Croatian President and presidential candidate Zoran Milanovic stands at a polling station during the second round of the presidential election in Zagreb, Croatia, January 12, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

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Croatians were casting ballots on Sunday (January 12) in a presidential runoff where the populist incumbent Zoran Milanovic appears set to win a second term, in what would be a blow to the scandal-hit governing party.

Mr. Milanovic entered the contest with surging momentum against Dragan Primorac, who is supported by the centre-right HDZ party that governs Croatia.

While the role of the president is largely ceremonial in Croatia, a landslide win by Mr. Milanovic would be the latest setbacks for the HDZ and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic — Mr. Milanovic’s political arch-rival — after a high-profile corruption scandal in November.

The outspoken presidential incumbent, backed by the left-wing opposition, won more than 49% of the vote in the contest’s first round two weeks ago — narrowly missing an outright victory.

Mr. Primorac garnered less than 20% of the ballots, making it unlikely that he will make up ground in the runoff.

The vote comes as the European Union member nation of 3.8 million people struggles with the highest inflation rate in the eurozone, endemic corruption and a labour shortage.

At 1530 GMT, or two and a half hours before voting was to end, turnout was nearly 35%, the electoral commission said — slightly lower than at that time in the first round.

‘Counterbalance’

Even with its limited roles, many Croatians see the presidency as key to providing a political balance by preventing one party from holding all the levers of power.

The former Yugoslav republic has been mainly governed by the HDZ since declaring independence in 1991.

The party “has too much control and Mr. Plenkovic is transforming into an autocrat,” Mia, a 35-year-old administrator from Zagreb who declined to give her last name, told AFP explaining her support for the incumbent.

Mr. Milanovic, a former left-wing prime minister, won the presidency in 2020 with the backing of the main opposition Social Democrats (SDP) party.

A key figure in the country’s political scene for nearly two decades, he has increasingly employed offensive, populist rhetoric during frequent attacks aimed at EU and local officials.

“Milanovic is a sort of a political omnivore,” political analyst Zarko Puhovski told AFP, saying the president was largely seen as the “only, at least symbolic, counterbalance to the government and Plenkovic’s power”.

His no-holds-barred speaking style has sent Milanovic’s popularity soaring and helped attract the backing of right-wing supporters.

On Sunday, after voting in Zagreb and voicing confidence in victory, Mr. Milanovic criticised Brussels as “in many ways autocratic and non-representative”, run by officials who are not elected.

The 58-year-old also regularly pans the HDZ over the party’s perennial problems with corruption, while also referring to Plenkovic as “Brussels’ clerk”.

– ‘Russian player’ –

Mr. Primorac, a former education and science minister returning to politics after a 15-year absence, has campaigned as a unifier for Croatia. The 59-year-old also insisted on patriotism and family values.

“My message is always the same — Croatia always comes first for me,” he told journalists after voting in Zagreb, adding that he would now attend a mass.

One voter, 62-year-old pensioner Djuro Knezicic, said he backed Primorac as a person with “good international ties and he would achieve much better international cooperation for Croatia”.

But critics say Mr. Primorac lacks political charisma and has failed to rally the HDZ base behind him.

He accuses Milanovic of being a “pro-Russian puppet” who has undermined Croatia’s credibility in NATO and the European Union.

Mr. Milanovic condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but has also criticised the West’s military support for Kyiv.

He is also a prominent opponent of a programme that would have seen Croatian soldiers help train Ukrainian troops in Germany.

“The defence of democracy is not to tell everyone who doesn’t think like you that he’s a ‘Russian player’,” Milanovic told reporters on Sunday.

Such a communication style is “in fact totalitarian”, he added.

Meanwhile, young Croatians voiced frustration over lack of discussion among political leaders over the issues that interest them, such as housing or students’ standard of living.

“We hear them (politicians) talking mostly about old, recycled issues. What’s important to young people doesn’t even cross their minds,” student Ivana Vuckovic, 20, told AFP.

Spain won the last edition of the Nations League after beating Croatia on penalties.© AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo might be 39 years old but there still isn’t a ray of doubt in his head that he is the best in the world, in fact, the best in history. After scoring his 900th career goal, in Portugal’s 2-1 win against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo once again chose to remind everyone of his achievements in the game. Though the Portuguese striker hasn’t won the FIFA World Cup yet, he remains of the opinion that winning the UEFA Euro with Portugal is equivalent to the global quadrennial event.

“Portugal winning the Euros is the equivalent of winning the World Cup,” Ronaldo told RPT3 after helping his team beat Croatia, with 900th career goal. “I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted, so I’m not motivated by that [World Cup].”

“900 goals seems like any other milestone, but only I know how hard it is to work every day to score your 900th goal. It’s a unique milestone in my career. I don’t break records they haunt me!,” he further said after the match, reflecting on his historic achievement.

Ronaldo’s sentiments on Euros vs World Cup do match France’s Kylian Mbappe who recently joined the Portuguese’s former side Real Madrid.

“For me, [the Euros are] more complicated than a World Cup,” Mbappe said. “Even though there’s more pressure at the World Cup, we know all the teams in the Euros, and it’s tactically similar.”

The comments from Ronaldo seem to be a sly dig at Messi who has won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, in 2022. The statement is bound to trigger Messi fans.

“The Euros are important, but he [Mbappe] leaves out Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay — all World Cup winners. In the World Cup, you have the best teams in the world. That’s why everyone dreams of being world champion,” said Messi had said on Mbappe’s comments.

At present, Ronaldo sits on the top of the charts when it comes to players with the most number of goals in professional football. Aside from his 137 goals for Portugal, Ronaldo has done wonders for all of his club sides over the years. He has representing Sporting Lisbon (5 goals), Manchester United (145 goals), Real Madrid (450 goals), Juventus (101 goals) and Al-Nassr (68 goals) to reach the goalscoring pinnacle.

Croatia will reintroduce a two-month compulsory military service starting January 1. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Croatia will reintroduce a two-month compulsory military service starting January 1 next year, the country’s Defense Minister Ivan Anusic announced late Thursday (August 15, 2024).

The move comes amid heightened tensions in Europe following the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as an apparent arms race and military buildup in the Balkans which went through a bloody war in the 1990s.

Watch: Which countries have compulsory military service?

This decision marks a return to conscription, which was suspended in 2008 when the country shifted to a volunteer-based system.

“We increased the salaries of soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers, their material rights not only through personal income but also through daily wages and everything they are entitled to,” the Minister told the Croatian broadcaster RTL on Thursday (August 16, 2024).

“The modernization and equipment of the Armed Forces is proceeding as planned and in accordance with the agreement with our allies and the NATO leadership,” the Minister said, adding that there will be no saving of funds in this area.

Other countries in Europe are considering similar measures or have reinstated mandatory military service in response to heightened regional tensions.

Last year, Latvia reinstated military conscription in response to the threat posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Serbia, Croatia’s biggest rival in the Balkans, is also mulling to reactivate conscription.

Mattia Zaccagni’s superb last-gasp strike fired Italy into the Euro 2024 knock-outs with a 1-1 draw against Croatia in a fraught Group B clash on Monday. Italy progress in second place behind winners Spain and will face Switzerland in the last 16, while Croatia are on the verge of elimination but could still progress depending on other results later in the week. With only two points it is unlikely Zlatko Dalic’s side will qualify as one of the four best third-place teams but it is still possible. Croatia midfielder Luka Modric became the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history with his strike after 55 minutes, just 33 seconds after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the 38-year-old’s penalty.

It seemed enough for his team but Zaccagni whipped a brilliant strike into the top corner on the break in the 98th minute to send Italy through from what was dubbed a “group of death”.

After shipping five goals in the first two games, Dalic opted to shore up the midfield by bringing in Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic amid four changes.

The coach also kept established trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic despite their struggles in the 3-0 defeat by Spain and 2-2 draw against minnows Albania.

Luciano Spalletti’s Italy beat Albania 2-1 but were dominated by Spain in a 1-0 defeat and the coach shifted to a 3-5-2 formation, dropping Juventus’ Federico Chiesa.

Croatia dominated the opening exchanges against a defensive Italy side knowing a draw would send them through in second place behind group winners Spain.

On his first start at the tournament 21-year-old RB Salzburg midfielder Sucic forced a fine early save from Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma with a vicious drive from range.

Azzurri forward Mateo Retegui’s header was deflected narrowly wide at the other end on a rare forray forward, with the two-time winners happy to slow the game down and waste time at corners and throw-ins as early as the 20th minute.

Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made a stunning stop to thwart Alessandro Bastoni, found by Nicolo Barella‘s tempting cross, as the holders gained control without taking risks.

Dalic, who steered Croatia to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup final and semis respectively, threw on powerful striker Ante Budimir for the second half.

It gave his team a focal point and they looked instantly more threatening and swiftly reaped their reward.

Italy substitute Davide Frattesi handled Andrej Kramaric‘s effort and after a VAR review Croatia were given a penalty.

Donnarumma clawed out Real Madrid midfielder Modric’s effort but the veteran could not be denied 33 seconds later.

The Italian goalkeeper made another fine save in the aftermath from Budimir as Croatia kept the pressure up and Modric smashed home the rebound from close range.

He beat the previous record for oldest Euros goalscorer set in 2008 by Austrian Ivica Vastic by 32 days.

Modric was replaced with 10 minutes to go and even some Italy supporters afforded the playmaker an ovation, while they nervously eyed the ever-advancing clock.

Croatia thought they had progressed but Zaccagni broke their hearts in the eighth and final minute of stoppage time.

Croatia vs Italy, UEFA Euro 2024 LIVE Updates© AFP

Croatia vs Italy Live Streaming Euro 2024 Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch© AFP

The 2024 European Championship has been a breath of fresh air as 24 countries have been battling it out for the past week in an attempt to break through to the Round Of 16. The top two teams from each of the six groups will qualify to the next round with the four of the six best placed teams that finish third will also be guaranteed qualification. Hosts Germany, Spain and Portugal are the only three teams that have secured qualification as of now. Here are the qualification scenarios for each group heading into the final game-week

Group A: Germany vs Switzerland, Scotland vs Hungary

The Germans won their opening games against Scotland and Hungary which was enough for the hosts to guarantee their spot in the next round. In the history of the tournament, no team has ever failed to qualify for the knockout stages after getting four points which means Switzerland already have one foot in the Round of 16.

Scotland on the other hand have never qualified for the knockouts at the tournament and the side is aiming to achieve history if they were to win against Hungary in their final game. A win would take them to four points and although it would be difficult for them to overcome the six-goal difference that stands between them and the Swiss, A third place finish with four points could very likely see them qualify.

However a draw would see the side be in a very unlikely position to qualify depending on results from other groups.

Group B: Spain vs Albania, Italy vs Croatia

Spain has begun the tournament on the right note, securing qualification in the ‘Group of Death,’ in the second game week will see the side breathe a sigh of relief heading into their final fixture with Albania. Italy on the other hand will need to avoid defeat to secure their place in the next round. Croatia and Albania would both need to win to confirm qualification.

Group C: England vs Slovenia, Serbia vs Denmark

England must avoid defeat against Slovenia in their last group game to advance from Group C. A win will ensure Gareth Southgate’s team advances as group champions. If Denmark fails to beat Serbia, England will qualify regardless of the outcome against Slovenia.

Denmark and Slovenia will advance automatically as winners. Serbia will finish in the top two if they beat Denmark and Slovenia does not overcome England.

Group D: Netherlands vs Austria, France vs Poland

Poland became the first team to be eliminated from the race to the knockouts as they lost their opening two games against Netherlands and Austria.

Netherlands and France currently occupy the top two positions respectively after wins in their opening game followed by a draw against each other sees both teams at four points each and Austria not far behind with three points to their name.

If both France and the Dutch were to avoid defeat then they would guarantee qualification. However Austria will finish in the top two if they beat the Netherlands.

Group E: Ukraine v Belgium, Slovakia v Romania

This marks the first time in Euros history that all four teams have the identical number of points after two games. All four clubs know that a win on Wednesday will advance them to the round of 16, but no team can guarantee first place with a win.

A point will suffice for Belgium, who play Ukraine, and Romania, who face Slovakia.

If both games are drawn, goal difference will determine who finishes where (because all teams have the identical head-to-head points). Belgium and Romania will advance, with Slovakia aiming to be one of the top third-placed teams. Ukraine would be out.

Group F: Portugal vs Georgia, Czech Republic vs Turkey

Portugal have already qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament and they will be the table toppers if they were to avoid defeat against Georgia.

Both Czech Republic and Georgia will need to win if they want a shot at qualifying in the top two of the table. Georgia would also require Turkey to lose their game against Czech with the goal difference playing a part.

Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Albania are the top four best third placed teams in the tournament as of now.

Albania left Croatia in danger of a group-stage exit from Euro 2024 after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday as Albania’s Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equaliser. After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain in their opener, Croatia were behind again when Qazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in Hamburg. But Croatia improved after making two half-time substitutions and Andrej Kramaric levelled with 16 minutes remaining, before Gjasula put through his own net.

The Albania midfielder became the last-gasp hero, though, slotting into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to snatch his team a point.

Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, will now likely need to win their final Group B match against holders Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout phase for a fifth straight major tournament. “We will believe until the very end, to give our best as we did in this match,” said forward Kramaric. 

“Unfortunately we didn’t win but we hope to be a bit luckier against Italy.”

Albania have won plenty of plaudits with their performances against both Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia, but could not hold a lead in either game and will probably have to beat Spain to keep their last-16 hopes alive. “We have to go forward but we have to fight for every single point,” said Albania coach Sylvinho.

“It’s important for our lives, the life of the country, the federation. I’m proud of the players so we have to enjoy the moment.”

Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ were ultimately made to pay for a poor first-half display and are on the brink of bowing out from major tournament football in limp fashion.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted against a change in formation from the Spain defeat, sticking with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. But he brought in Ivan Perisic at left-back, moving Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol into central defence.

Albania start fast again

The smell of smoke from flares filled the air outside the stadium as the supporters of both teams created one of the best atmospheres of the tournament so far.

Albania scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy and they made another quick start.

It took until only the 11th minute for Sylvinho’s men to break the deadlock this time, as Sparta Prague midfielder Laci ghosted into the area unmarked to nod home an inch-perfect, inswinging cross from Jasir Asani.

Croatia tried to impose their passing game, but Albania were constantly in their faces and continued to look the more dangerous side, with right-back Elseid Hysaj firing off target.

The underdogs could have doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark, but Kristjan Asllani was denied by Dominik Livakovic when face-to-face with the Croatia goalkeeper.

Albania striker Rey Manaj passed up another excellent opportunity, failing to get enough purchase on his free header in first-half added time to seriously trouble Livakovic.

Dalic responded by making two changes at the interval, bringing on 21-year-old Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for the ineffective Lovro Majer and Brozovic.

Those substitutions brought about a quick improvement from Croatia, as Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a good save to keep out Sucic’s left-footed shot, before Pasalic headed over seconds later.

Croatia finally found a way through in the 74th minute as substitute Ante Budimir picked out Kramaric inside the box and he cut inside before sending a composed finish inside Strakosha’s near post.

The turnaround appeared to be complete two minutes later as Sucic’s close-range effort was blocked, but rebounded off the unfortunate Gjasula and into an empty net.

Albania did not give up, missing a series of late chances as it appeared Croatia would cling on.

Gjasula had other ideas though, sweeping a loose ball home before a chaotic denouement that saw both sides throw bodies forward in search of a winner, to no avail.

Croatia vs Albania Live Streaming Euro 2024 Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch© AFP