HNS celebrates 105th anniversary

As Milovan Zoričić was appointed the head of football section of Croatian Sports Union, on 13 June 1912, Croatian Football Federation officially embarked on an eventful journey.

Football was played in Croatia by English factory workers in 1873, while local youth began playing in Županja in 1880. The first rulebook was printed in 1896 in Zagreb.

At the beginning of 20th century, as the first Croatian clubs began to emerge, football officials stated the desire to create a national football federation. Moreover, the first public football match was played in Zagreb on 28 October 1906, as HAŠK and PNIŠK drew 1:1.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Croatia national football team has played its first international matches in Prague, on 23 and 26 June 1907, against Slavia - one of the best football team of Czech Republic and Europe.

Croatian Football Federation activities had to adapt to political circumstances following the World War I. When Croatia gained independence in 1990, HNS started a new, modern, highly successful era.

Foto: Robert Valai

Croatia senior national team qualified for nine out of 11 major tournaments, and won bronze medal at 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The Vatreni have impressed the entire world, while current HNS president Davor Šuker won the the Golden Boot as the topscorer (six goals).

Croatian Football Federation is proud of success in youth categories, as well as of the completed organizational challenge in hosting the UEFA U-17 European Championships in May 2017.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Croatian legends such as Šuker, Boban, Prosinečki, Bilić, and others have paved the way for their successors, who have also made a deep impact in the greatest European and world clubs. Current captain Modrić has won Champions League with Real Madrid on three occasions, while Mandžukić scored twice in the finals, playing for Bayern and Juventus.

Foto: Getty Images

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