Latest news with #DinamoZagreb
Observer
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Observer
China sacks coach Branko Ivankovic after World Cup flop
BEIJING: China's football association on Friday said it has sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after the country failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The decision followed a series of setbacks in qualifying for China, who have only ever played once in a World Cup. China lost 1-0 to Indonesia in early June, a result that effectively dashed the national team's hopes of qualifying. They ultimately finished second-to-last in their Asian group, with seven defeats in 10 matches. "As the Chinese men's national team failed to qualify for the play-off stage, the contract of the coach and his staff has been automatically terminated, in accordance with the stipulated terms," the Chinese Football Association said in a statement on Friday. "Branko Ivankovic will no longer lead the national team," it said, thanking the Croatian, who has coached Dinamo Zagreb and Iran, for his "hard work". The Serbian coach of the Chinese U-19 men's national team, Dejan Djurdjevic, has been appointed interim national coach, the CFA said. The Chinese team are ranked 94th in the world by Fifa, continuing a downward slide that began several years ago. The side have long been the target of ridicule by Chinese fans due to their poor results and the multiple corruption scandals plaguing the sport. President Xi Jinping has said he wanted China to win the World Cup one day, but the latest flop means they have only ever played there once, in 2002, when they failed to get a point or score a goal. — AFP
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
China sacks coach Branko Ivankovic after failure to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026
China's football association on Friday said it has sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after the country failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The decision followed a series of setbacks in qualifying for China, which has only ever played once in a World Cup. China lost 1-0 to Indonesia in early June, a result that effectively dashed the national team's hopes of qualifying. It ultimately finished second-to-last in its Asian group, with seven defeats in 10 matches. 'As the Chinese men's national team failed to qualify for the play-off stage, the contract of the coach and his staff has been automatically terminated, in accordance with the stipulated terms,' the Chinese Football Association said in a statement Friday. ALSO READ | What is ailing the Chinese Super League? History, issues and the way forward 'Branko Ivankovic will no longer lead the national team,' it said, thanking the Croatian, who has coached Dinamo Zagreb and Iran, for his 'hard work'. The Serbian coach of the Chinese U-19 men's national team, Dejan Djurdjevic, has been appointed interim national coach, the CFA said. The Chinese team is ranked 94th in the world by FIFA, continuing a downward slide that began several years ago. The side has long been the target of ridicule by Chinese fans due to its poor results and the multiple corruption scandals plaguing the sport. President Xi Jinping has said he wanted China to win the World Cup one day, but the latest flop means it has only ever played there once, in 2002, when it failed to get a point or score a goal.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Croatia Star ‘Revving Up The Engine' After False Starts At Inter Milan
Croatia Star 'Revving Up The Engine' After False Starts At Inter Milan Midfielder Petar Sucic has been 'revving up the engine' after a couple of early false starts with Inter Milan at the Club World Cup. This is the view in today's print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement The expectations have been high for Petar Sucic at Inter Milan. The 21-year-old midfielder only just joined the Nerazzurri from Dinamo Zagreb. And he has yet to really play at the level that he will at Inter. However, Sucic has impressed heavily in the last couple seasons for Dinamo. Moreover, the Croat has also looked up to the task in midfield for the national team. Petar Sucic 'Revving Up The Engine' For Inter Milan SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – OCTOBER 23: Petar Sucic of GNK Dinamo passes the ball whilst under pressure from Samson Baidoo of FC Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and GNK Dinamo at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2024 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by) In his first appearance for Inter, Petar Sucic came off the bench in the team's Club World Cup group stage opener against Monterrey. In truth, that performance showcased little of the Croatian international's best qualities. Advertisement Sucic looked hesitant, offering little in possession and not providing much of a defensive presence. Then, there were improvements in the 21-year-old's second substitute appearance of the tournament, against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. Then, Sucic's display against River Plate was his best yet. The Croat assisted Francesco Pio Esposito for the decisive second half goal. This capped off a display that saw Sucic really start to take risks with the ball.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
China sacks Ivankovic after World Cup qualifying flop
BEIJING: China's football association on Friday said it has sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after the country failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The decision followed a series of setbacks in qualifying for China, who have only ever played once in a World Cup. China lost 1-0 to Indonesia in early June, a result that effectively dashed the national team's hopes of qualifying. They ultimately finished second-to-last in their Asian group, with seven defeats in 10 matches. "As the Chinese men's national team failed to qualify for the play-off stage, the contract of the coach and his staff has been automatically terminated, in accordance with the stipulated terms," the Chinese Football Association said in a statement Friday. "Branko Ivankovic will no longer lead the national team," it said, thanking the Croatian, who has coached Dinamo Zagreb and Iran, for his "hard work." The Serbian coach of the Chinese U-19 men's national team, Dejan Djurdjevic, has been appointed interim national coach, the CFA said. The Chinese team are ranked 94th in the world by FIFA, continuing a downward slide that began several years ago. The side have long been the target of ridicule by Chinese fans due to their poor results and the multiple corruption scandals plaguing the sport. President Xi Jinping has said he wanted China to win the World Cup one day, but the latest flop means they have only ever played there once, in 2002, when they failed to get a point or score a goal.--AFP
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Greg Taylor set for PAOK move after leaving Celtic
The Scotland international, who was a free agent, has chosen the Greek side over Dinamo Zagreb and Copenhagen. Fabrizio Romano reported that the 27-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the Super League club. Taylor had been a regular starter at Celtic and was offered a new contract by Brendan Rodgers. However, he has decided to move on, leaving the club in search of a new left-back. Taylor, who has been a key player for several seasons, will now begin a new chapter in Greece. His departure means Celtic must find a replacement to compete with Kieran Tierney for the left-back position. Taylor's career began at Kilmarnock before he joined Celtic, where he won numerous domestic honours and represented Scotland on multiple occasions.
