Small plane crashes in Croatia on flight from Slovenia, unclear how many were aboard
May 20, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Emergency teams in Croatia have found the remains of a small plane that crashed Saturday in a remote area, police said.
The Cirrus 20 aircraft was found in “forested and inaccessible terrain” in northwestern Croatia following an hourslong search that involved 150 people and an army helicopter, said a police statement.
Rublev and Lajovic set up final in Banja Luka
April 22, 2023 GMTBANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina (AP) — Second-seeded Andrey Rublev reached his second final in two weeks at the Srpska Open on Saturday.
Rublev took out Alex Molcan of Slovakia 6-2, 6-4 and has yet to drop a set this week.
Irish rally driver Craig Breen killed in accident
April 13, 2023 GMTMUNICH (AP) — Rally driver Craig Breen was killed in an accident Thursday during a test event ahead of a world championship race in Croatia, his team said.
Police were investigating the full circumstances of the 33-year-old Irish driver's death, which was attributed to “skidding off track,” Daniel Šaškin, president of the organizing committee of the Croatia Rally, said at a news conference.
A decade in the EU, Croatia aids Balkan hopefuls
April 5, 2023 GMTSKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Croatia's prime minister promised on Wednesday to redouble efforts to help other countries in the region join the European Union as it prepares to mark a decade of EU membership.
Spain-Serbia matchup in Davis Cup draw: US faces Croatia
March 29, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — The draw for the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals set up a possible meeting between No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 2 Novak Djokovic as Spain and Serbia were placed in the group on Wednesday.
MATCHDAY: Spain hosts Norway; Wales at Croatia in qualifiers
March 24, 2023 GMTA look at what’s happening in European Championship qualifying on Saturday:
GROUP A
Luis de la Fuente takes charge of his first game as Spain coach in a potentially tricky match against Norway but he won't have to worry about Erling Haaland.
Serbia: 9 migrants found among aluminum rolls in truck
March 24, 2023 GMTBELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia's customs authorities said Friday they discovered nine migrants hiding among aluminum rolls in a truck headed to Poland from Greece.
Customs officers on Serbia's border with North Macedonia spotted the migrants on Wednesday during a scan that showed human silhouettes in the back of the truck, a statement said.
Luka Modrić back in Croatia squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers
March 6, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Luka Modrić is back in the Croatian national team as part of a 25-man squad named Monday that includes Benfica forward Petar Musa for two European Championship qualifying games.
Alaba abused, Croatia coach critical following FIFA awards
February 28, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Real Madrid defender David Alaba was racially abused on social media after voting for Lionel Messi, and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić accused FIFA of disrespect on Tuesday in fallout from the soccer body’s annual awards ceremony.
Heavy snow, wind cause traffic chaos in Balkan countries
February 26, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatian authorities on Sunday closed all roads connecting the country's mainland with the Adriatic Sea coastline because of heavy snow and strong wind that sparked traffic chaos in the country and elsewhere in the Balkans.
Former Croatian national team coach Blazevic dies at 87
February 8, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Miroslav “Ciro” Blazevic, who coached the Croatian national soccer team to the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup in France, has died. He was 87.
His family and friends said Blazevic died at a Zagreb hospital on Wednesday after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Zambia rearrests 8 Croatians after charges dropped
February 7, 2023 GMTLUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — Zambian authorities have rearrested eight Croatians Tuesday, preventing them from leaving the country after a court dropped child trafficking charges against them a day earlier.
Zambia drops child trafficking charges against 8 Croatians
February 6, 2023 GMTLUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — A court in Zambia has discharged eight Croatians who had been charged with child trafficking.
Croatia advances in Davis Cup as Coric beats Thiem
February 5, 2023 GMTBorna Coric beat 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem 7-6 (3), 6-2 on Sunday to send Croatia into the group stage of the Davis Cup.
Coric helped the Croatians win their second Davis Cup title in 2018, but he was sidelined when they lost in the 2021 final while missing a year of action with a right shoulder injury.
Croatia’s president criticizes tank deliveries to Ukraine
January 30, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — NATO-member Croatia’s president on Monday criticized Western nations for supplying Ukraine with heavy tanks and other weapons in its campaign against invading Russian forces, saying those arms deliveries will only prolong the war.
Several questioned in Croatia over oligarch’s missing yacht
January 27, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatian police on Friday brought in for questioning several people over the October disappearance of a luxury yacht from an Adriatic Sea marina where it was held under international sanctions connected to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Netherlands-Croatia, Spain-Italy in Nations League SF draw
January 25, 2023 GMTNYON, Switzerland (AP) — Host nation Netherlands will play Croatia in the UEFA Nations League semifinals after the draw was made Wednesday.
The Dutch, under new coach Ronald Koeman, will face World Cup semifinalist Croatia on June 14 in Rotterdam at the De Kuip home stadium of Feyenoord.
Croatian president blasts EU penalties against Hungary
January 20, 2023 GMTBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Croatia's president said Friday that efforts by the European Union to uphold democratic standards in member countries threatened to tear the bloc apart, and condemned EU efforts to financially penalize Hungary for its alleged breaches of rule of law standards.
8 Croats in court in Zambia on child trafficking charge
January 10, 2023 GMTLUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — Eight Croatian nationals have pleaded not guilty to charges of child trafficking before a magistrates court in Ndola, Zambia.
They were named in court documents as Damir Magic, 44, Nadica Magic, 45, Zoran Subosic, 52, Azra Imamovic Subosic, 41, Ladislav Persic, 42, Aleksandra Persic, 40, Noah Kraljevic, 45, and Ivona Kraljevic, 46.
Croatia defender Dejan Lovren returns to Lyon
January 2, 2023 GMTLYON, France (AP) — French club Lyon has signed Dejan Lovren to a contract until June 2025 as the Croatia defender makes his return to the seven-time champions.
EU chief celebrates ‘immense achievements’ of member Croatia
January 1, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — The chief of the European Union visited Croatia on Sunday to celebrate the “immense achievements” of the newest EU member nation, which switched to using the euro and joined the world’s largest passport-free travel area on New Year's Day.
Croatia rings in New Year as fully integrated EU member
January 1, 2023 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, Croatia switched to the shared European currency, the euro, and removed dozens of border checkpoints to join the world’s largest passport-free travel area.
Chechens in Bosnia seek to dodge Russian draft, reach EU
December 28, 2022 GMTSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — A group of ethnic Chechens fleeing Russia arrived in Bosnia this week, hoping to use the Balkan country as a launchpad to reach the European Union and avoid getting sent to fight in Ukraine.
On a roll: Croatia set for new currency, borderless travel
December 22, 2022 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — More than nine years after Croatia became the European Union's newest member, the country is on a roll to make the most of its status as the EU member in the Balkans.
Croatia is adopting the EU’s common currency, the euro, and joining the Schengen Area, Europe's visa-free travel area, on Jan.
Croatia police find 10 migrants stuck in flooded border area
December 19, 2022 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatian police said Monday that they have pulled 10 migrants from freezing waters on the border with Bosnia.
Police were alerted on Sunday around 6 p.m. that a group of people were stuck in a flooded area around the Sava River after their small boat had ruptured.
Morocco’s World Cup finish is bittersweet for Arab fans
December 17, 2022 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Morocco’s fans in the Arab world took the North African team’s 2-1 loss to Croatia in Saturday’s World Cup third-place playoff philosophically. The team had already made history, becoming the first Arab and first African team to reach the semifinals in the international soccer tournament.
Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup
December 17, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Luka Modric high-fived and embraced his Croatia teammates after what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup.
Morocco’s miraculous run at the World Cup ends in defeat
December 17, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Morocco's miraculous World Cup run is over, and it ended with another loss.
Gvardiol shines at World Cup as Croatia wins 3rd-place match
December 17, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — In what may have been Luka Modric’s final World Cup match, Josko Gvardiol made a play to be Croatia’s next go-to guy.
Modric has been the man in the middle for Croatia for more than a decade, leading the team to the World Cup final four years ago and the semifinals of this year’s tournament.
At World Cup, women shrug off worries over dress codes
December 16, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Coming from Brazil for the World Cup in Qatar, Daniela Crawford had been worried about conservative dress codes. But like many women attending the tournament, she said she found no problems.
Croatia rejects joining in EU’s Ukraine training mission
December 16, 2022 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatian lawmakers on Friday rejected a government bid for the country to help train Ukrainian soldiers as part of a European Union mission.
The vote in parliament was held after Croatia's president previously had refused to sign off on the proposal, saying it was not in accordance with the Constitution.
Morocco and Croatia play for 3rd place at World Cup
December 16, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — To some, it's little more than a meaningless exhibition match. To others, it's a chance to become “immortal.”
The third-place playoff at the World Cup can be a confusing concept.
Croatia, Morocco target third-place medal at World Cup
December 15, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The chances of the winning the World Cup might have gone for Croatia and Morocco, but “immortality” is at stake when the two teams meet in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ nears end after World Cup
December 14, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Argentina was a step too far for a Croatia team that reached back-to-back World Cup semifinals and shocked Brazil along the way in Qatar.
Álvarez surges, scores, carries Argentina to World Cup final
December 13, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — With surging runs and a striker’s instinct, Julián Álvarez carried Argentina into another World Cup final.
Lionel Messi and the 22-year-old Álvarez were a pair of 5-feet-6 (1.70-meter) predators in a partnership that put to rest any hopes Croatia had of reaching back-to-back finals.
Modric shares World Cup stage with Lionel Messi in loss
December 13, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Luka Modric pulled his shirt up over his face as he trudged over to the sideline.
Croatia’s red-and-white-clad fans recognized the sorrowful significance of the moment and rose up to applaud the diminutive midfielder who is probably their nation’s greatest ever player.
Messi, Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach World Cup final
December 13, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi bent over, clutched his left hamstring and appeared to grimace, immediately spreading panic through the soccer world but especially among all Argentines.
Live updates | Argentina-Croatia in the World Cup semifinals
December 13, 2022 GMTLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — The Latest from the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia:
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Argentina has beaten Croatia 3-0 to reach the World Cup final.
Soccer craze, pride grip Croatia before Argentina semifinal
December 13, 2022 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Forget Croatia's forthcoming historic change of currency, or joining European Union's travel-free zone. The World Cup semifinal against Argentina is all that most Croats are thinking about.
Messi, Modric get Argentina, Croatia to World Cup semifinals
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Tears are flowing from soccer's biggest superstars as they make emotional exits from what might be their last World Cup.
Perisic looks to seize the big moment again at the World Cup
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The late run. The timing. The delivery. Leo Perišić has certainly learned a thing or two from his father.
While Ivan Perišić has been his usual consistent self at the World Cup to help Croatia reach the semifinals, the winger’s young son has provided one of the more touching moments of the tournament.
Scaloni defends players’ behavior against Dutch at World Cup
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed criticism of his players' behavior during the feisty World Cup quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, saying Monday it is “out of touch with reality.”
After Neymar, Croatia aims to end Messi’s World Cup dream
December 11, 2022 GMTAL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Croatia has already ended Neymar's World Cup dream. Now it hopes to do the same to Lionel Messi.
Croatia, runner-up in 2018, is the next obstacle for Argentina to overcome on Tuesday in the semifinals as Messi aims to win the one major trophy that has eluded him.
Heavy rain causes flash flooding in parts of Bosnia, Croatia
December 11, 2022 GMTSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Overflowing rivers in parts of Bosnia and Croatia have flooded dozens of houses and roads, prompting authorities to warn residents in affected areas to prepare to evacuate their homes if heavy rainfall does not subside.
Tenacity and penalties, keys to Croatia’s deep World Cup run
December 10, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — With a population of around 4 million people, the magnitude of Croatia's win against Brazil wasn't lost on the team's coach, Zlatko Dalić.
Pelé sends message of support to Neymar after World Cup exit
December 9, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian soccer great Pelé congratulated Neymar for matching his national team scoring record on Friday, and then commiserated with the player for his World Cup exit.
Modric’s moves help Croatia eliminate Brazil from World Cup
December 9, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — The slippery hips of Luka Modric wriggled away from danger. The laser-like precision of his passing — and the intelligence to control the tempo for long periods — were ever present, as is usual.
Croatia beats Brazil on penalties in World Cup quarterfinals
December 9, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Neymar is again going home without a World Cup title. Luka Modric's quest continues unabated.
Modric converted one of the penalties as Croatia knocked Brazil out of the World Cup on Friday, beating the five-time champions 4-2 in a shootout to reach the semifinals for the second straight time.
Croatia wins yet another penalty shootout at World Cup
December 9, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — When it comes down to a penalty shootout at the World Cup, count on Croatia to make it through.
Twice already at the tournament in Qatar and twice four years ago in Russia, the Croats had to steel themselves for one of the toughest — and certainly one of the cruelest — tests in soccer.
Croatia to join Europe’s ID-check-free area, others to wait
December 8, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries agreed Thursday to allow Croatia to fully open its borders and participate in Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, but Bulgaria and Romania were told that they must wait longer to be allowed in.
Brazil wants to keep dancing against Croatia at World Cup
December 8, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Brazil wants to keep the dancing going at the World Cup when it faces Croatia on Friday with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
The Brazilians have made it clear they will not back from their goal celebrations in Qatar despite criticism by some.
Vinícius Júnior thanks Ancelotti for success at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior praised Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti for his success at the World Cup.
Vinícius Júnior arrived in Qatar without knowing if he was going to get a chance to start for Brazil, but heading into Friday’s quarterfinal match against Croatia, no one questions his spot in the lineup or his importance for the team.
Croatia, Serbia fined for Balkan statements at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The Croatian and Serbian soccer federations were fined by FIFA on Wednesday for making Balkan political statements at the World Cup.
Croatian warplane crashes during training flight
December 6, 2022 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Both pilots safely ejected from a MiG-21 fighter jet that crashed during a training flight, Croatian officials said Tuesday.
The crash occurred in an uninhabited forest area in the northeast of the country around 2 p.m.
Belief is Croatia’s biggest weapon vs Brazil at World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — In terms of population, there's no contest between Brazil and Croatia.
“Brazil has 200 million people, we only have 4 million,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said Tuesday. “So we are pretty much like a suburb of a major city in Brazil.”
Croatia going deep again at World Cup after shootout win
December 5, 2022 GMTAL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — Croatia is going deep at another World Cup, and the team is taking the long route once again.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalty kicks in Croatia's 3-1 win over Japan in a shootout on Monday, securing a return to the quarterfinals for the runner-up in the 2018 tournament.
Series of bomb threats force evacuations throughout Croatia
December 5, 2022 GMTZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — A series of anonymous bomb threats in Croatia on Monday forced the evacuation of several police stations, shopping malls and courts, including the country's supreme court during a meeting with a delegation from Ukraine.
Japan summons samurai spirit against Croatia at World Cup
December 4, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has told his teammates they'll need to show “samurai spirit” in Monday's round-of-16 match against Croatia at the World Cup.
Ukraine says animal eyes sent to some embassies, consulates
December 2, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Ukrainian embassies and consulates in six European countries have received packages containing animals' eyes in recent days, a Ukrainian official said Friday.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko wrote on Facebook that the “bloody parcels” were received by the Ukrainian embassies in Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Croatia and Italy, as well as by consulates in Naples, Italy; Krakow, Poland and the Czech city of Brno.