioriteta.

Ćiro je ipak najviše na svijetu volio ljude. I život. Spontane susrete i usputnećakule, ali i beskrajna druženja i razgovore u kojima je, naravno, uvijek on vodio glavnu riječ. Kako drukčije…

Mi, ljudi iz nogometa, sebičnoćemo ga svojatati zbog veličanstvenih rezultatskih dosega koji su ga učinili“trenerom svih trenera”. MiroslavĆiro Blaževićpostao je, zahvaljujući svom specifičnom habitusu, personifikacija uspjeha Dinama na putu osvajanja povijesne titule prvaka 1982. godine i Hrvatske na putu osvajanja povijesne bronce u Francuskoj 1998.

The most charming figure of Croatian football says goodbye

It's true, however unreal and painful it sounds. MiroslavĆiro Blaževićhas passed away.

And a full stop would be enough since the name of MiroslavĆiro Blaževićis strong enough. Great. In any possible way.

Still,Ćiro deserves a word. At least a couple of gentle and non-courtesy sentences. We know that no one could line them up as he did. That's why his interlocutors have always felt blessed and important.

On the other hand, there were moment when his Travnik roots woke up, when wilderness took over and he cursed both the guilty and the innocent. He always spoke his mind! Until the next meeting, when everything was forgiven. That was Ćiro. You could never be mad at him...

That is why he was popular in every company. Especially among women. However, his irresistible charm could never leave anyone indifferent. He lied when he said his priority is money, regardless of the fact that money was high on the list of his priorities in life.

Ćiro's priority in life were people. And life itself. Spontaneous meetings, short chats, and endless socializing and conversations where, of course, he always had the main

godine. Njegov bijelišal i šeretski nakrivljena kapa francuskog policajca bili su i ostatće lajt motiv vječnosti i besmrtnosti.

Otišao jest najveći šarmer hrvatskog nogometa, ali bilo bi nepravedno“ukrasti”Ćiru svima onimačija je srca osvajao neposrednošću i zaraznim humorom kojega se nije odrekao ni u razdoblju kad je shvatio da opaka bolest uzima maha.Ćirina je duhovitost bila nenadmašna do te mjere da je i svoju zlokobnu sudbinu učinio smiješnom.

Takav je bioĆiro. Jedan jedini. Jedinstven i neponovljiv u svakom pogledu.

Sad bi vjerojatno rekao:“Sine, stavi točku. Ne treba više…”. I ne treba,Šefe. Ionako je bilo dovoljno napisati MiroslavĆiro Blažević, ali umjesto točke staviti veliki uskličnik!

word. There was no other way...

We, the people in football, will selfishly try to own him due to his magnificent results, that made him the "coach of all coaches". Thanks to his specific personality, MiroslavĆiro Blaževićhas become the personification of Dinamo's historic league title in 1982, and Croatia historic bronze medal in France 1998. His white scarf and French police hat will always represent the leitmotif of eternity and immortality.

The most charming figure in Croatian football said goodbye, but it would be unfair to "steal"Ćiro from everyone who had their hearts won by his immediacy and sense of humour. He did not renounce it not even when he realized he was terminally ill.Ćiro's wit was so immense that he made his sinister fate funny.

That wasĆiro. The one and only. Unique and unrepeatable in any way.

Now, he would probably say: "Son, put a full stop. There is nothing more to be said...".

There isn't. It was enough to say MiroslavĆiro Blažević. Instead a full stop, with a major exclamation mark!

MIROSLAV Ciro

BLAŽEVIĆ

(1935. - 2023.)

MiroslavĆiro Blaževićrođen je 10. veljače 1935. godine u Travniku u Bosni i Hercegovini, a hrvatska nogometna obitelj zauvijekće ga pamtiti kao izbornika s kojim su Vatreni započeli svoj niz sjajnih uspjeha na velikoj sceni.

Hrvatsku je reprezentaciju preuzeo 1994. godine te je s prvog mjesta u kvalifikacijama odveo na Europsko prvenstvo u Engleskoj, gdje je izboren plasman učetvrtfinale, a potom je uslijedio povijesni put prema bronci zlatnog sjaja, na premijernom nastupu na Svjetskom prvenstvu, u Francuskoj 1998. godine.

Vatrene je vodio do 2000. godine, a među brojnim trenerskim poslovima ističu mu se oni na klupi Irana, Bosne i Hercegovine, Dinama - s kojim je uzeo opjevani naslov prvaka države 1982. godine - Rijeke, Osijeka, Varteksa, Hajduka, Zagreba, Grasshoppera, Nantesa i PAOK-a.

MiroslavĆiro Blaževićwas born on 10 February 1935 in Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatian football family will always remember him as the head coach who started the epic journey of the Croatia national team on the biggest of stages.

He took over in 1994, won the qualifying group for the EURO 1996 and reached the quarterfinals stage in England. Later on, he embarked on the path towards the historic bronze medal, in Croatia's first FIFA World Cup appearance, in France '98.

Blaževićleft the helm in 2000, and among many coaching jobs, he is especially remembered in Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dinamoat Maksimir, he won the unforgettable league title in 1982Rijeka, Osijek, Varteks, Hajduk, Zagreb, Grasshopper, Nantes, and PAOK.

MEMORIAM: MIROSLAVĆIRO BLAŽEVIĆ

Kustić: "Ćiro je obogatio našeživote" KustiĆ: "Ćiro enriched our lives"

MiroslavĆiro Blažević, proslavljeni hrvatski

trener koji je vodio sjajnu generaciju Vatrenih do povijesne brončane medalje na premijernom Svjetskom prvenstvu u Francuskoj '98, a Dinamu je '82 pomogao donijeti opjevani naslov prvaka, preminuo je prošli tjedan u Zagrebu u 87. godini.

Komemoracija je održana u Koncertnoj dvorani Vatroslav Lisinski, uz prisustvo brojnih uglednih imena iz sportskog i javnogživota.Ćiri su, između ostalih, počast došli iskazati predsjednik Republike Hrvatske Zoran MilanovićAndrej Plenković , premijer, predsjednik Hrvatskog sabora Gordan Jandroković, zagrebački gradonačelnik

Tomislav Tomašević, predsjednik Hrvatskog olimpijskog odbora, predsjednik Zlatko Mateša Hrvatskog nogometnog saveza, Marijan Kustić izbornik Vatrenihte mnogi Zlatko Dalić predstavnici Dinamove generacije '82 i hrvatske generacije '98.

OdĆire se ispred Hrvatskog nogometnog saveza oprostio predsjednik Kustić: "U svom je

MiroslavĆiro Blažević, well-known Croatian coach who led the fantastic Vatreni generation to the historic bronze medal in their first FIFA World Cup appearance in France '98, and helped Dinamo win the epic league title in '82, passed away in Zagreb, aged 87.

The commemoration was held in Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, and many distinguished names from sports and public life attended. Among others, to pay last respects there were Croatian president, prime Zoran Milanović minister, the president of Andrej Plenković

Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković

Zagreb mayor, Croatian Tomislav Tomašević

Olympic Committee president, Zlatko Mateša

Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustić, Croatia national team head coach Zlatko Dalić, and many representatives of Dinamo '82 generation and Croatia '98 generation.

On behalf of the Croatian Football Federation, president Kustićbid farewell toĆiro: "In his demise, he has managed to do what he did in

odlasku uspio onošto je uspijevao uživotu, ujediniti cijelu Hrvatsku. Siguran sam da je na nebu ponosan. On je postavio temelje tog nevjerojatnog zajedništva koje je i danas najveća snaga hrvatskog nogometa. Obogatio je našeživote, i drago mi je da sam imao privilegiju provoditi vrijeme s njime. Uvijek ću cijeniti njegovu podršku, a svatko od nas može od njega učiti. No, kopirati ga ne možemo, i naša je obvezačuvati uspomenu na njega, a kao predsjednik obećajem daće HNS to ičiniti"

life - he united the entire Croatia. I'm sure he is proud up there. He has laid the foundations of this incredible unity that to this day remains the greatest strength of Croatian football. He has enriched our lives, and I'm glad to have had the privilege of spending time with him. I will always cherish his support, and every one of us can learn from him. However, we cannot copy him, and we have the obligation to cherish his memory. As president, I promise that HNS will do this".

Predsjednikov savjetnik Zorislav Srebrić naglasio je: "Djelovali smo zajedno kroz desetljeća. Od njegovog dolaska u hrvatski nogomet, kao trener bio je pravi erudit. Bio je posebno nadaren u područjima komunikacije, motivacije i stvaranja atmosfere. Sveukupna osobnost bila mu je izražena kao interpretatora nogometnog znanja, a bio je i svojevrsni ambasador Hrvatske".

Okupljenima se u ime Vatrenih iz '98 obratio IgorŠtimac"Trebalo mu je točno 10 sekundi : da me u potpunosti osvoji, da ga pratimšto god tražio. Najbolje je rekao Slaven Bilićvjerovali smo mu i kada smo znali da laže. Nitko mu nije mogao odoljeti. Kad je bio kod nas u Hajduku, svaki je dan išao među ljude, imao je osmijeh i toplu riječza svakoga. Bio je u stanju otopiti bilo koju santu leda. Najmanje biželio da tugujemo, trebamo slaviti njegove uspjehe".

"Bio je maestro koji je s plavim orkestrom skladao simfonije i stvaratelj kulta hrvatske reprezentacije. Uvijek je govorio da je 1982. njegova godina, koju najviše voli. Sve je

Senior advisor to the president, Zorislav Srebrić"We have been working , emphasized: together for decades. Since he came to Croatian football, he was a real erudite. He was especially talented in communicating, motivating, and creating the atmosphere. His personality highlighted his interpretations of football knowledge, and he was also the ambassador of Croatia".

On behalf of the 1998 Croatia national team, IgorŠtimac"It took him exactly ten spoke: seconds to win me over, to follow him into every battle. Slaven Bilićsaid it best - we have believed him even when we knew he was lying. No one could resist him. When he was with us in Hajduk, every day he went among the people, with a smile and a kind word for everyone. He could have melted any iceberg. He wouldn't want us to grief, we need to celebrate his achievements".

"He was the maestro who conducted the blue orchestra and composed symphonies, and he created the Croatia national team cult. He was always saying that 1982 was his year,

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osvojio svojom karizmom. Svima koji smo mu bili bliski ostaju sjećanja za cijeliživot", istaknuo je između ostaloga predsjednik GNK Dinamo. Mirko Barišić

Marijan Vlak, bivši vratar Dinama dodao je: "Njegov dolazak bio je prekretnica za Dinamo. Zajedno smo rasli i stasali, na temeljima vrhunca iz 1982. godine svi smo gradili svoj daljnji sportskiživot. Tužni smošto moramo nastaviti bez njega. Znao je prenijeti svoje zahtjeve i emocije, inzistirao je na disciplini, pokazao ozbiljnost, ali ključno ješto je unio posebnu energiju i podignuo samopouzdanje do neslućenih visina. S njime je svatko od nas probijao granice vlastitih mogućnosti. Bio je nogometna avangarda".

U ime predstavnika medija, nekoliko je trenutaka sĆirom Blaževićem podijelio Drago Ćosić"Imao je talent koji se ne može kupiti, s : kojim sečovjek rodi i koji je doveo do savršenstva. Mogli ste biti najbolji novinar na svijetu, aliĆiro bi uvijek ispričao priču koju je onželio ispričati. Voljeni ne umiru nikada, oni zauvijekžive u našim sjećanjima i mislima"

O prijateljstvu sĆirom govorio je bosanskohercegovački glumac Emir Hadžihafizbegović"Kada bih morao staviti : jednu riječu jednadžbu s njime, to bi bila antika, jer u sebi sadrži i prošlost i sadašnjost i budućnost. Njegovo se ime neće prestati spominjati do sudnjeg dana. Ispraćamo jednog realiziranogčovjeka, bio je i karizmatičan išarmantan, a to je trijumf. On je odsanjao svoj san, a mi smo uz njega odsanjali svoje snove".

Naposljetku je nazočnima i zaslužnima zahvalioĆirin sin: Miro Blažević"Ovdje smo da slavimo njegovživot, njegovživot bio je prekrasan. Moj je otac dijelio ljubav svima, sve je volio, bez ikakvih predrasuda i razlika. Držao je do svojih ideala i principa, a Hrvatska mu je bila svetinja. Bio je istinski građanin ovog svijeta. Tata, meni je bila privilegija biti tvoj sin. Ponosan sam na tebe, živjetćešvječno"

PovodomĆirine smrti, Vlada Republike Hrvatske proglasila je 15. veljače Danom nacionalne sućuti. Tijekom proteklih dana, izraze sućuti obitelji Blažević, kao i cjelokupnoj hrvatskoj nogometnoj obitelji, poslali su mnogi predstavnici europskog i svjetskog nogometa, uključujući i predsjednike Uefe i Fife, Aleksandera Čeferina i Giannija Infantina.

U spomen naĆiru, u Informativnomultimedijskom centru "Budi ponosan" otvorena je knjigažalosti.

Ostavština MiroslavaĆire Blaževića obuhvaća mnogo više od samih nogometnih uspjeha, a hrvatski ga nogomet nikada neće zaboraviti.

his favourite year. His charisma won everyone over, everybody who knew him has plenty of memories for a lifetime", said Dinamo president. Mirko Barišić

Marijan Vlak, former Dinamo goalkeeper, added: "His arrival was the turning point for Dinamo. We have grown up together, after the peak in 1982 we have built are careers. We are sad to continue with him. He knew how to make demands and how to express emotions, he insisted on discipline, but the crucial thing was his energy, the way he raised everyone's confidence to unimaginable heights. With him, every one of us broke the limits of his own abilities. He was the avantgarde in football".

On behalf of the media representatives, DragoĆosić shared some of his moments with Ćiro Blažević: "His talent couldn't be bought. One is born that way, and he developed his talent to perfection. You could be the greatest journalist in the world, butĆiro always managed to tell the story he wanted to tell. The loved ones never die, they live forever in our memories and thoughts".

Emir Hadžihafizbegović, the actor from Bosnia-Herzegovina, said a few words on his friendship withĆiro: "If I had to put him in a single word, it would be antique, since it implies the past, the present, and the future. His name will not be forgotten until the doomsday. We bid farewell to a complete man: he had both charisma and charm, and that is a triumph. He made his dreams come true, and we were dreaming beside him".

Finally,Ćiro's son Miro Blažević expressed his gratitude: "We are here to celebrate his life. His life was beautiful - he shared his love to everyone, without prejudice of difference. He stuck to his ideals and principles, with Croatia above all. He was a true citizen of the world. Dad, it was a privilege to be your son. I am proud of you, you will live forever".

During previous days, many representatives of European and world football, including UEFA and FIFA presidentsand AleksanderČeferin Gianni Infantino, expressed their condolences to Blaževićfamily and the entire Croatian football family.

In memory ofĆiro, in the Multimedia - Information Center "Be Proud" in Zagreb, the grief book was opened.

MiroslavĆiro Blažević's legacy encompasses so much more than football success, and Croatian football will never forget him.

IN MEMORIAM: MIROSLAVĆIRO BLAŽEVIĆ

MiroslavĆiro Blažević

sahranjen JE U Aleji velikana NA MIROGOJU

“Trener svih trenera”, izbornik brončanih Vatrenih i trener Dinama koji je osvojio povijesni naslov prvaka 1982. godine, sahranjen je u Aleji velikana sukladno njegovom golemom rezultatskom opusu, ali i iznimnim ljudskim osobinama, zbog kojih je podjednako bio cijenjen u nogometnim krugovima i omiljen u javnosti.

Od MiroslavaĆire Blaževića oprostili su se mnogobrojni nogometni uglednici iz Hrvatske i regije, ljudi iz javnog i političkogživota i različitih društvenih sfera, ali i mnoštvo građanstva koje ježeljelo odati priznanje jednom od omiljenijih ljudi na hrvatskoj društvenoj sceni.

Od svog uzora, mentora i nogometnog“oca” biranim se riječima oprostio izbornik hrvatske nogometne reprezentacije,: Zlatko Dalić

"Dragi mojĆiro, uvijek sam ti se obraćao sa “vi”, ali danas, na dan tvog oproštaja, prijeći ću na“ti”da ti budem bliže. Okupili smo se ovdje da se zahvalimo za svešto si napravio za nas i našu Hrvatsku, da se oprostimo od tebe i da se zahvalimo i ispratimo te na neko drugo mjesto. Odlazišna neko drugo, bolje mjesto igrati drugo poluvrijeme. Ovo prvo, zemaljsko, nažalost, završilo je. Ponosni smo, Ćiro,što smo bili dio tvog vremena i jer si bio dio svih nas. Da si sada ovdje, nasmijao bi se, pogledao nas i opsovao onako kako ti znašpa pitao:“Sine, koliko je raje došlo zbogĆire?”.

Šefe, došli smo svi. Tvoja obitelj, tvoji prijatelji, tvoji sinovi iz 1982. i 1998. Svi smo, Ćiro, tu da ti se poklonimo i zadnji put kažemo:“Hvala!”. Ne bi ti dao da danas plačemo, da tugujemo. To nisi bio ti,Ćiro. Uvijek je u tvom društvu bilo veselje, smijeh, sreća. I zato danas slavimo tebe i sve lijepe trenutke koje smo proveli s tobom. Gore na nebučekaju te anđeli,Ćiro. Oni su veseli, dolazi trener svih trenera. Oni su te zvali da preuzmešnjihovu reprezentaciju. Skoroće kraj utakmice, gube 2:1, a samo ti možeš okrenuti tu utakmicu, samo je ti možešdobiti. Ćiro, ti si bio pobjednik.

Falitćešnam,Ćiro. Falitćešsvojoj supruzi, djeci, sestri, unucima. Falitćešsvima nama, onima koji su te znali i onima koji te nisu poznavali.Ćiro, ušao si pod našu kožu, ušao si u našeživote, naše obitelji i domove. Falitćeš i meni, falitće mi tvoja podrška, savjet, zaštita. Tvoje priče koje sam tako pažljivo slušao i upijao. Falitće mi trener svih trenera. AliĆiro, ti si bio puno više od trenera. Ti si bio jedan, jedini i neponovljiviĆiro. Džentlmen, velikičovjek. Gospodin,šarmer, motivator. Svima nama bio si inspiracija. Samo ti si mogao nešto opsovati na televiziji, a nitko nije zamjerio. Samo ti si mogao reći neke

grube riječi, a nitko se ne bi naljutio. Bio si istinska legenda i, usudio bih se reći, faca. Jedan od najvećih frajera koji je hodao ovom regijom, Hrvatskom.

DragiĆiro, ostavio si nam puno toga. Bio si nogometni genijalac, imao si stila. Nisi bio kopija, bio si original i tebe nitko ne može zamijeniti. Volio si Bosnu i Hercegovinu, ali više od svega svoju Hrvatsku. Bio si veliki domoljub. I zato,Ćiro, laka ti hrvatska zemlja, u raj poveli te anđeli, na dolasku primili te mučenici i odveli uživot vječni. DragiĆiro, neka ti je vječna slava”, rekao je Zlatko Dalić.

Nakon svećenikove molitve klapa je otpjevala Moj lipi anđele pjesmu Olivera Dragojevića, a potom je lijes krenuo prema Aleji velikana ispraćen velikim brojem ljudi.

Počasna straža, mažoretkinje, posljednji pozdravi obitelji, prijatelja, igrača koje jeĆiro trenirao, svih onihčije ježivote dotaknuo... Legenda hrvatskog nogometa ispraćena je kako i zaslužuje.

MiroslavĆiro Blažević laid to rest among the greats at Mirogoj

In accordance with his vast career achievements, as well as exceptional human characteristics - that made him similarly respected in football circles and loved in publicthe "coach of all coaches", the bronze-winning Croatia head coach and historic '82 league title winner with Dinamo was laid to rest in the Alley of the Greats.

Numerous football dignitaries from Croatia and the region bid their farewell to MiroslavĆiro Blažević, as well as the people from public and political life, and various society spheres, and many citizens who wanted to pay their last respect the one of the most popular men in Croatian society.

The current Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić said goodbye to his idol, mentor, and football "father", in kind words.

"My dearĆiro, I was always talking to you with full respect, but today I will add a more friendly note, just to be closer to you. We are gathered here to thank you for everything you've done for us and for our Croatia, to bid you farewell, to see you off to a different place. You leave to a better place to play the second half. The first half, in this world, is sadly over. We are proud,Ćiro, to have been a part of your era, and to have you as a part of all of us. If you were here right now, you'd laugh, look at us, swear in your own unique way and ask: 'Son, how many people came to seeĆiro?' Boss, all of us came. Your family, friends, your '82 and '98 sons. We are all here to pay our respect and say 'thank you' for the last time. You wouldn't let us cry, to grief. That wasn't you,Ćiro. With you, it was always joy, laughter, happiness. Therefore, today we celebrate you and all the good moments we've had with you. Up there, angels merrily await you, the coach of all coaches. They have invited you to take over their team. In the closing minutes, they are losing 2:1, and you are the only one who can turn things around and win it for them.Ćiro, you were a winner.

We're going to miss you,Ćiro. Your wife, kids, sister, grandchildren. We're all going to miss you, the ones who knew you and the ones who didn't.Ćiro, you were under our skin, in our lives, our families and homes. I'm going to miss you, your support, your advice, your protection. Your stories, I was listening to them very carefully. I'm going to miss the coach of all coaches. Still,Ćiro, you were more than just a coach. You were the one and only, unrepeatableĆiro. A gentleman and a great human being. Gentleman, charmer, motivator. You were an inspiration to all of us. You alone could swear on television, and no one wouldn't mind. You alone could speak in harsh words, and no one would get angry. You were a true legend, and I would dare say, a real dude. One of the greatest who lived in Croatia and beyond.

DearĆiro, you've left so much behind. You were a football genius, in style. You were not a copy, you were an original, and no one can replace you. You've loved your Bosnia and Herzegovina, and above all, Croatia. You were a patriot. And may you rest peacefully, may the angels take you to heaven, may the martyrs welcome you, and take you to an eternal life. DearĆiro, eternal glory to you", said Zlatko Dalić.

Following a prayer, a song by Oliver Dragojević"Moj lipi anđele" was sung, andĆiro's coffin moved on towards the Alley of the Greats, followed by so many.

Guard of honour, majorettes, last respects of the family, friends, his players, everyone whose life was touched byĆiro... The Croatian football legend was seen off in the way he deserves.

SASVIM OSOBNO...

GET TO KNOW...

JOSIPŠUTALO

NOGOMETNO ODRASTANJE...

Najranija nogometna uspomena: Turnir u Neumu za Neretvu (najbolji igračturnira)

Tko me uveo učari nogometa: Tata

Prvi nogometni idol: Lionel Messi

Klub za koji sam navijao kao mali: Barcelona

O MENI...

Najbolji igračprotiv kojeg sam igrao: Kylian Mbappé

Najveći utjecaj na mene imao je: Tata

Najbolji gol u karijeri: Protiv Rapida za 3:1 u Europskoj ligi

Najveći trenutak u karijeri: Osvajanje bronce s Hrvatskom na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru

Najdraža pjesma: Nemam omiljenu pjesmu

Omiljena serija: Ne gledam serije

Omiljeni film: Greben spašenih

Omiljeno jelo: Ćevapi

Drugi sport: Tenis

Najbolji nogometašsvih

vremena: Lionel Messi

Moja najveća nogometna vrlina: Iznošenje lopte

Da nisam nogometašbio bih: Nisam o tome razmišljao, ali vjerujem da bi bio

neki drugi sport u pitanju

Najbolji dio

treninga: Igra na dva gola

Jedna stvar koju bih

želio ostvariti u karijeri: Igrati u jednoj od liga“petice”

OCIJENI SAM SEBE...

Brzina

Skok

Duel igra

Udarac

Dodavanje

FOOTBALL GROWING...

Earliest memory of football: Tournament in Neum for Neretva Metković(the best player of the tournament)

Who got me in to football: Dad

First football idol: Lionel Messi

Team I supported growing up: Barcelona

ABOUT ME...

Best player I’ve faced: Kylian Mbappé

Biggest influence: Dad

Best goal in my career: vs Rapid in UEFA Europa League

Best moment of my career so far: Bronze medal with Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar

Song of my life: I don’t have

Favourite series: I don’t watch series

Favourite movie: Hacksaw Ridge

Favourite dish: Ćevapi

Another sport I’m good at: Tennis

The greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi

My best footballing attribute: Bringing the ball up

If I wasn’t footballer I would be…: I didn't think about it but I believe it would be some other sport

The best part of training: two goal football

One thing I want to do in career: Play in one of the big-5 leagues RATE YOURSELF...

TOMISLAVVLAHOVIĆ

SAŠAJANKOVIĆ

NENADKROŠNJAR NDERIMREDŽAJ GORANBELOGLAVEC

FIZIOTERAPEUT

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

FIZIOTERAPEUT

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

MIROSLAVJAMNIĆ

FIZIOTERAPEUT

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

MLADENPILČIĆ GORANVINCEK DENNISLUKANČIĆ

HELENA PUŠKAR

TOMISLAV PACAK

ANTE CICVARIĆ

NIKŠA MARTINAC

JURICA JURJEVIĆ

MARKO CVIJANOVIĆ

DRAGO SOPTA

TOMICAĐUKIĆ

MIROSLAV MARKOVIĆ

MARKO SVILIĆ

MATCH MANAGER

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

MARKETING MANAGER

TICKETING MANAGER

SECURITY COMMISSIONER

MEDIA OFFICER

PHOTOGRAPHER

CHEF

SECURITY OFFICER

SECURITY OFFICER

ANTE ZEBIĆ

ANTONIO GRAHOVAC

ANTONIJA BURAZER

MIAŠKRLJAC

MARIJA KOPRIČANEC

TIHOMIR MALOČA

NEVEN LELAS

FRANE PLAZIBAT

EDIŠUNJIĆ

STIPE ROGOŠIĆ

FIZIOTERAPEUT

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

LUKAKARLO

HNK HAJDUK COORDINATOR

VAR COORDINATOR

PROTOCOL MANAGER

PROTOCOL MANAGER ASSISTANT

PROTOCOL MANAGER ASSISTANT

GIANT SCREEN/LED

WALES TLO

DELEGATE LO

REFEREES LO

HYGIENE OFFICER

MLT-CRO 0:1

UEFA EURO FRANCE 2016

TUR-CRO 0:1

CZE-CRO 2:2

CRO-ESP

QUALIFIERS WC 2018

CRO-TUR 1:1

KOS-CRO 0:6

FIN-CRO 0:1

CRO-ISL 2:0

CRO-UKR 1:0

ISL-CRO 1:0

CRO-KOS 1:0

TUR-CRO 1:0

CRO-FIN 1:1

UKR-CRO 0:2

PLAY-OFF CRO-GRE 4:1

PLAY-OFF GRE-CRO 0:0

2018FIFA

WORLD CUP RUSSIA

GROUP CRO-NIG 2:0

GROUP ARG-CRO 0:3

GROUP ISL-CRO 1:2

1/8(3:2 ) CRO-DEN 1:1 PEN

1/4(3:4 ) RUS-CRO 2:2 PEN

1/2 CRO-ENG 2:1 AET

FINAL FRA-CRO 4:2

UEFA NATIONS

LEAGUE2018

ESP-CRO 6:0

CRO-ENG 0:0

CRO-ESP 3:2

ENG-CRO 2:1

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE2020

POR-CRO 4:1

FRA-CRO 4:2

CRO-SWE 2:1

CRO-FRA 1:2

SWE-CRO 2:1

All competitive matches of the Croatia national football team in history

HRVATSKI NOGOMETNI SAVEZ

CROATIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

Founded: 13. 6. 1912

FIFA affiliation: 17. 7. 1941 / 3. 7. 1992

UEFA affiliation: 17. 6. 1993

FIFA World Ranking:(12/2022) 7th

President: Marijan Kustić

Most caps: Luka Modrić(162)

Top scorer: DavorŠuker (45)

National team nickname:(meaning: The Fiery Ones) Vatreni

FIFA World Cup67

-final tournaments out ofcompetitions (since 1996)

UEFA EURO67 -final tournaments out ofcompetitions (since 1998)

1/4 final Bronze medal group stage did not qualify round of 16 Silver medal round of 16 group stage group stage group stage group stage

1/4 final did not qualify

Bronze medal

CYMDEITHAS BÊL-DROED CYMRU

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES

Founded: 2. 2. 1876

FIFA affiliation://191019241946

UEFA affiliation: 1954

IFAB affiliation: 1886

FIFA World Ranking:(12/2022) 28th

President: Steve Williams

Most caps: Gareth Bale (111)

Top scorer: Gareth Bale (41)

National team nickname:(meaning: The Dragons) Y Dreigiau

FIFA World Cup:

219 final tournaments out ofcompetitions (since 1950): 1x Quarterfinals (1958); 1x Group stage (2022)

UEFA EURO:

215 final tournaments out ofcompetitions (since 1964): 1x Semifinal (2016); 1x Round of 16 (2020)

Area:

Wales20,779 km2

Cymru Population:

Wales3,107,500 (2021)

Area:

Croatia56,594 km2

Croatia Population:

Hrvatska3,871,833 (2021)

Varaždin21. 8. 2002Friendly matchCroatia - Wales1:1

Osijek23. 5. 2010Frienldy matchCroatia - Wales2:0

Osijek16. 10. 2012World Cup 2014 qualifiersCroatia - Wales2:0

Swansea26. 3. 2013World Cup 2014 qualifiersWales - Croatia1:2

Osijek8. 9. 2019EURO 2020 qualifiersCroatia - Wales2:1

Cardiff13. 10. 2019EURO 2020 qualifiersWales - Croatia1:1

PRVI

Nogometne reprezentacije Hrvatske i Walesa prvi su se puta susrele u kolovozu 2002. godine u Varaždinu, u prijateljskoj utakmici koja je završila bez pobjednika. Simon Davies doveo je goste u vodstvo nakon desetak minuta utakmice, a desetak minuta prije kraja na konačnih je 1:1 izjednačio Mladen Petrićšto mu je bio premijerni pogodak u hrvatskom dresu. Bila je to ujedno i prva utakmica Vatrenih pod vodstvom Otte Barića.

PAMTIMO

Na putu prema Svjetskom prvenstvu u Brazilu, Vatreni su morali proći zahtjevnu kvalifikacijsku skupinu koja je uključivala i dva ogleda s Walesom. Izabranici Igora Štimca gostovali su u ožujku 2013. godine u Swanseaju, a nacionalni junak Gareth Bale realizirao je sredinom prvog dijela kazneni udarac. Međutim, hrvatski je preokret u 77. minuti započeo Dejan Lovren, a dovršio Eduardo u 87. minuti, za vrlo vrijedna tri boda.

POSLJEDNJI

U pretposljednjem kvalifikacijskom kolu Skupine E za nastup na Europskom prvenstvu 2020. godine, Hrvatska je pod vodstvom Zlatka

Dalića gostovala u Cardiffu te rano povela zahvaljujući Nikoli Vlašiću, dok je Velšane u egal vratio

neizbježni Gareth Bale na samom isteku prvog poluvremena. Borbeni je okršaj završio s tih 1:1 na semaforu,što je Vatrenima omogućilo da kod kuće protiv Slovačke potvrde plasman na završni turnir.

FIRST

The national football teams of Croatia and Wales faced each other for the first time in August 2002 in Varaždin, in a friendly international that ended in a draw. Simon Davies scored the first goal of the game after approximately ten minutes, while ten minutes from time Mladen Petrićfound the equalizer for the hosts (1:1). That was his first Croatia goal, in Otto Barić's debut as Croatia head coach.

MEMORABLE

On the road towards the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Vatreni had to deal with a demanding qualifying group, including two matches with Wales. IgorŠtimac's men visited Swansea in March 2013, when the national hero Gareth Bale opened the scoring from the spot, in the first half. However, Dejan Lovren started Croatia's comeback on 77 minutes, and Eduardo completed the story on 87 minutes (2:1), to provide very valuable three points.

RECENT

In the penultimate round of the EURO 2020 qualifying Group E, Zlatko Dalić's Croatia travelled to Cardiff and took the early lead, courtesy of Nikola Vlašić. The unavoidable Gareth Bale levelled the score just before the break. This contentious 1:1 draw later allowed the Vatreni to secure the final tournament berth at home versus Slovakia.

WALES National Team Squad

vCRO2503 s(/) & LVA2803 (/)

Manager

Rob Page

Assistant manager

Eric Ramsay

Coach

Alan Knill

Head of performance

Nick Davies

Goalkeeping coach

Tony Roberts

Fitness coach

Adam Owen

Medical officer

Jon Houghton

Performance psychologist

Ian Mitchell

Physiotherapists

Sean Connelly

David Weeks

Masseurs

David Rowe

Chris Senior

Paul Harris

Sports scientist

Ronan Kavanagh

Equipment officers

David Griffiths

Kevin McCusker

Performance analysts

Esther Wills

James Turner

WayneHennessey24/01/19871080Nottingham Forest

DannyWard22/06/1993280Leicester City

AdamDavies17/07/199240Sheffield United

BenDavies24/04/1993771Tottenham Hotspur

NecoWilliams13/04/2001262Nottingham Forest

BenCabango30/05/200050Swansea City

TomLockyer03/12/1995140Luton Town

JoeRodon22/10/1997330Rennes

ChrisMepham05/11/1997360AFC Bournemouth

EthanAmpadu14/09/2000400Spezia

ConnorRoberts23/09/1995443Burnley

SorbaThomas25/01/199970Blackburn Rovers

JordanJames02/07/200400Birmingham City

NathanBroadhead05/04/199800Ipswich Town

WesBurns23/11/199430Ipswich Town

AaronRamsey26/12/19907820OGC Nice

JoeMorrell03/01/1997320Portsmouth

HarryWilson22/03/1997415Fullham

DanJames10/11/1997415Fulham

KiefferMoore08/08/1992319AFC Bournemouth

LukeHarris03/04/200500Fulham

BrennanJohnson23/05/2001182Nottingham Forest

OllieCooper14/12/199900Swansea City

TomBradshaw27/07/199230Millwall

Fotografija: Drago Sopta HNS

BEN DAVIES

SuigračIvana Perišića u momčadi Tottenhama - za koji je zaigrao više od 200 puta - pouzdana je opcija za lijevu stranu obrane reprezentacije Walesa. Ima 77 nastupa, među kojima su i oni na putu do polufinala Eura 2016. godine, a zanimljivo je da je dio nogometnog obrazovanja stekao u najmlađim kategorijama danskog Viborga.

NECO WILLIAMS

21-godišnji braničWalesa, koji je prikupio već26 nastupa za seniorsku reprezentaciju, produkt je Liverpoolove nogometne škole, a prošlog je ljeta preselio u redove Nottingham Foresta. U napretku ga nije spriječila niti teška ozljeda leđa 2017. godine, a stigao je postići i dva pogotka za svoju zemlju: jedan u Ligi nacija, a drugi na uspješnom putu prema SP-u u Kataru.

AARON RAMSEY

Iskusni veznjak koji se proslavio u dresovima Arsenala i Juventusa, kao i popularnim "prokletstvom" koje povezuje njegove pogotke i smrti slavnih osoba - ovu sezonu provodi u francuskoj Nici. Za Wales je debitirao kao 17godišnjak, a na Europskom prvenstvu 2016. godine u Francuskoj, kao jedan od dvojice najboljih asistenata, izabran je u najbolju momčad turnira.

Ivan Perišić's teammate at Tottenham - with more than 200 appearances for the club - is a reliable option for the left side of Welsh defence. His 77 international caps include the road to the EURO 2016 semifinals. Interestingly, Davies' made several steps to his senior career in the youth academy of the Danish side Viborg.

A product of Liverpool football academy, 21-year-old Wales defender has already collected 26 international appearances, and signed for Nottingham Forest last summer. His progress was not stopped by a serious back injury in 2017, and he was quick to score his first two international goals: one in the UEFA Nations League, and one in the successful 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The experienced midfielder confirmed his quality at Arsenal and Juventus, but is also popular due to a "curse" that connects his goals to celebrity demises. This season, he defends Nice colours in France. As a 17year-old, he made his first Wales appearance, and at EURO 2016 he provided the most assists alongside Eden Hazard, which allowed him to be selected in the Team of the Tournament.

KIEFFER MOORE

S gotovo dva metra visine, napadačKieffer Moore uvijek je opasna pojava u suparničkim šesnaestercima, a svoje vještine većniz godina brusi u engleskom nogometu, uključujući i ovosezonske nastupe i pogotke u Premiershipu, u dresu Bournemoutha. Za reprezentaciju je zabio devet puta, a zaigrao je i na svjetskoj smotri u Kataru.

DANIEL JAMES

Svestrani velški ofenzivac zabljesnuo je 2019. godine, kada je dobio priliku u Manchester Unitedu, a potom je karijeru nastavio u Leedsu, dok aktualnu sezonu provodi na posudbi u Fulhamu. Jedna je od najvećih kreativnih snaga Walesa, a s 25 godina već ima iskustvo s dva posljednja velika reprezentativna natjecanja.

Head coach: ROB PAGE

Aktualni izbornik velške nogometne reprezentacije na trenersku se scenu probijao na klupama Port Valea i Northampton Towna, da bi 2017. godine preuzeo mladu reprezentaciju Walesa. S te je pozicije 2020. godine zamijenio Ryana Giggsa, prvo na privremenoj, a potom i na trajnoj bazi. Na Europskom je prvenstvu uveo nacionalnu selekciju u osminu finala, a onda je izborio i plasman na Svjetsko prvenstvo, na koji su Velšani čekali jošod 1958. godine.

With almost two meters in height, Wales striker Kieffer Moore always presents a danger in the opposing box. He tests his skills in English football for a number of years, including this season's challenges in Bournemouth's Premiership campaign. Moore scored nine international goals and appeared at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The versatile Welsh forward was shining in 2019, when he got the opportunity to play for Manchester United. He continued his career at Leeds United, while currently play on loan at Fulham. James is one of the creative forces in the Wales national team, and with 25 years of age, he has already appeared at the previous two major international tournaments.

The current head coach of the Wales national football team has started his managerial career at Port Vale and Northampton Town, while in 2017 he took over the Welsh U-21 side. From this position, he was able to replace Ryan Giggs in 2022 on interim basis, and later on a permanent deal. At EURO 2020, he reached the second round with Wales, and then secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup berth, the achievement that Wales was waiting from 1958.

Modrićsvim hrvatskim sportašima mora biti putokaz kako predstavljati

svoju zemlju

Kad je u pitanju momčadski sport, sportsku 2022. godinu obilježile su brončana medalja hrvatskih nogometaša na Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kataru i zlato hrvatskih vaterpolista na Europskom prvenstvu u Splitu. Sasvim dovoljno razloga da gost sportašna našim stranicama bude proslavljeni vratar Barakuda, Marko Bijač.

“I svjetska bronca nogometaša, i naše europsko zlato su povijesni rezultati za oba sporta i nešto našto svi zajedno kao hrvatski sportaši možemo biti iznimno ponosni, pogotovo kad se zna iz kako malene zemlje dolazimo, a koliko se u ostalim zemljama više ulaže u sport. To se pogotovo odnosi na nogomet”, kaže Bijač.

Kao hrvatski reprezentativci,često jedni drugima putem medija i društvenih mreža čestitate na uspjesima,što je pravi primjer svojevrsne simbioze hrvatskih sportaša…

“Kaošto sam spomenuo, Hrvatska je mala zemlja i jedini ispravni način je da se držimo zajedno unatočtomešto dolazimo iz različitih sportova i dijelova Hrvatske. Mislim da je upravo to zajedništvo jedan od razloga zašto hrvatski sportčesto ostvaruje rezultate koji su iznad svih očekivanja”.

Kako si proživljavao nastupe Vatrenih u Kataru?

“Uživao sam u svakom trenutku, moji suigrači u reprezentaciji također. Dečki su nas po tko zna koji put učinili ponosnima i zajedno

BIJAČ

Modrićshould be an example to all Croatian athletes on how to represent your country

In terms of Croatian team sports, 2022 will be remembered first and foremost by football bronze at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and waterpolo gold at the European Championships in Split. More than enough to host the famous Croatia's goalkeeper Marko Bijačin these pages.

"Both achievements are historic results in these sports, and something that we can all be proud of, as Croatian athletes -

considering we're coming from a small country, and the amounts invested in sports in other countries. Especially football", Bijačsays.

As Croatia internationals, you often congratulate each other through media and social media, which is a true example of quality relations among Croatian athletes.

"As I've mentioned, Croatia is a small country and the only proper way is to stick together, regardless of sport or city of origin. I believe that this unity is one of the main reasons for Croatian sport punching above its weight".

What were your experiences while watching the Vatreni in Qatar?

"I have enjoyed every moment, and my teammates did the same. Our footballers made us proud once again, those were

smo proživljavali predivne trenutke u Kataru”.

Koji su ti detalji ostali najupečatljiviji iz Katara?

“Bilo je puno sjajnih i obrana i golova, teško je izdvojiti bašneki trenutak, ali ako moram bio bi to pogodak Petkovića protiv Brazila i jedanaesterci koji su uslijedili nakon toga. To je zaista bilo nešto nezaboravno, naši su nogometaši pokazali ogroman karakter i pobijedili možda najvećeg favorita za zlato”.

Vjerojatno si“suosjećao”s tvojim kolegom vratarem Dominikom Livakovićem, koji je briljirao u Kataru?

“Dominik je u Kataru potvrdio da je jedan od najboljih vratara na svijetu i bio je najbolji kad je to bilo najpotrebnije. Po mom mišljenju, bio je velika prevaga na našu stranu koja je uvelike doprinijela ostvarivanju ovog povijesnog rezultata”.

Kakav si kao nogometaš? Koja su tvoja iskustva s igranjem nogometa? Kakvi su općenito vaterpolisti nogometaši?

“Moram priznati da sam do petnaeste ili šesnaeste godine često igrao nogomet i da u tom“uličnom”

nogometučak i nisam bio loš.

Međutim, nakon što sam ušao u seniorski vaterpolo

morao sam, nažalost, prestati igrati zbog opasnosti od ozljeda.

To je i najveći razlog

zašto svi moji suigrači izbjegav aju igrati nogomet, budući da smo mi iz

beautiful moments in Qatar and we were living as one".

Which moments impressed you the most?

"There were many goals and saves, it is difficult to single out just one, but if I have to, it would be Bruno Petković's goal against Brazil and the following penalty shootout. That was really unforgettable, our players have shown great mental strength and managed to defeat the top contender for the goal medal".

You have probably felt for your goalie colleague Dominik Livaković, who was brilliant in Qatar?

"In Qatar, Dominik has confirmed that he is among the best goalkeepers in the world. He was the best when it mattered the most. In my opinion, he was one of the key advantages for Croatia and made a crucial contribution to this historic achievement".

How about your football skills? What is your playing experience? Are waterpolo players good at football?

BIJAČ

"I have to admit that by 15 or 16 years of age I have often played football, and I wasn't even bad when playing in the streets. However, after entering the world of senior waterpolo, I was unfortunately forced to stop playing, in order to avoid injuries. This is the main reason why my waterpolo Foto: TomDubravec / CROPIX

photo by ivo biočina

photo by zoran jelača

"vodenih" sportova jošosjetljiviji na ozljede izvan vode”.

Za koga navija Marko Bijač? Postoje li neki klubovi u Hrvatskoj i inozemstvu koji su ti posebno dragi?

“Nisam veliki fan nekog kluba, ali mi Dubrovčani smo većinom više vezani uz Hajduk, pa eto, ako moram birati rekao bih da mi je Hajduk nekako najdraži”.

Imašnekog nogometaša koji ti je posebno drag i zašto?

“Izdvojitću kapetana Vatrenih, Luku Modrića. Naravno da me oduševljava onošto on pruža na terenu, i u klubu, i u reprezentaciji. Luka je sigurno jedan od najboljih veznih igrača u povijesti, ali onošto me jošviše oduševljava jest koliko je on zapravo ostao skroman, bez i jedne mrlje na svojoj karijeri i mislim da može biti ponos i putokaz svima nama hrvatskim sportašima kako treba predstavljati svoju zemlju”.

teammates avoid playing football - in aquatics, athletes are even more prone to non-aquatics injury".

Who does Marko Bijačsupport? Are there clubs in Croatia or abroad that you especially like?

"I'm not a big fan of any club, but the people from Dubrovnik mostly feel the connection with Hajduk, so I would have to say that I favour Hajduk".

Are there any footballers that you hold dear, and why?

"I would emphasize Croatia captain Luka Modrić. Naturally, I am thrilled when I see what he can do on the pitch, on both club and international level. He is definitely one of the best midfielders in history, but what thrills me even more is how he has remained humble, without a single stain in his career. I believe he can be the proud example to all Croatian athletes, on how to represent your country".

Foto:VedranLevi /CROPIX

HRVATSKAWALES

DOMINIK LIVAKOVIĆ

IVO GRBIĆ

NEDILJKO LABROVIĆ

DOMAGOJ VIDA

BORNA BARIŠIĆ

JOSIP JURANOVIĆ

JOŠKO GVARDIOL

BORNA SOSA

JOSIP STANIŠIĆ

MARTIN ERLIĆ

JOSIPŠUTALO

LUKA MODRIĆ

MATEO KOVAČIĆ

MARCELO BROZOVIĆ

MARIO PAŠALIĆ

NIKOLA VLAŠIĆ

LOVRO MAJER

LUKA IVANUŠEC

IVAN PERIŠIĆ

ANDREJ KRAMARIĆ

BRUNO PETKOVIĆ

MISLAV ORŠIĆ

MARKO LIVAJA

PETAR MUSA

WAYNE HENNESSEY

DANNY WARD

ADAM DAVIES

BEN DAVIES

NECO WILLIAMS

BEN CABANGO

TOM LOCKYER

JOE RODON

CHRIS MEPHAM

ETHAN AMPADU

CONNOR ROBERTS

SORBA THOMAS

JORDAN JAMES

NATHAN BROADHEAD

WES BURNS

AARON RAMSEY

JOE MORRELL

HARRY WILSON

DAN JAMES

KIEFFER MOORE

LUKE HARRIS

BRENNAN JOHNSON

OLLIE COOPER

TOM BRADSHAW

Referee: Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro (POR)

Assistant Referees:& Bruno Miguel Alves Jesus (POR)Luciano António Gomes Maia (POR)

Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins- Assistant VAR: Luís Miguel Branco Godinho (POR)(POR)

4th Official: Vitor Jorge Fernandes Ferreira- Referee Observer: (POR)VladimirŠajn (SVN) Delegate: Michal Mertinyák- Security officer:- VOBM:(GER) (SVK)Jouko Ikonen (FIN)Askan Brehm

Publisher:, Ulica grada Vukovara 269a, Zagreb

Hrvatski nogometni savez/Croatian Football Federation

Editor:Graphic and Technical Editor: Marko CVIJANOVIĆ-Nikša MARTINAC Journalists:and Borna RUPNIKNika BAHTIJAREVIĆ

Photo:, HNS, UEFA, Getty images, FAW Drago SOPTA