VIDEO: 34 years ago today Croatia’s first match under modern flag

(Screenshot/HRT)

ZAGREB, 17 October 2024 – Today marks 34 years since Croatia played its first official football match under the modern Croatian flag.

On October 17, 1990, Croatia faced the USA at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.

Over 30,000 fans gathered to witness this important event, a significant milestone not only for Croatian football but also in the country’s history.

At the time, the USA was already touring Europe for a match against Poland. Croatian businessman Jure Klarić covered the $90,000 needed to bring the American team to Zagreb.

(Fair use)

The match coincided with the final of the 1990 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where several young Croatian stars—Zvonimir Boban, Davor Šuker, Robert Jarni, Igor Štimac, Robert Prosinečki, and Alen Bokšić—played for Yugoslavia.

Croatia won the match 2–1, making it even more special as it marked the debut of the national team’s iconic checkered jersey.

Croatia has now played 363 games in total. A remarkable statistic is that current captain Luka Modrić has now played more than half of these matches. Modrić made his 182nd appearance for Croatia on Tuesday night against Poland. 

CROATIA – USA 2:1

ZAGREB – Stadion Maksimir: Att: 30.000. Ref: Sergio Coppetelli (Italy). Scorers: 1:0 Asanović (29’), 2:0 Cvjetković (33’), 2:1 Dayak (80’)

CROATIA: Ladić (70’ Gabrić), Vulić, Dražić, Čelić, Kasalo, Peršon (71’ Židan), Shala, Kranjčar, Cvjetković, Asanović (58’ Mladenović), Mlinarić.

USA: Meola, Trittschuh, Fraser, Banks (81’ Windischmann), Balboa, Armstrong, Harkes (57’ Bliss), Eichmann, Murray (46’ Dayak), Krumpe, Vermes.