KingTomislav
10-14-2002, 02:09 PM
The Croatian Sensation
Hangs up His Boots
Former Croatian national team captain Zvonimir Boban will long live in the memories of Croatians all over the world as both a sporting and political icon. On the field, Boban was the first captain to lead Croatia into a major tournament at Euro ’96, and later, to a third placing at France ’98.
However, it was on the night of May 13, 1990, when Boban would become the symbol of a Croatian nation’s struggle for independence and international recognition. The 22-year-old lead Dinamo Zagreb on to the arena against Red Star Belgrade in a Yugoslav First Division fixture, but the match was non-existent, as a spiteful incident was soon to take place.
A full-scale riot broke out involving two sets of fans and police, which spilled onto the arena. During the incident, Boban kicked a Yugoslav policeman, who, in Boban’s view, was “mercilessly” attacking a Dinamo supporter. The incident lead to the Yugoslav Football Federation banning him for nine months, consequently placing his Italia ’90 World Cup spot for Yugoslavia in jeopardy.
Some political analysts believe that this incident was the start of the break up of Communist Yugoslavia and Boban doesn’t underestimate the role he may have played.
“It might have provided an impetus which was vital for Croatian people, taking into account that, even at that time, I was a public figure. That’s how it certainly appeared, here I was, a public face was prepared to risk his life, career and everything that fame could’ve brought all because of one ideal, one cause, the Croatian cause,” revealed Boban.
“I never regretted it for one second, why would I? It’s all about holding your head up and being proud if you can call yourself a man. After all, before you become a sportsman, before you become a doctor, before you become anything, you must first be a man. And, in the same way at that moment, to be a true Croat one had to be a real man to have the strength to remain a man of honour, because a lot of dishonourable things were happening all around the stadium towards our own supporters and towards our own people. Looking at it from a Christian angle, one can always be critical, but drastic events require measures and I feel I did something that was just and honourable. I know I did the right thing,” he added.
“Unfortunately I lost the chance to play at the 1990 World Cup, but I remained my own man and am proud I didn’t compromise myself in the process. I picked myself up, my soccer career not only continued, but it flourished and I managed to carve out a successful career after that,” Boban concluded.
The 1987 World Youth Cup in Chile played a significant part in the shaping of Croatia’s future. Yugoslavia, the eventual winners, consisted of the core of the Croatian squad that would take it to the quarter-finals of Euro ’96 and third place at France ’98.
Boban, along with Alen Boksic, Davor Suker, Robert Prosinecki, Robert Jarni, Igor Stimac and Slaven Bilic, or the ‘Chile generation’ as they were labelled, formed the nucleus of the Croatian squad throughout the nineties.
When the war broke out in 1991, Croatian sports personalities had an important task in defending the Croatian name and act as role models for a young nation. Tennis star and recent Wimbeldon champion Goran Ivanisevic, along with Boban, were two prime examples.
“I think that it was evident through our results and our conduct how much passion we have for our country and for the jersey we wear. It was also clear through the length of time we represented the national team and the results we achieved,” said Boban.
It was during that period in 1991 when Boban joined Milan and was loaned out to Bari the same season, who were eventually relegated. During the off-season, a transfer deal for Boban had been arranged between Milan and Marseille, but the midfielder didn’t want to budge.
Despite Jean-Pierre Papin, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marco Van Basten, Dejan Savicevic and later George Weah ahead of Boban in the pecking order in the days of foreigner restrictions, the Croat believed he was good enough to play for Milan and didn’t want to leave and be deemed a failure.
When his time came, Boban cemented his spot as an integral member of the Milan side of the mid-to-late-’90s together with Demetrio Albertini, Paolo Maldini and Sebastiano Rossi, that secured domestic and European trophies.
His sheer persistence saw him earn praise from all circles, including Milan’s coach at the time, Fabio Capello, whom Boban rates as the most influential behind former Croatian boss Miroslav ‘Ciro’ Blazevic.
On the international front, Croatia’s inaugural appearance at a major tournament took them to the quarter-finals at Euro ’96, succumbing to eventual winners Germany 2-1. But it was the national team’s mere presence that brought so much joy to the Croatian people, many of whom endured sleepless nights leading up to the matches.
“Qualifying for Euro ’96 was in itself a success and it’s important to remember that because our fans often take qualification for granted. We advanced into the next round so it was all the more pleasing. Unfortunately we didn’t succeed in getting past Germany, but it was a sensational feeling playing in such a prestigious tournament for the first time,” revealed Boban.
The 1998 World Cup was expected to be Croatia’s best chance of achieving a result, with the ‘Chile generation’ in the prime of their careers. A well organised line up, aided by the deadly left foot of golden boot winner Davor Suker saw Croatia secure third place, losing to eventual winners, France in the semi-final.
Boban, who had an injury cloud coming into the game, came under scrutiny after the 2-1 semi-final loss, as it was he who was dispossessed only seconds after Suker opened the scoring, and Lilian Thuram made Croatia pay, scoring France’s equaliser.
But a 2-1 victory in the third-place playoff compensated for the loss and sparked wild celebrations in Croatia, as the players returned to a hero’s welcome.
Croatia’s fairytale run came to an end as they failed to qualify for Euro 2000, this signalling the end of Boban’s international career.
Boban was never one to kick up a fuss. Just as he worked tirelessly as a youngster, against the odds, to gain a spot in the Milan side, he’s gracefully hung up his boots earlier this season after being out of favour, in what could easily have transformed into a spiteful episode.
After a reasonably successful 2000/2001 season at Milan, Boban was again loaned out for the current season, this time to Spanish side Celta Vigo. But his stint in the Spanish league would be over before it actually took off, as Boban decided to hang up the boots, in what he describes, was in the best interests of everybody involved.
However, Boban is by no means disappointed with the way in which his career has concluded. “It was my wish to play a year in the Spanish league, but unfortunately it was a tactical mistake that saw me finish my career at Celta Vigo. I was played as a centre forward, playing behind the two strikers, but we couldn’t play like that. So I decided to hang up the boots before things turned sour and before I lost my touch and my fitness and all those things attached to being a veteran.
“I left the money and everything else, it just doesn’t interest me. I left in peace and I firmly believe that I finished my career the right way. If I had played out a whole season under those conditions then it would’ve been a very disappointing end to my career, but this way I’m happy that I’ve made the right decision,” insists Boban.
Despite the national team going through a transitional phase and many of Croatia’s domestic clubs suffering serious cash flow problems, Boban is optimistic about the future, although he’s reluctant to predict the next crop of stars.
“There are a lot of talented young players coming through. We’re Croatia, not some struggling soccer nation, therefore we’ll produce a number of world class players. It’s a question time, it’s hard to say who there’s a lot of good young players around, but that answer will become clearer as time progresses,” he says.
Boban managed to catch a glimpse of the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay during his recent visit to Australia, and he thought the Socceroos were the better side in the first leg.
Surprisingly, it was Mark Viduka who impressed Boban rather than Harry Kewell, the reason? “Not because he’s Croatian but because he’s much more of a team player than Kewell. Kewell has got lots of talent and he’s explosive, but you can build a squad around Viduka.”
Boban has quashed any rumours of a comeback, or even a guest appearance similar to that of former teammate Aljosa Asanovic at Sydney United. “I have finished my career and there is no chance whatsoever.”
Predictably, when asked about any regrets during his long and illustrious career, Boban simply replies, “No nothing at all, I achieved everything”.
Top
Hvala ti Bobane! Jedan je Zvonimir Boban!
Hangs up His Boots
Former Croatian national team captain Zvonimir Boban will long live in the memories of Croatians all over the world as both a sporting and political icon. On the field, Boban was the first captain to lead Croatia into a major tournament at Euro ’96, and later, to a third placing at France ’98.
However, it was on the night of May 13, 1990, when Boban would become the symbol of a Croatian nation’s struggle for independence and international recognition. The 22-year-old lead Dinamo Zagreb on to the arena against Red Star Belgrade in a Yugoslav First Division fixture, but the match was non-existent, as a spiteful incident was soon to take place.
A full-scale riot broke out involving two sets of fans and police, which spilled onto the arena. During the incident, Boban kicked a Yugoslav policeman, who, in Boban’s view, was “mercilessly” attacking a Dinamo supporter. The incident lead to the Yugoslav Football Federation banning him for nine months, consequently placing his Italia ’90 World Cup spot for Yugoslavia in jeopardy.
Some political analysts believe that this incident was the start of the break up of Communist Yugoslavia and Boban doesn’t underestimate the role he may have played.
“It might have provided an impetus which was vital for Croatian people, taking into account that, even at that time, I was a public figure. That’s how it certainly appeared, here I was, a public face was prepared to risk his life, career and everything that fame could’ve brought all because of one ideal, one cause, the Croatian cause,” revealed Boban.
“I never regretted it for one second, why would I? It’s all about holding your head up and being proud if you can call yourself a man. After all, before you become a sportsman, before you become a doctor, before you become anything, you must first be a man. And, in the same way at that moment, to be a true Croat one had to be a real man to have the strength to remain a man of honour, because a lot of dishonourable things were happening all around the stadium towards our own supporters and towards our own people. Looking at it from a Christian angle, one can always be critical, but drastic events require measures and I feel I did something that was just and honourable. I know I did the right thing,” he added.
“Unfortunately I lost the chance to play at the 1990 World Cup, but I remained my own man and am proud I didn’t compromise myself in the process. I picked myself up, my soccer career not only continued, but it flourished and I managed to carve out a successful career after that,” Boban concluded.
The 1987 World Youth Cup in Chile played a significant part in the shaping of Croatia’s future. Yugoslavia, the eventual winners, consisted of the core of the Croatian squad that would take it to the quarter-finals of Euro ’96 and third place at France ’98.
Boban, along with Alen Boksic, Davor Suker, Robert Prosinecki, Robert Jarni, Igor Stimac and Slaven Bilic, or the ‘Chile generation’ as they were labelled, formed the nucleus of the Croatian squad throughout the nineties.
When the war broke out in 1991, Croatian sports personalities had an important task in defending the Croatian name and act as role models for a young nation. Tennis star and recent Wimbeldon champion Goran Ivanisevic, along with Boban, were two prime examples.
“I think that it was evident through our results and our conduct how much passion we have for our country and for the jersey we wear. It was also clear through the length of time we represented the national team and the results we achieved,” said Boban.
It was during that period in 1991 when Boban joined Milan and was loaned out to Bari the same season, who were eventually relegated. During the off-season, a transfer deal for Boban had been arranged between Milan and Marseille, but the midfielder didn’t want to budge.
Despite Jean-Pierre Papin, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marco Van Basten, Dejan Savicevic and later George Weah ahead of Boban in the pecking order in the days of foreigner restrictions, the Croat believed he was good enough to play for Milan and didn’t want to leave and be deemed a failure.
When his time came, Boban cemented his spot as an integral member of the Milan side of the mid-to-late-’90s together with Demetrio Albertini, Paolo Maldini and Sebastiano Rossi, that secured domestic and European trophies.
His sheer persistence saw him earn praise from all circles, including Milan’s coach at the time, Fabio Capello, whom Boban rates as the most influential behind former Croatian boss Miroslav ‘Ciro’ Blazevic.
On the international front, Croatia’s inaugural appearance at a major tournament took them to the quarter-finals at Euro ’96, succumbing to eventual winners Germany 2-1. But it was the national team’s mere presence that brought so much joy to the Croatian people, many of whom endured sleepless nights leading up to the matches.
“Qualifying for Euro ’96 was in itself a success and it’s important to remember that because our fans often take qualification for granted. We advanced into the next round so it was all the more pleasing. Unfortunately we didn’t succeed in getting past Germany, but it was a sensational feeling playing in such a prestigious tournament for the first time,” revealed Boban.
The 1998 World Cup was expected to be Croatia’s best chance of achieving a result, with the ‘Chile generation’ in the prime of their careers. A well organised line up, aided by the deadly left foot of golden boot winner Davor Suker saw Croatia secure third place, losing to eventual winners, France in the semi-final.
Boban, who had an injury cloud coming into the game, came under scrutiny after the 2-1 semi-final loss, as it was he who was dispossessed only seconds after Suker opened the scoring, and Lilian Thuram made Croatia pay, scoring France’s equaliser.
But a 2-1 victory in the third-place playoff compensated for the loss and sparked wild celebrations in Croatia, as the players returned to a hero’s welcome.
Croatia’s fairytale run came to an end as they failed to qualify for Euro 2000, this signalling the end of Boban’s international career.
Boban was never one to kick up a fuss. Just as he worked tirelessly as a youngster, against the odds, to gain a spot in the Milan side, he’s gracefully hung up his boots earlier this season after being out of favour, in what could easily have transformed into a spiteful episode.
After a reasonably successful 2000/2001 season at Milan, Boban was again loaned out for the current season, this time to Spanish side Celta Vigo. But his stint in the Spanish league would be over before it actually took off, as Boban decided to hang up the boots, in what he describes, was in the best interests of everybody involved.
However, Boban is by no means disappointed with the way in which his career has concluded. “It was my wish to play a year in the Spanish league, but unfortunately it was a tactical mistake that saw me finish my career at Celta Vigo. I was played as a centre forward, playing behind the two strikers, but we couldn’t play like that. So I decided to hang up the boots before things turned sour and before I lost my touch and my fitness and all those things attached to being a veteran.
“I left the money and everything else, it just doesn’t interest me. I left in peace and I firmly believe that I finished my career the right way. If I had played out a whole season under those conditions then it would’ve been a very disappointing end to my career, but this way I’m happy that I’ve made the right decision,” insists Boban.
Despite the national team going through a transitional phase and many of Croatia’s domestic clubs suffering serious cash flow problems, Boban is optimistic about the future, although he’s reluctant to predict the next crop of stars.
“There are a lot of talented young players coming through. We’re Croatia, not some struggling soccer nation, therefore we’ll produce a number of world class players. It’s a question time, it’s hard to say who there’s a lot of good young players around, but that answer will become clearer as time progresses,” he says.
Boban managed to catch a glimpse of the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay during his recent visit to Australia, and he thought the Socceroos were the better side in the first leg.
Surprisingly, it was Mark Viduka who impressed Boban rather than Harry Kewell, the reason? “Not because he’s Croatian but because he’s much more of a team player than Kewell. Kewell has got lots of talent and he’s explosive, but you can build a squad around Viduka.”
Boban has quashed any rumours of a comeback, or even a guest appearance similar to that of former teammate Aljosa Asanovic at Sydney United. “I have finished my career and there is no chance whatsoever.”
Predictably, when asked about any regrets during his long and illustrious career, Boban simply replies, “No nothing at all, I achieved everything”.
Top
Hvala ti Bobane! Jedan je Zvonimir Boban!