South Koreans in an expert visit to HNS

South Korean delegation was eager to find out more on the processes and development programmes of HNS, impressed by the continuity of excellent results of Croatian national team, that won two FIFA World Cup medals in 20 years, including the last year's silver in Russia.

The guests were welcomed by HNS executive director Damir Vrbanović, secretary Vladimir Iveta, head of international affairs and licensing Ivančica Sudac, and chief instructor Petar Krpan. Moreover, HNS secretaries for youth, women and futsal national teams Josip Tomaško and Denis Lukša presented the work done in youth categories.

Foto: Dražen Patarčić/HNS

Petar Krpan, HNS chief instructor, has presented the results and successes of all Croatia national teams, the work structure in youth categories, and youth competition systems, alongside numerous interesting facts on youth development in Croatia.  

Foto: Dražen Patarčić/HNS

The South Korean delegation was lead by executive director Myungbo Hong, and included strategy and development director Kevin Kim, technical director Youngjoon Choi, competition director Jongyoon Kim, head of international department Yongsoo Park, IT director Ilki Park, and national teams manager Seunghwan Lee.

On Friday, South Koreans will visit the HNS Football Academy, and attend presentations on coach development by Academy director Vatroslav Mihačić and expert associate Boris Kubla. Furthermore, they will visit the HNS Medical Symposium, also held in Academy facilities.

Foto: Dražen Patarčić/HNS

"Even before the World Cup in Russia, Croatia was an example of the outstanding work with young players on the top level, and after winning the silver there are many national associations who want to find out more on how can a small country like Croatia "produce" the best player in the world and a silver-winning World Cup team. Of course, we are pleased that a major, financially powerful association like KFA is willing to learn from us, and we are happy to open our doors. They were impressed with everything they've heard, and they were thrilled with the meeting with our head coach Dalić. Croatia and South Korea were always in good relations, and this productive meeting will surely help to open further doors of cooperation in various fields", said HNS executive director Damir Vrbanović.

Foto: Dražen Patarčić/HNS

At the request of South Korean guests, HNS organized a half-hour meeting with World Cup runners-up head coach Zlatko Dalić, who spoke about the success in Russia.

In his presentation, Dalić emphasized the unity and friendship of Croatian players, who invested all their energy to reach their objective, an objective only the brave could dream of. Head coach Dalić also praised the success of Croatian coaches, three major finals in the previous season: Zlatko Dalić with Croatia at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Zoran Mamić with Al Ain at the Club World Cup, and Branko Ivanković with Persepolis at the Asian Champions League.

"This proves the continuous quality work at HNS and Football Academy. 21 of 22 players in Russia have gone through the complete process within HNS youth categories. Any other country would proudly present such an achievement", concluded Dalić, congratulating Croatian coaches, who require only an opportunity to present their knowledge they certainly possess. Results of Croatian football are the perfect indicator.

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