Croatia national football team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
Croatia
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Vatreni (Fiery Ones)[1]
Association Hrvatski Nogometni Savez
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Flag of Croatia Slaven Bilić
Asst coach Flag of Croatia Aljoša Asanović
Flag of Croatia Nikola Jurčević
Flag of Croatia Marijan Mrmić
Flag of Croatia Robert Prosinečki
Captain Robert Kovač
Most caps Dario Šimić (100)
Top scorer Davor Šuker (45)
Home stadium Maksimir Stadium
FIFA code CRO
FIFA ranking 8
Highest FIFA ranking 3 (January 1999)
Lowest FIFA ranking 125 (March 1994)
Elo ranking 8
Highest Elo ranking 5 (July 1998)
Lowest Elo ranking 26 (Oct 2002)
Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Home colours
Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Away colours
First international
Flag of Croatia Croatia 4–0 Switzerland Flag of Switzerland
(Zagreb, Yugoslavia; April 2, 1940)
Biggest win
Flag of Croatia Croatia 7–0 Australia Flag of Australia
(Zagreb, Croatia; June 6, 1998)
Flag of Croatia Croatia 7–0 Andorra Flag of Andorra
(Zagreb, Croatia; October 7, 2006)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Slovakia Slovakia 4–1 Croatia Flag of Croatia
(Bratislava, Slovakia; April 20, 1994)
Flag of Croatia Croatia 0–3 Portugal Flag of Portugal
(Nottingham, England; June 19, 1996)
Flag of France France 3–0 Croatia Flag of Croatia
(Saint-Denis, France; November 13, 1999)
Flag of Croatia Croatia 0–3 Netherlands Flag of the Netherlands
(Split, Croatia; February 6, 2008)
Flag of Croatia Croatia 1–4 England Flag of England
(Zagreb, Croatia; September 10, 2008)
World Cup
Appearances 3 (First in 1998)
Best result 3rd, 1998
European Championship
Appearances 3 (First in 1996)
Best result Quarterfinals, 1996, 2008

The Croatia national football team represents the Republic of Croatia in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by Slaven Bilić. A recognized national team represented the short-lived Banovina of Croatia and Independent State of Croatia in nineteen friendly matches between 1940 and 1944.[2] Although this team was affiliated with FIFA, Croatia remained a constituent federal republic of Yugoslavia during the period and did not field a separate team for competitive matches.

The modern team was formed in 1990, shortly before Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia, and by 1993 had gained membership in FIFA and UEFA.[3] The team first played competitive matches in a successful qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 96, leading to its first appearance at a major European championship.[2] At Croatia's first FIFA World Cup in 1998 the team finished third and provided the tournament's top scorer, Davor Šuker. Since becoming eligible to participate in 1993, Croatia have qualified for every World Cup and have missed only one European Cup tournament, in 2000.[4]

Most home matches are played at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, though some fixtures take place at the Poljud Stadium in Split or at other, smaller venues, depending on the nature of the match. The team was undefeated in its first 36 home competitive matches, the run ending with a 2008 defeat to England.[5][6][7][2]

Croatia was named FIFA's "Best Mover of the Year" in 1994 and 1998, becoming the only team to win the award more than once.[8] On admission to FIFA, Croatia was ranked 125th in the world; following the 1998 World Cup campaign, the side ranked third.[9][1][10]

Contents

[edit] History

See also: Yugoslavia national football team and Croatia national football team games - 1940s

[edit] Pre-independence

Football was introduced to Croatia by English expatriates in Rijeka and Županja in 1873; the official rulebook was recognized in 1896. By 1908 local clubs had been established in Croatia and a modern edition of the sport's laws was published.[11] FIFA records document a Croatian national team playing a full-length fixture against domestic opposition in 1907.[3] Before the nation's independence, Croatian footballers played for the national teams of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1919–39) and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–90), though during periods of political upheaval, ethnically Croatian sides sometimes formed to play unofficial matches.[12] A hastily-arranged national side, managed by Hugo Kinert, played a few private domestic matches in 1918–19.[13][14]

The first recognized Croatian team played against Switzerland in 1940.

In 1940, Jozo Jakopić led an unofficial national team representing the Banovina of Croatia in four friendly matches: two against Switzerland and two against Hungary.[2] Croatia made their debut as an independently sanctioned team by defeating the Swiss 4–0 in Zagreb on April 2, 1940.[note 1] Following invasion by the Axis powers, the Croatian Football Federation became briefly active, joining FIFA on July 17, 1941 as the Independent State of Croatia. The national side, under the direction of Rudolf Hitrec, played fifteen friendly matches, fourteen as an official FIFA member.[3][15] Croatia's first recorded result as a FIFA associate was a 1–1 tie with Slovakia on September 8 in Bratislava.[2] Further matches were played until 1945 when the Independent State of Croatia was abolished and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia assumed control, thereby ending the team's affiliation with FIFA.[15]

From 1950 to 1956 another unofficial Croatian team was briefly active; it won games against Indonesia and a Yugoslav team playing as "Serbia".[14] The Yugoslavia squad at the 1956 Summer Olympics included Croatian footballers,[16] as did Yugoslavia in World Cup and European Championship tournaments up to 1990.[17][18]

[edit] Official formation

The last Yugoslav team to field a considerable Croatian contingent played against Sweden on May 16, 1991, days before Croatia's independence referendum.[19] Another Croatian team formed during this time; it played its first modern international game, against the United States, on October 17, 1990 at Maksimir Stadium. The game, which Croatia won 2–1,[20] was one of three games played under original manager Dražan Jerković. Croatia won twice more under his direction before Stanko Poklepović and Vlatko Marković each briefly headed the team. Croatia was still considered part of Yugoslavia until its independence declaration on October 8, 1991, but this team already served as a de facto national team.[21][22]

In mid-1992 the team joined FIFA and UEFA. The team's performances before Croatia's independence were not recorded by FIFA, so they entered the World Rankings in 125th place.[10][4] Miroslav Blažević was appointed manager and oversaw the team's qualifying campaign for Euro 96, beginning with Croatia's first officially recognized post-independence victory: a 2–0 win over Estonia on September 4, 1994. Their first competitive defeat came on June 11, 1995, with a 1–0 away loss to Ukraine during the same qualifying campaign.[2] They finished on top of their qualifying group[23] and won FIFA's 1994 Best Mover of the Year award as their international rankings rose.[24]

[edit] "Golden Generation"

Goran Vlaović scored the team's first goal at a major tournament, a late winner against Turkey at the City Ground during Euro 96.[25] After their opening victory Croatia beat reigning champions Denmark 3–0,[26] a match in which striker Davor Šuker scored with a lob from 12 yards after receiving a long pass. He later described the goal as a favourite.[27] Croatia lost 3–0 to Portugal in their final group fixture[28] but still advanced to the knockout stages, where they were beaten by eventual champions Germany in the quarter finals.[29]

Croatia's 3-5-2 lineup during the 1998 World Cup. Initial striker Alen Bokšić was withdrawn due to injury.

Miroslav Blažević remained as manager during Croatia's 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended successfully with victory over Ukraine in the play-offs. In the group stage of the World Cup, Croatia beat Jamaica and Japan but lost to Argentina, before defeating Romania to reach a quarter final tie against Germany, then ranked second in the world.[30] Though regarded as underdogs, Croatia won 3–0, with goals from Robert Jarni, Goran Vlaović and Davor Šuker after Christian Wörns was sent off for Germany.

Croatia faced the host nation, France, in the semi-final: after a goalless first-half, Croatia took the lead, only to concede two goals by opposing defender Lilian Thuram and lose 2–1. Croatia won third place by defeating the Netherlands, and Davor Šuker won the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals in the tournament.[31] This was among the best debut performances in the World Cup, and as a result, Croatia were placed third in the January 1999 FIFA World Rankings, their highest ranking to date.[17][10] Croatia again won the Best Mover of the Year award in 1998.[8] For their achievements the team of the 1990s was dubbed the "Golden Generation".[32][33] Many of these players were also in the former Yugoslavia under-20 team which won the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship in Chile.

Despite these successes in their first two major competitions, Croatia finished third in their Euro 2000 qualifying group, behind Yugoslavia and Republic of Ireland, and thus failed to qualify.[34] Both fixtures between Croatia and Yugoslavia ended in draws; this fuelled the politically-based tension between fans of the two teams, and political protests broke out during the fixture in Belgrade.[35] The return match in Zagreb ended in a 2–2 draw, preventing Croatia from qualifying for the tournament.[27]

[edit] Decline under Jozić and Barić (early 2000s)

Coach Blažević resigned in autumn 2000 and Mirko Jozić was appointed his successor. Despite the retirement of many "Golden Generation" players, Croatia were unbeaten in their qualifying matches for the 2002 World Cup. They commenced the tournament campaign with a narrow loss to Mexico before producing a surprise 2–1 victory over Euro 2000 finalists Italy in the next fixture.[36][37] At the tournament the team blamed the pressure of high expectations[38] for their final fixture loss to Ecuador which prevented their progression to the knockout stages.[39] Jozić resigned and was replaced in July 2002 by former Fenerbahçe coach Otto Barić, the team's first manager born outside the Balkans.[40][41]

Under Barić Croatia performed indifferently in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, reaching the tournament finals with a playoff win against Slovenia after finishing second in their group.[42] At the tournament Croatia drew 2–2 with reigning champions France[43] but lost to England and were eliminated in the group stage.[44] Barić's two-year contract ended in July 2004 and was not renewed.[45]

[edit] Kranjčar and Bilić's revival

Former Croatia international Zlatko Kranjčar, appointed to succeed Barić in July 2004, oversaw Croatia's qualification for the 2006 World Cup without losing a match,[46][47] but was accused of nepotism for selecting his son Niko for the national squad.[48] Croatia lost their opening game to Brazil[49] and drew 0–0 with Japan after Dario Srna missed a first-half penalty.[50] A 2–2 draw with Australia, in which three players were sent off, confirmed Croatia's elimination at the group stage.[51] The game was notable also for a mistake by referee Graham Poll, who awarded three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Šimunić.[note 2] Poll, heavily criticized for losing control of the match, retired from refereeing shortly afterwards.[52]

The HNS replaced Kranjčar with Slaven Bilić in July 2006.[53] Bilić appointed several younger players to the squad[54] and saw early success,[55][56][57] overseeing a 2–0 friendly defeat of Italy in his first match.[58] Having controversially suspended players Dario Srna, Ivica Olić and Boško Balaban for missing a curfew after a turbofolk nightclub outing,[59] Bilić led the team in qualification for Euro 2008; they topped their group,[60] losing only one game (to Macedonia) and beating England twice, who consequently failed to qualify for the first time since 1984.[61]

After primary striker Eduardo da Silva suffered a compound fracture while playing in the English Premier League, Bilić was forced to alter his tournament squad significantly[62][63] and recruited Nikola Kalinić and Nikola Pokrivač, neither of whom had yet played competitive games for the national team.[64][65] The team received criticism after poor attacking performances in warm-up games against Scotland and Moldova,[66][67] but at the tournament beat Austria, Germany, and Poland to reach the quarter finals with maximum group points for the first time in their tournament history.[68] Niko Kovač remained team captain at what was expected to be his final international tournament,[69] except in the final group fixture when Dario Šimić temporarily held the position.[70] Croatia's tournament run ended dramatically when they lost a penalty shoot-out to Turkey,[56][71][72] but secured the tournament record for fewest goals conceded (2), fewest games lost (0),[note 3] and earliest goal (in the fourth minute of their opening game against Austria—this was also the all-time earliest successful penalty at the European Championship Finals).[73]

Amidst speculation that he would quit,[74][75] manager Bilić renewed his contract, the first manager since Blažević to lead Croatia to successive tournaments.[76] Croatia were again drawn to play England in the qualification stages of the 2010 World Cup; the tie was voted the most anticipated of the campaign on FIFA.com.[77] After a home win against Kazakhstan[78] Croatia lost at home to England, ending a fourteen-year unbeaten home record.[6]

[edit] Tournament records

[edit] World Cup record

Croatia have qualified for every World Cup since their tournament debut in 1998. Although they joined both FIFA and UEFA by 1992, they were unable to enter the 1994 World Cup as qualification had started before the side was officially recognised.[79] The nation's best performance came in their first World Cup; in their following two World Cup campaigns they were eliminated after finishing third in their groups.

Year Round Position Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA
Flag of France 1998 Third place 3 7 5 0 2 11 5
Flag of South KoreaFlag of Japan 2002 Round 1 23 3 1 0 2 2 3
Flag of Germany 2006 Round 1 22 3 0 2 1 2 3
Total 3/3 - 13 6 2 5 15 11

[edit] European Championship record

Croatia's best results in UEFA Championships were quarter final finishes on their debut, in 1996, and in 2008. They did not qualify for the 2000 tournament; it is the only major competition the national team have missed since Croatia's independence. The HNS raised an unsuccessful joint bid with the Hungarian Football Federation to co-host the 2012 tournament, which was awarded instead to Poland and Ukraine.[80]

  • 1960 to 1992 – Could not enter.[note 6]
Year Round Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA
Flag of England 1996 Quarter finals 4 2 0 2 5 5
Flag of BelgiumFlag of the Netherlands 2000 Did not qualify - - - - - -
Flag of Portugal 2004 Round 1 3 0 2 1 4 6
Flag of AustriaFlag of Switzerland 2008 Quarter finals 4 3 1 0 5 2
Total 3/4 11 5 3 3 14 13

[edit] Minor tournaments

Year Round Position Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA
Flag of Morocco 1996 King Hassan II Tournament Winners 1 2 0 2 0 3 3
Flag of Japan 1997 Kirin Cup Group stage 2 2 0 1 1 4 5
Flag of South Korea 1999 Korea Cup Winners 1 3 1 2 0 5 4
Flag of Hong Kong 2006 Carlsberg Cup Third place 3 2 1 0 1 4 2
Total - 2 Titles 9 2 5 2 16 14

[edit] Statistics

[edit] Managers

Before Croatia's independence distinct Croatian football federations and teams were occasionally formed separately from the official Yugoslavian organizations. Ivo Kraljević served as the manager of the initial federation, established in 1939, and organised non-sanctioned matches played by unofficial national squads up to 1956.[15] These temporary sides, playing non-competitive fixtures, were led by seven different managers.[note 7]

Statistically, Dražan Jerković and Vlatko Marković are the most successful managers in Croatia's history; they both recorded victories in each of their few games in charge. Miroslav Blažević, who was the team's first official manager, holds the highest number of competitive victories, having led Croatia to their best performances at major international tournaments.

Name Tenure Played Won Drawn Lost Win % Points per game[note 8] Achievements
Flag of Croatia Jerković, DražanDražan Jerković 1990–1991 3 3 0 0 100.00 3.00
Flag of Croatia Poklepović, StankoStanko Poklepović 1992 4 1 1 2 25.00 1.00
Flag of Croatia Marković, VlatkoVlatko Marković 1993 1 1 0 0 100.00 3.00
Flag of Croatia Blažević, MiroslavMiroslav Blažević 1994–2000 73 36 22 15 49.31 1.78 1996 Euro - quarter final
1998 World Cup - third place
Flag of Croatia Jozić, MirkoMirko Jozić 2000–2002 18 9 6 3 50.00 1.83 2002 World Cup - group stage
Flag of Croatia Barić, OttoOtto Barić 2002–2004 24 11 8 5 45.83 1.70 2004 Euro - group stage
Flag of Croatia Kranjčar, ZlatkoZlatko Kranjčar 2004–2006 25 11 8 6 44.00 1.64 2006 World Cup - group stage
Flag of Croatia Bilić, SlavenSlaven Bilić 2006–present 31 22 6 3 70.96 2.32 2008 Euro - quarter final
Totals 179 94 51 33 52.51 1.86
Last updated: Andorra 0–2 Croatia, April 1, 2009. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

[edit] Most appearances

# Name Clubs[note 9] Croatia career Caps Goals
1 Dario Šimić Dinamo Zagreb, Internazionale, AC Milan, AS Monaco 1996–2008 100 3
2 Niko Kovač Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, Bayern Munich,
Hertha Berlin, Red Bull Salzburg		 1996–2008 83 15
=3 Robert Jarni Hajduk Split, Bari, Torino, Juventus, Real Betis,
Real Madrid, Las Palmas, Panathinaikos		 1990–2002 81 1
=3 Robert Kovač Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich,
Juventus,Borussia Dortmund, Dinamo Zagreb		 1999–present 81 0
5 Stipe Pletikosa Hajduk Split, Shakhtar Donetsk, Spartak Moscow 1999–present 79 0
6 Josip Šimunić Hertha Berlin 2001–present 71 3
7 Davor Šuker[27] Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla, Real Madrid,
Arsenal, West Ham United, 1860 Munich		 1990–2002 69 45
8 Darijo Srna Hajduk Split, Shakhtar Donetsk 2002–present 64 17
9 Ivica Olić NK Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb, CSKA Moscow, Hamburger SV 2002–present 63 11
10 Aljoša Asanović Metz, Cannes, Montpellier, Hajduk Split, Real Valladolid,
Derby County, Napoli, Panathinaikos		 1990–2000 62 4
Last updated: Andorra 0–2 Croatia, April 1, 2009. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

[edit] Top goalscorers

# Name Croatia career Goals Caps
1 Davor Šuker[27] 1990–2002 45 69
2 Darijo Srna 2002–present 17 64
3 Goran Vlaović 1992–2002 16 52
4 Niko Kovač 1996–2008 15 83
5 Eduardo da Silva 2004–present 14 24
6 Zvonimir Boban 1991–1999 12 51
=7 Robert Prosinečki 1993–2002 11 49
=7 Ivica Olić 2002–present 11 63
=7 Ivan Klasnić 2004–present 11 35
=9 Alen Bokšić 1993–2002 10 40
=9 Boško Balaban 2000–present 10 35
=9 Mladen Petrić 2001–present 10 32
Last updated: Andorra 0–2 Croatia, April 1, 2009. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

[edit] 1940s participants

From 1940 to 1944 temporary national teams played nineteen friendly matches. Twelve players scored for the team during this period.

# Name Croatia career Goals Caps Average
1 Franjo Wölfl 1940–1944 13 18 0.72
2 Zvonimir Cimermančić 1940–1944 8 17 0.47
3 August Lešnik 1940–1944 6 9 0.66
=4 Milan Antolković 1940–1943 3 9 0.33
=4 Branko Pleše 1941–1944 3 13 0.23
=6 Slavko Pavletić 1941–1942 2 4 0.50
=6 Mirko Kokotović 1940–1944 2 15 0.13
=8 Slavko Beda 1941 1 1 1.00
=8 Antun Lokošek 1944 1 1 1.00
=8 Zvonko Jazbec 1940 1 3 0.33
=8 Florijan Matekalo 1940 1 4 0.25
=8 Ratko Kacijan 1940–1943 1 10 0.10

[edit] Players

Before each tournament or group of qualifying fixtures each national team manager is required to form a twenty-three-man squad with at least three players in each position. In the case of an injury or sudden inability to participate managers may replace the ineligible players. A player who receives two yellow cards during the same tournament or qualifying campaign is suspended for the next fixture; the player may receive a longer suspension in the case of violent misconduct or defiance.

Miroslav Blažević was the first manager to submit an official Croatian squad, naming players for the 1996 European Championship selection. A similar squad, also selected and led by Blažević, appeared for the 1998 World Cup selection. Mirko Jozić announced a new squad for the 2002 World Cup selection. Otto Barić retained many of these players for the 2004 European Championship squad. Zlatko Kranjčar led Croatia to a single tournament, constituting a squad for the 2006 World Cup selection. The last tournament squad was selected by Slaven Bilić for the 2008 European Championship selection.

[edit] Current squad

Croatia's current squad, formed to compete against Andorra in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match on April 1, was announced on March 18, 2009 by head coach Slaven Bilić.

Caps, goals and numbers are as of April 1, 2009 and the conclusion of the last match vs. Andorra.

No. Pos. Player DoB (Age) Caps Goals Club
1 GK Stipe Pletikosa January 8, 1979 (1979-01-08) (age 30) 79 0 Flag of Russia Spartak Moscow
12 GK Danijel Subašić October 27, 1984 (1984-10-27) (age 24) 0 0 Flag of Croatia Hajduk Split
GK Vedran Runje 1 February 10, 1976 (1976-02-10) (age 33) 6 0 Flag of France Lens
2 DF Hrvoje Čale March 4, 1985 (1985-03-04) (age 24) 2 0 Flag of Turkey Trabzonspor
4 DF Ivica Križanac April 13, 1979 (1979-04-13) (age 30) 5 0 Flag of Russia Zenit
5 DF Vedran Ćorluka February 6, 1986 (1986-02-06) (age 23) 31 0 Flag of England Tottenham Hotspur
6 DF Hrvoje Vejić June 8, 1977 (1977-06-08) (age 31) 5 0 Flag of Croatia Hajduk Split
15 DF Dario Knežević April 20, 1982 (1982-04-20) (age 26) 12 1 Flag of Italy Juventus
-- DF Dino Drpić May 26, 1981 (1981-05-26) (age 27) 1 0 Flag of Germany KSC
DF Josip Šimunić 3 February 18, 1978 (1978-02-18) (age 31) 71 3 Flag of Germany Hertha Berlin
3 MF Ognjen Vukojević December 20, 1983 (1983-12-20) (age 25) 12 1 Flag of Ukraine Dynamo Kiev
7 MF Ivan Rakitić March 10, 1988 (1988-03-10) (age 21) 18 6 Flag of Germany Schalke 04
8 MF Niko Kranjčar August 13, 1984 (1984-08-13) (age 24) 48 7 Flag of England Portsmouth
10 MF Luka Modrić September 9, 1985 (1985-09-09) (age 23) 34 6 Flag of England Tottenham Hotspur
11 MF Darijo Srna (captain) May 1, 1982 (1982-05-01) (age 26) 64 17 Flag of Ukraine Shakhtar Donetsk
13 MF Nikola Pokrivač November 26, 1985 (1985-11-26) (age 23) 7 0 Flag of France Monaco
14 MF Ivan Jurić August 25, 1975 (1975-08-25) (age 33) 2 0 Flag of Italy Genoa
18 MF Drago Gabrić September 27, 1986 (1986-09-27) (age 22) 0 0 Flag of Croatia Hajduk Split
MF Jerko Leko 1 April 9, 1980 (1980-04-09) (age 29) 57 2 Flag of France Monaco
MF Danijel Pranjić 1 December 2, 1981 (1981-12-02) (age 27) 21 0 Flag of the Netherlands Heerenveen
9 FW Eduardo February 25, 1983 (1983-02-25) (age 26) 24 14 Flag of England Arsenal
16 FW Nikola Kalinić January 5, 1988 (1988-01-05) (age 21) 3 0 Flag of Croatia Hajduk Split
17 FW Ivan Klasnić January 29, 1980 (1980-01-29) (age 29) 35 11 Flag of France Nantes
-- FW Bojan Vručina 2 November 8, 1984 (1984-11-08) (age 24) 0 0 Flag of Croatia Slaven Belupo
FW Mario Mandžukić 1 May 21, 1986 (1986-05-21) (age 22) 4 1 Flag of Croatia Dinamo Zagreb
FW Ivica Olić 1 September 14, 1979 (1979-09-14) (age 29) 63 11 Flag of Germany HSV

1 withdrew due to injuries
2 called in as a substitute
3 was not eligible to play due to suspension

[edit] Recent call ups

The following players have also been called up to the Croatia squad in 2009.

Name DOB Club Caps (goals) Most Recent Call up
Defenders
Robert Kovač 1 April 6, 1974 (age 34) Flag of Croatia Dinamo Zagreb 81 (0) v Romania, 11 February 2009
Midfielders
Ivo Iličević September 14, 1986 (age 22) Flag of Germany Greuther Fürth 0 (0) v Romania, 11 February 2009
Forwards
Mladen Petrić 2 January 1, 1981 (age 28) Flag of Germany HSV 32 (10) v Romania, 11 February 2009

1 suspended for the last game
2 injured for the last game


[edit] 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - UEFA Group 6

Team
v • d • e
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 England 5 5 0 0 16 4 +12 15
 Croatia 5 3 1 1 10 4 +6 10
 Ukraine 4 2 1 1 5 3 +2 7
 Belarus 4 2 0 2 9 6 +3 6
 Kazakhstan 5 1 0 4 6 16 −10 3
 Andorra 5 0 0 5 1 14 −13 0
  Flag of Andorra Flag of Belarus Flag of Croatia Flag of England Flag of Kazakhstan Flag of Ukraine
Andorra  – 1 – 3 0 – 2 0 – 2 9 Sep 14 Oct
Belarus  6 Jun – 12 Aug 1 – 3 10 Oct 9 Sep
Croatia  4 – 0 5 Sep – 1 – 4 3 – 0 6 Jun
England  10 Jun 14 Oct 9 Sep – 5 – 1 2 – 1
Kazakhstan  3 – 0 1 – 5 14 Oct 6 Jun – 1 – 3
Ukraine  5 Sep 1 – 0 0 – 0 10 Oct 10 Jun –


[edit] Records

Dario Šimić, with 100 appearances before his 2008 retirement, is Croatia's most capped international player, surpassing Robert Jarni's record of 81 appearances.[81][82][83]

With 45 goals scored, Davor Šuker is Croatia's highest-scoring player. He was named Croatia's "Golden Player" at the UEFA jubilee celebration in 2004 in recognition of this achievement.[27] Darijo Srna is in a distant second position with 17 goals (as of September 2008).[84] Mladen Petrić holds the national team record for goals in a single match, having scored four times during Croatia's 7–0 home victory over Andorra on October 7, 2006.[85]

The national team's joint record for highest-scoring victory comes from two 7–0 results, over Andorra in 2006 and Australia in 1998. Croatia's worst defeat is also a joint record, the Independent State of Croatia side having twice lost 5–1 defeats to Germany in the 1940s. In the modern era Croatia lost 4–1 to Slovakia in a 1994 friendly and 3–0 to Portugal at Euro 96. The worst home defeat in the modern period was the 4–1 loss to England in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.[2]

[edit] Hierarchy

The Croatian team is a fully licensed member of FIFA and UEFA. FIFA governs Croatia's participation in global international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup;[86] UEFA presides over European tournaments.[87]

The team is also governed by the Croatian Football Federation, which governs domestic football under FIFA and UEFA affiliation. The federation is led by Vlatko Marković, who represents the team in conferences. The federation (abbreviated HNS) governs player registration and selects the team coaching staff and pays players' salaries. Head coach Slaven Bilić selects and organises national squad players and enforces team policies.[88]

[edit] Stadium

Main article: Maksimir Stadium

Most home matches take place at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. The venue, built 1912 and refurbished in 1997, is named after the surrounding neighbourhood of Maksimir.[89] The stadium has hosted national games since Croatia's competitive home debut against Lithuania; it also hosted the Croatian teams' home matches during World War II.[2] The football federation and the Croatian government have agreed further improvements (among them an increase in the current forty-thousand seating capacity) that would make Maksimir the most expensive football stadium in the world.[89][90] However, in 2008, UEFA threatened to limit the number of fans allowed to attend home games after crowd discipline problems during the European Championships.[91] Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić declined the final renovation plans in 2008, citing high construction costs; as of December 2008 the renovations are postponed.[92]

Home matches have occasionally been played at other venues. The Poljud Stadium in Split hosted several qualifying fixtures for Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup. The team also played qualifying matches at the Gradski vrt stadium in Osijek and the NK Varteks stadium in Varaždin. The last competitive match outside Maksimir took place in 2003 when Croatia beat Andorra in Euro 2004 qualifying.[note 10]

[edit] Home venues record

Since Croatia's first fixture (October 17, 1990 vs. United States) they have played home games at eight stadiums.

Venue City Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA Points per game
Maksimir Zagreb 40 27 11 2 87 21 2.34
Kantrida Rijeka 9 8 1 0 14 2 2.77
Poljud Split 9 0 6 3 7 12 0.66
Stadion NK Varteks Varaždin 6 4 2 0 12 3 2.33
Gradski vrt Osijek 5 3 2 0 14 5 2.20
Kranjčevićeva Zagreb 1 1 0 0 3 0 3.00
Šubićevac Šibenik 1 0 1 0 2 2 1.00
Aldo Drosina Pula 1 0 0 1 1 2 0.00
Totals 70 42 23 5 137 47 2.12
Last updated: Croatia 1–4 England, September 10, 2008. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

[edit] Team image

[edit] Names

Under the official FIFA Trigramme the team’s name is abbreviated as CRO; this acronym is used to identify the team in FIFA and media.[93] The team is also identified under the International Organization for Standardization country code for Croatia, HRV.[94] "Croatia national football team" can be translated into Croatian as "Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija" (pronounced: xř̩.ʋaː.ʦkaː nɔːɠɔːmɛtnaː ɾɛpɾɛzɛntaːtsijaː). Among the team's nicknames are Vatreni ("Fiery Ones")[1] and, more recently, "Bilić Boys" (from the name of the coach, Slaven Bilić).[95]

[edit] Supporters

Prominent among Croatia's supporters are followers of Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb, the two best-supported clubs in the Croatian domestic league, the Prva HNL.[96] The clubs' ultra-style supporter groups, the Bad Blue Boys of Zagreb and The Torcida from Split, have both been associated with hooliganism,[97][98] though violence between the two is not reported at international games.[99] Croatia's supporters are collectively affiliated with Uvijek Vjerni (translated as 'Always Faithful'), which is the national team's official fan association aiming to bring together all fans around the world.[100]

A Croatian crowd celebrate with flares following Croatia's victory over Germany in 2008.

Nonetheless, fan behavior at international games has led to international sanction against the side. Croatia was penalized and threatened with expulsion from UEFA for racist behaviour by fans at Euro 2004[101] On other occasions Croatia fans defied security regulations. During the 2006 World Cup a fan evaded security at a German venue and approached Croatian players on the field; he was arrested for trespassing.[102] During a friendly match against Italy in Livorno, a small group of Croatian fans stood in a swastika formation in response to Italians fans waving communist flags; UEFA penalized the Croatian football federation for the incident.[103][101] Similar events occurred at Euro 2008; UEFA penalized Croatia for a display of racist banners against Turkey[104] and FIFA fined the Croatian football federation for racial abuse of England striker Emile Heskey on September 10, 2008.[105]

Croatia fans often use flares in both domestic league derby matches and in international games,[106][107][108] a practice which, according to agent Igor Štimac and midfielder Luka Modrić, motivates the Croatian team.[109][110] The practice is banned at most international games and Croatia fans have been reprimanded and had devices confiscated by UEFA and FIFA security staff.[111] Croatia fans also clashed with Turkish Muslims during a Euro 2008 game against Turkey. Security was tightened when Croats and Turks gathered in Vienna shortly before the quarter final game of the tournament; after the match, Croatian fans resisted police and brawled with Turkish fans.[112]

Tensions with fans of sides from other former Yugoslav states have also manifested at Croatia games. Croatia fans in the crowd at a June 3, 1990 game between Yugoslavia and the Netherlands booed the Yugoslavian national anthem and players and cheered for the Dutch side instead.[113] Maksimir Stadium was the scene of a riot between Croat and Serb fans at a Dinamo Zagreb – Red Star Belgrade game following the parliamentary election the same year.[114] During the 2006 World Cup brawls broke out between Bosniaks and Croats in Mostar over religious differences.[115]

[edit] Media and public relations

Franjo Tuđman, the first president of Croatia, kept a strong relationship with the national team during his reign and credited their contribution towards the formation of a sovereign Croatian republic.

Football is Croatia's most popular team sport[116] and occupied a large role in the country's independent break-up from Yugoslavia. Nationalism grew heavily during the team's formation in the 1990s when Franjo Tuđman was elected president. By competing separately in both official and unofficial matches, the national team strengthened the unity of Croatian culture, an accomplishment which the predominant Catholic Church and economy were criticized for failing.[117] Furthermore, Tuđman’s correlation with the national team became a strong force towards becoming a patriotic Croatian state. After Croatia’s success at the 1998 World Cup, Tuđman declared that "football victories shape a nation’s identity as much as wars".[117] The team’s unanimous support grew largely after such attention from the political party. American politician and diplomat Strobe Talbott predicted Croatia’s growth in football to influence that of the nation itself.[118] The national team were greeted by Tuđman and 100,000 residents from all around the country after their return from the World Cup. Tuđman spoke on behalf of the supporters by honouring the squad upon their appearance.

It is my honour on behalf of the Croatian state leadership, to congratulate the players of the Croatian soccer representation for their great results at the World Cup. By reaching these heights, dear soccer players, you have contributed to Croatia which stood behind you in Zagreb. During your matches, the entire Croatian people, numbering some eight-million from the homeland and abroad stood behind you. You have given a great contribution to raising Croatia’s reputation in the world. Your magnificent success is a great contribution to the now Independent State of Croatia.[118]

When connections between the team and political parties was strong, concerns of fascism arose. Though the relationship between the team and any political party has waned since Tuđman's death in 1999,[119] the team (and football) remain patriotic traditions in Croatia.[120]

Since its formation, the team has constantly been the focus of Croatian media attention. The team's games are regularly broadcast live on Croatia's principal station HRT.[121] In 2007, the team donated proceeds from the sales of their calendars to charity.[122] The following year, the Vlado Malešević Foundation revealed the production of a football anthem dedicated to Croatia's national team, with all proceeds also devoted to charity.[123] Shortly after becoming manager, Slaven Bilić and his rock band released a single, "Vatreno Ludilo" (Fiery Madness), which recalled the team's progress during the 1998 World Cup and praised their present ambitions. The song reached the top position on the Croatian music charts and was widely played during Euro 2008.[124][125] Because of Bilić's enthusiasm,[126][127] the team was dubbed "Bilić's Boys".[95] Other Croatian artists such as Dino Dvornik, Connect, Prljavo Kazalište and Baruni have recorded songs in support of the team, among which are "Malo Nas Je al Nas Ima" (We are little, but we are many), "Samo je Jedno" (There is but one thing [in my life]), "Moj Dom je Hrvatska" (Croatia is my homeland), "Srce Vatreno" (Heart of Fire), and "Hrvatska je Prvak Svijeta" (Croatia[ns] are world champions).[note 11]

Additionally, the team adopted the song "Lijepa li si" (How beautiful you are) by rock band Thompson,[128] mainly because of its similarity to the Croatian national anthem.[note 12] Recently, many of Thompson's songs have been played during significant games; however, when Croatia faced Israel in a home qualifying game, Thompson songs were not played due to Jewish organisations' criticism of the band. At the conclusion of the match, the squad and management team voiced their concerns and opposed the allegations of the band's racism.[129][130]

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c "Croatia eyeing top ten". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). March 3, 2007. http://img.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/news/newsid=112864.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-26. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Kramarsic, Igor/Puric, Bojan. "Croatia International matches". Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesk/kroa-intres.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-14. 
  3. ^ a b c "Goal Programme - Croatian Football Federation - 2006". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). July 17, 2008. http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cro/goalprogramme/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-04. 
  4. ^ a b "Fantasy Euro2008". The World Game. http://twg.fantasyeuro2008.sbs.com.au/stats.aspx?page=team&id=313. Retrieved on 2008-08-03. 
  5. ^ Lawrence, Amy. "England? They are pretty bad". The Observer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/oct/08/newsstory.englandfootballteam1. Retrieved on 2008-07-05. 
  6. ^ a b Stevenson, Jonathan (September 11, 2008). "Croatia 1-4 England". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7602774.stm. Retrieved on 2008-09-11. 
  7. ^ Nitsak, Igor (October 9, 2008). "Bilic tempted to reshuffle team for Ukraine clash". Reuters. http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL833666020081009. Retrieved on 2008-10-10. 
  8. ^ a b "FIFA Best Mover of the Year awards". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/gala/bestmover.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  9. ^ "Croatia follow in golden footsteps". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). August 7, 2008. http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/news/newsid=840778.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-26. 
  10. ^ a b c "Croatia - FIFA World Rankings". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cro/ranking/gender=m/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-11. 
  11. ^ Bach, N. Nenad (November 23, 2007). "In 1880 local Croatian young men began to play football in Zupanja". Croatian World Network. http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9353/1/In-1880-local-Croatian-young-men-began-to-play-football-in-Zupanja.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-06. 
  12. ^ Ramet 2005, p. 171
  13. ^ Klemenčić, all pages
  14. ^ a b "Hrvatska nogometna reprezentacija kroz povijest" (in Croatian). Uvijek Vjerni. http://www.uvijekvjerni.com/reprezentacija/povijest/. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.  Translation
  15. ^ a b c "Povijest Hrvatskog Nogometnog Saveza" (in Croatian). H-R. September 25, 2007. http://croatiasoccer.blog.hr/2007/09/1623284234/povijest-hrvatskog-nogometnog-saveza.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-19.  Translation
  16. ^ Esamie, Thomas. "Games of the XVI. Olympiad". Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1956f.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-08. 
  17. ^ a b Longman, Jere (July 6, 1998). "World Cup '98; Croatia and Its Fortunate Sons". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E0DD123EF935A35754C0A96E958260. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  18. ^ "1990 FIFA World Cup squads - Yugoslavia". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=76/teams/team=43975.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-26. 
  19. ^ "Yugoslavia National Team List of Results 1990-1999". Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesj/joeg-intres90.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-19. 
  20. ^ "Aljosa Asanovic - International appearances". Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/asanovic-intl.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-20. 
  21. ^ "Croatia - International matches 1990-1995". Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesk/kroa-intl9095.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-18. 
  22. ^ "Croatia Marks Independence Day for First Time". Southeast European times. http://www.balkantimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/bg/features/setimes/features/2002/10/021008-SVETLA-002. Retrieved on 2008-07-21. 
  23. ^ "1996 European Championship - Qualifying". TheFA.com. http://www.thefa.com/EURO2004/History/Postings/2003/01/37017.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  24. ^ "Best Mover of the Year". fifa.com. http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/gala/bestmover.html. Retrieved on 2008-12-11. 
  25. ^ "Croatia contemplate Turkey task". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=26.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-21. 
  26. ^ "Šuker stars as Danes downed". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). June 16, 1996. http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/history/season=1996/round=227/match=52515/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  27. ^ a b c d e Islamović, Elvir (April 1, 2008). "Suker: a man with the Midas touch". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=2/newsid=638977.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-22. 
  28. ^ Jon Culley. "Portugal take advantage of slack Croatia". The Independent (London). http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19960620/ai_n14045304. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  29. ^ "Germany overcome ten-man Croatia". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). June 23, 1996. http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/history/season=1996/round=223/match=52913/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  30. ^ "FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). 1998-05-20. http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html#confederation=0&rank=50. Retrieved on 2008-12-10. 
  31. ^ "Zidane lights the blue-touch paper for France". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1013/overview.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-11. 
  32. ^ Campbell, Alan (September 2, 2001). "The Golden Generation beginning to show their age". The Sunday Herald. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20010902/ai_n13961796. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  33. ^ "Pletikosa inspired by Croatia's past". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). June 9, 2008. http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=709612.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  34. ^ "Sport: Football Euro 2000 qualifying group tables". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/191195.stm. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  35. ^ "Draw for Balkan rivals". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). August 18, 1999. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/424082.stm. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  36. ^ "2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan Preliminaries". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=4395/preliminaries/preliminary=3835/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  37. ^ "Croatia punish Italy". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). June 8, 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/italy_v_croatia/newsid_1925000/1925415.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  38. ^ "Croatia blame pressure". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). June 13, 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/ecuador_v_croatia/newsid_2041000/2041393.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  39. ^ "Ecuador end Croatia hopes". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). June 13, 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/ecuador_v_croatia/default.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-10. 
  40. ^ "Jozic to step down". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). June 16, 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/croatia/newsid_2048000/2048514.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  41. ^ "Baric leads Croatian charge". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). May 26, 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/croatia/players_to_watch/3569075.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  42. ^ "Euro 2004 Qualifying Group Eight". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). October 11, 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/2899301.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  43. ^ "Croatia 2-2 France". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). June 17, 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3813635.stm. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  44. ^ "England 4-2 Croatia". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787501.stm. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  45. ^ "Baric to step down". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). May 27, 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/croatia/3707619.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  46. ^ "Former striker Kranjcar hired to lead Croatia to World Cup". CNN Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/soccer/07/13/east.europe/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-22. 
  47. ^ "2006 World Cup qualifying standings". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/preliminaries/preliminary=8071/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-22. 
  48. ^ Mcdermott, Scott (March 23, 2008). "Croatia Fans Hate Me But I'd Never Quit Says Niko Kranjcar". The Sunday Mail. http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport-news/scottish-football/2008/03/23/croatia-fans-hate-me-but-i-d-never-quit-says-niko-kranjcar-78057-20359828/. Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
  49. ^ "2006 FIFA World Cup - Brazil vs Croatia match report". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/results/matches/match=97410011/report.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-11. 
  50. ^ "2006 FIFA World Cup - Croatia vs Japan match report". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/results/matches/match=97410028/report.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-11. 
  51. ^ "Croatia 2-2 Australia". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). June 22, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853428.stm. Retrieved on 2008-10-19. 
  52. ^ Biggs, Alan/Kelso, Paul (June 24, 2006). "Poll's career on the line after Stuttgart debacle". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/jun/24/worldcup2006.sport4. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  53. ^ "Bilic appointed new Croatia coach". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). July 25, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5214026.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-20. 
  54. ^ "Youth seeking to be given its head at Euro 2008". The Citizen. June 3, 2008. http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=1,1,22&type=football&File=080603004050.9nfyr9om.xml. Retrieved on 2008-07-29. 
  55. ^ "Slaven Bilic: Encouraging my players is my way of doing things". The Independent. June 14, 2008. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/slaven-bilic-encouraging-my-players-is-my-way-of-doing-things-846997.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-03. 
  56. ^ a b "Bilic came close to quitting job". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). June 21, 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/croatia/7467523.stm. Retrieved on 2008-09-03. 
  57. ^ "Players plead for Bilic stay". The World Game. June 22, 2008. http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/croatia/players-plead-for-bilic-stay--121464/. Retrieved on 2008-09-03. 
  58. ^ Phillips, Mitch (August 17, 2006). "Croatia beat Italy 2-0". Rediff News. http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/aug/17euro.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-20. 
  59. ^ Grant, Michael (June 7, 2008). "Euro 2008: Fear Factor Despite his brutish look, Croatia manager Slaven Bilic". The Sunday Herald. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20080608/ai_n26684044. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  60. ^ "Macedonia 2-0 Croatia: Croats qualify". ESPNSoccernet. November 17, 2007. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=197471&&cc=3436. Retrieved on 2008-10-07. 
  61. ^ "Croatia, England face off again in World Cup qualifying". The Associated Press. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC Sports). November 25, 2007. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2007/11/25/euro-world-cup.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-24. 
  62. ^ Ryan, Mark (February 24, 2008). "After Taylor breaks Eduardo's leg, Wenger insists: Ban him for life". Mail Online. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-517818/After-Taylor-breaks-Eduardos-leg-Wenger-insists-Ban-life.html. Retrieved on 2008-10-22. 
  63. ^ "Qualifying - Group E". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/qualifying/standings/group=2634.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-09. 
  64. ^ Islamović, Elvir (May 5, 2008). "Bilić names squad for EURO assault". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=692102.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  65. ^ Islamović, Elvir (April 14, 2008). "Bilić praying for fully fit strike force". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=683763.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  66. ^ Moffat, Colin (March 26, 2008). "Scotland 1-1 Croatia". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7310062.stm. Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
  67. ^ "Croatia 1-0 Moldova". ESPNSoccernet. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=238245&cc=3436&league=FIFA.FRIENDLY. Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
  68. ^ Haylett, Trevor (June 16, 2008). "Klasnić completes Croatian clean sweep". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300701/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-21. 
  69. ^ "Croatia captain Niko Kovac to retire from national team after Euro 2008". International Herald Tribune. June 19, 2008. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/19/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-Euro-2008-Croatia-Kovac.php. Retrieved on 2008-07-28. 
  70. ^ "Bilic to field reserves against Poland". Eurosport. June 15, 2008. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/15062008/58/euro-2008-bilic-field-reserves-against-poland.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-28. 
  71. ^ Maher, Reda (June 21, 2008). "Euro 2008 - Comeback kings Turkey do it again". Eurosport. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21062008/58/euro-2008-comeback-kings-turkey.html?page=2&order=date. Retrieved on 2008-09-06. 
  72. ^ "Bilic on wrong end of upset as Croatia fluff the penalty shootout in Euro 2008 quarterfinals". International Herald Tribune. June 21, 2008. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/20/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-Euro-2008-Croatia-Bilic.php. Retrieved on 2008-07-24. 
  73. ^ Hughes, Ian (June 8, 2008). "Austria 0-1 Croatia". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Sport). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363048.stm. Retrieved on 2008-08-26. 
  74. ^ Parrish, Rob (March 17, 2008). "Bilic reveals Hamburg offer". SkySports.com. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3315467,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-02. 
  75. ^ Lacey, David (September 1, 2008). "Ince winces on visit to old stamping ground as fortune and Bellamy finally smile on Curbishley". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/sep/01/premierleague.blackburn. Retrieved on 2008-09-02. 
  76. ^ "Bilic agrees new Croatia deal". SkySports.com. April 30, 2008. http://www.skysports.com/football/euro2008/story/0,23063,13950_3497423,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-23. 
  77. ^ "England-Croatia topping the bill". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). December 5, 2007. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=652649.html#england+croatia+topping+bill. Retrieved on 2008-07-24. 
  78. ^ "Croatia 3-0 Kazakhstan: Croats cruise". ESPNSoccernet. September 6, 2008. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=236375&&cc=3436. Retrieved on 2008-09-11. 
  79. ^ "World Cup 1994 qualifications". Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tables/94qual.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-20. 
  80. ^ "EURO joy for Poland and Ukraine". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). April 18, 2007. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro2012/news/newsid=528963.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-20. 
  81. ^ "Dario Simic - player profile". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www1.uefa.com/tournament/players/player=13821/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-21. 
  82. ^ Milosavljevic, Zoran (June 5, 2008). "Croatia`s Dario Simic Eyes 100th Cap". Reuters. http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKL053798320080605. Retrieved on 2008-08-25. 
  83. ^ Pacak, Tomislav (September 15, 2008). "Šimić završio sa stotkom" (in Croatian). Sportnet.hr. http://www.sportnet.hr/Vijest.aspx?ID=365317. Retrieved on 2008-08-25.  Translation
  84. ^ "Dario Srna - #11 midfield". ESPNSoccernet. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=25253&&cc=3436. Retrieved on 2008-08-21. 
  85. ^ Islamović, Elvir (October 7, 2006). "Petric inspires Croatian record". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=128/newsid=464424.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-19. 
  86. ^ "About FIFA". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-07. 
  87. ^ "About UEFA". Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.uefa.com/uefa/aboutuefa/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-07. 
  88. ^ "HNS regulations". Hrvatski Nogometni Savez homepage. http://74.125.93.104/translate_c?hl=en&sl=hr&u=http://www.hns-cff.hr/%3Fln%3Dhr%26w%3Dpropisi&prev=/search%3Fq%3DCroatian%2Bfootball%2Bfederation%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG&usg=ALkJrhjuBIsClmzACrarPZy16kQUScqR1g. Retrieved on 2008-11-07. 
  89. ^ a b McIntyre, Katie. "Architecture & Design - Maksimir Stadium". Panstadia (Vol. 7 - No. 4). http://www.panstadia.com/vol7/74-022.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-07. 
  90. ^ "Maksimir Stadium – World’s Most Expensive". Javno. October 11, 2007. http://www.javno.com/en/croatia/clanak.php?id=88735. Retrieved on 2008-07-07. 
  91. ^ "UEFA to Punish HNS Due to Fascist Signs?". Javno. June 27, 2008. http://www.javno.com/en/sports/clanak.php?id=159578. Retrieved on 2008-07-07. 
  92. ^ "Mayor: I Will Not Build Stadium at That Cost". Javno. October 11, 2007. http://www.javno.com/en/croatia/clanak.php?id=88773. Retrieved on 2008-09-12. 
  93. ^ "Country info - Croatia". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cro/countryInfo.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-04. 
  94. ^ "ISO 3166 Country Codes". ISO 3166 Maintenance Agency. http://www.ciolek.com/OWTRAD/iso3166-countrycodes.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-04. 
  95. ^ a b "Croatian press praises 'Bilic boys'". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). June 17, 2008. http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/newsid=806257.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-13. 
  96. ^ "Za koji hrvatski nogometni klub navijate?" (in Croatian). Growth from Knowledge (GFK Hrvatska). May 18, 2005. http://www.gfk.hr/press/nogomet.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-19.  Translation
  97. ^ Brincat, Henry. "Incident brings back memories of Malta-Croatia match: Seven Hajduk fans arrested". The Malta Independent. http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=73131. Retrieved on 2008-08-07. 
  98. ^ Brimson, Dougie/Miles, Kevin (May 31, 2006). "Is hooliganism inevitable at this World Cup?". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/may/31/sport.comment2. Retrieved on 2008-09-04. 
  99. ^ "Football, blood and war". The Observer. January 18, 2004. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1123137,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-26. 
  100. ^ "About the club". http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=hr&u=http://www.uvijekvjerni.com/o_klubu/o-klubu/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DUvijek%2BVjerni%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG. Retrieved on 2009-01-04. 
  101. ^ a b "Croatia threatened with expulsion". DailyMail. October 10, 2006. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-409579/Croatia-threatened-Euro-2008-expulsion-UEFA.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-15. 
  102. ^ "Croatian fan interrupts Brazil-Croatia World Cup game". People's Daily. June 14, 2006. http://english.people.com.cn/200606/14/eng20060614_273851.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-12. 
  103. ^ "Croatia to receive penalty for 'human swastika'". The Jerusalem Post. August 18, 2006. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1154525901351&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull. Retrieved on 2008-07-19. 
  104. ^ "Croatia federation fined over racist fans". Reuters. June 28, 2008. http://football.uk.reuters.com/euro2008/news/L28567026.php. Retrieved on 2008-07-07. 
  105. ^ "Tabloids steam in as racists make a monkey of Fifa". The Observer. September 26, 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2008/sep/28/englandfootballteam.croatiafootballteam. Retrieved on 2008-09-28. 
  106. ^ Milosavljevic, Zoran (May 5, 2008). "Crowd trouble mars Croatian derby, Cluj on verge of title". Reuters. http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL0568852720080505. Retrieved on 2008-09-08. 
  107. ^ "Flares and Flags on Monuments in Vienna". Javno. June 20, 2008. http://www.javno.com/en/sports/clanak.php?id=157889. Retrieved on 2008-09-08. 
  108. ^ Related images from Reuters, Eurosport and Javno news service: Croatia fans with flares in the stands, Similar celebrations, Primary photo gallery
  109. ^ Lawrence, Amy (September 7, 2008). "Croatia think large". The Observer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/sep/07/croatiafootballteam.worldcup2010qualifiers?gusrc=rss&feed=football. Retrieved on 2008-09-08. 
  110. ^ Eder, Alan/Stedul, Joseph (June 9, 2008). "Modric: Goalkeeper Was Far From My Penalty". Javno. http://www.javno.com/en/sports/clanak.php?id=154694. Retrieved on 2008-09-08. 
  111. ^ "UEFA concerned at use of flares". Cable News Network (CNN). June 22, 2008. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/football/06/21/vienna.violence.ap/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-04. 
  112. ^ Eder, Alan (June 20, 2008). "Police Clash with Croatian Football Fans". Javno. http://www.javno.com/en/sports/clanak.php?id=157833. Retrieved on 2008-09-08. 
  113. ^ Slišković, Hrvoje (February 2, 2008). "Sjećate li se zadnjeg gostovanja Nizozemske?" (in Croatian). Jutarnji List. http://www.jutarnji.hr/sport/nogomet/clanak/art-2008,2,2,,107187.jl. Retrieved on 2008-09-30.  Translation
  114. ^ "10 Days When Things Got Out Of Hand". Sports Illustrated. August 18, 2008. http://www.sportsillustrated.co.za/tenner/article.php?article_id=155. Retrieved on 2008-09-28. 
  115. ^ "New clash in scarred Bosnia city". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). June 14, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5079328.stm. Retrieved on 2008-11-24. 
  116. ^ Foster 2004, p. 52
  117. ^ a b Bellamy 2003, p. 113
  118. ^ a b Bellamy 2003, p. 116
  119. ^ "Tears for Croatian president". British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News). December 11, 1999. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/559712.stm. Retrieved on 2008-10-24. 
  120. ^ Giulianotti 1997, p.22
  121. ^ "HRT Broadcasts via Satellite to Australia and New Zealand". Hrvatska radiotelevizija. May 20, 2008. http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=186&tx_ttnews%5Bcat%5D=126&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1793&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=185&cHash=4d25942a86. Retrieved on 2008-11-24. 
  122. ^ "Croatian National Football Team Founds Charity". Javno. December 19, 2007. http://www.javno.com/en/sports/clanak.php?id=108188. Retrieved on 2008-09-06. 
  123. ^ ""My Fans' Anthem"". Ana Rukavina Foundation. May 12, 2008. http://www.zaklada-ana-rukavina.hr/content/en/news/detail.aspx?newsID=323. Retrieved on 2008-09-06. 
  124. ^ "Bilic has Croatia rocking". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). April 18, 2008. http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/newsid=745497.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-15. 
  125. ^ Marcus, Jeffrey (June 19, 2008). "Rock On Slaven Bilic". The New York Times. http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/rock-on-slaven-bilic/. Retrieved on 2008-08-14. 
  126. ^ Atkin, John (June 20, 2008). "Bilić's touchline waltz ends with fall". European Championships archive. Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.com). http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=724179.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-13. 
  127. ^ "Bilic: Klasnic story a fairytale". Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.com). June 16, 2008. http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/newsid=805711.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-13. 
  128. ^ "Putovanje koje se pamti" (in Croatian). Glas Dalmacije. August 13, 2008. http://www.glasdalmacije.com/?show=0&article=5890. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.  Translation
  129. ^ "Šimunić: Zašto nam nisu pustili Thompsona?" (in Croatian). Sport Index HR. October 14, 2007. http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/simunic-zasto-nam-nisu-pustili-thompsona/361533.aspx. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.  Translation
  130. ^ "Bilić dao interview novinaru koji je napisao da je Šimunić glupan" (in Croatian). Nogometni-Magazin. October 23, 2007. http://www.nogometni-magazin.com/euro2008-626d.shtml. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.  Translation

[edit] References

  1. ^ Previous matches played by unofficial and temporary Croatian teams were still considered as a part of Yugoslavia. However, the side representing the Banovina of Croatia was separately recognized as the temporary puppet state was momentarily separated from Yugoslavia.
  2. ^ The rules of Association football state that on receiving a second yellow card in a single match a player must be given a red card and be removed for the rest of the match. Laws of the game
  3. ^ Under the rules of Association football and the official European Championship tournament regulations, a loss inflicted via a penalty shootout does not count as a defeat, but rather a tie which needed a final process to determine the team which advances. Laws of the game
  4. ^ Was part of Yugoslavia.
  5. ^ Was not a full FIFA member until July 1992, qualifications for this tournament already began prior to their independence acknowledgment.
  6. ^ Croatia was part of Yugoslavia and unable to participate separately.
  7. ^ The following organisers led the national team as 'managers':
  8. ^ Calculated by multiplying wins by three, plus draws, divided by games played.
  9. ^ Only clubs played for while receiving caps are listed.
  10. ^ A comprehensive list of national team games on 'Sve O Sportu' shows each home game played by Croatia. The team listed in the first column is the home team, and the last column identifies the host stadium.
  11. ^ "Here are the best, and the worst of the Croatian Football Anthems." Football anthems refer to unofficial fan songs preferred by supporters, which can be found at 'BecomeaCroatiafan.com'. Croatian football anthems.
  12. ^ Bilingual comparison of song lyrics: Croatian national anthem and How beautiful you are

[edit] Books

  • Ramet. P, Sabrina (2005). Thinking about Yugoslavia. Cambridge University. ISBN 0521851513. 
  • Klemenčić, Mladen (2004). Nogometni leksikon. Miroslav Krleža lexicographic institute. ISBN 9536036843. 
  • Perica, Vjekoslav (2002). Balkan Idols: Religion and Nationalism in Yugoslav States. Oxford US. ISBN 0195174291. 
  • Foster, Jane (2004). Footprint Croatia. Footprint Travel Guides. ISBN 1903471796. 
  • Bellamy. J, Alex (2003). The Formation of Croatian National Identity. Manchester University Press. ISBN 071906502X. 
  • Giulianotti, Richard (1997). Entering the Field: New Perspectives on World Football. Berg Publishers. ISBN 1859731988. 

[edit] External links

[edit] Official

[edit] Statistics

[edit] News and fans

Football in Croatia Flag of Croatia
v • d • e
League competitions HNS Cup competitions
1.HNL Croatia National Cup
2.HNL U-21 Super Cup
3.HNL League system
List of clubs
List of venues
v • d • e
International football
FIFA · World Cup · Confederations Cup · U-20 World Cup · U-17 World Cup · Olympics · Asian Games · All-Africa Games · Pan American Games · Minor Tournaments · World Rankings · Player of the Year · Teams · Competitions · Organizations · Codes
Asia
Africa
North America
South America
Oceania
Europe
Non-FIFA
v • d • e
National football teams of Europe (UEFA)
v • d • e
Croatian national teams
Men's teams
Football · Handball · Basketball · Water polo · Volleyball · Tennis · Ice hockey · Field hockey · Rugby · Baseball · Softball · Cricket
Women's teams
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia_national_football_team"
Personal tools