60 Seconds With…Ivan Vicelich

by croatiaweek
November 11, 2013
in Sport

The next 8 days will be the most important 8 days in the career of a number of Croatian footballers as they take on Iceland in World Cup playoff matches. It is also an important time for another footballer of Croatian descent – New Zealand defender Ivan Vicelich. Ivan, who is New Zealand’s most-capped international in history, is off to Mexico this week with the All Whites as they aim to qualify for back-to-back World Cups. The former Roda JC star, who will also play in the his 4th FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco in December with Auckland City, joins Croatia Week for ’60 Seconds With…’

Is there one match that stands out in your career? There have been many great matches. My debut for my national team, Scoring a hat trick in europe. But the final qualifying game for the 2010 World Cup against Bahrain was very memorable

Who was your favourite player growing up? Diego Maradona

Favourite club as a kid? AC Milan

Hardest player you have ever marked? Ronaldinho

Vicelich battles with Brazil’s Adriano, but its his team-mate Ronaldinho who he rates as the best

Favourite food? My wifes cooking

Favourite Drink? Coke

Do you have any pre-match rituals? Not anymore.When I was younger I used to have a few but now I don’t.

Do you get nervous before a match? There is always some nerves.. I think it is good for every footballer to have these.

Favourite ground you have played at? Ajax Arena

The impressive Ajax Arena

How do you relax away from football? Have fun with my kids Luka and Ivan

Favourite place visited in Croatia? Pelješac

Pelješac peninsula on Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast

Favourite beach in Croatia? All the beaches are beautiful

Who is the funniest man in the dressing rooms that you have played with? For the national team it has to be Rory Fallon

If you were not a professional footballer, what do you think you would have been doing? No idea.. i have been involved with football to long

What are the plans after football? I have opened a children’s sportswear shop called Playmaker Sports and this is something i hope to continue to grow after my football career… Also hope to work with kids and their development in football.