Šuker: "This success is based on permanent quality work"

Croatia champions Rijeka have drawn 1:1 away at Salzburg, and have an opportunity to reach Champions League play-off round, which guarantees six group stage matches in Europe.

In Europa League, Dinamo Zagreb have beaten Odd 2:1 at home, Hajduk Split have secured a goalless draw away at Brondby, while Osijek has made a huge surprise - celebrating a 1:0 win away at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

"We can be overjoyed with what the Croatian clubs have presented to Europe this summer. These results are no coincidence, they are based on the permanent quality work in Croatian club football and follow the success of previous seasons. Croatia is well-placed on UEFA coefficient table, especially when we consider the circumstances - the economy, infrastructure, and small base", said HNS president Davor Šuker.

"Rijeka has confirmed the quality performances throughout the years, Dinamo is tireless in producing new talents, Hajduk was wise to keep the same team.  I am thrilled with success of Osijek - it is not easy to win in Eindhoven in front of 30,000 people, not even to Real Madrid or Barcelona. This is their best result in Europe, and the return leg at Gradski vrt will be a beautiful spectacle deserved by the fans, players, and the club management."

"Of course, their job is only half done. I believe that all four clubs will perform at the same level in the return legs, and we have a right to dream of four clubs in play-off rounds. That would be a fantastic feat. I wish them all good luck, let them represent Croatia in Europe with the same passion!", concluded Šuker.

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