Prva HNL, Croatia’s top flight, is boiling. For the first time since 2001, the country has two spots in the Champions League. As Dinamo Zagreb won the title again, there are four teams after the second spot.
What’s better when different Baba regions combine to create great stories? Here are the top 5 players who were naturalized by a Eastern European country, and successfully represented their national team.
This week we will be in Croatia, then take a short visit to Côte d'Ivoire and finally chill out at Aruba.
(All the hours are in CET)
Amateur (Like this referee)
What? Dinamo Zagreb – Rijeka (Croatian Prva HNL)
When? Sunday, 17:00
Where? Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
Why? After years of a single club domination, we finally have great competition in the Croatian league. Dinamo Zagreb won the domestic championship 17 times and last season they completed their 10th consecutive title. After two years as runner-ups, Rijeka will try to win the title this year, as they are just two points behind Dinamo.
Key Players: Dinamo Zagreb have talented player Marko Pjaca, a 20 year old striker that has six caps for the Croatia national team. Rijeka surprised everyone in January with the signing of Mario Gavranović, a Swiss international who left Zürich and scored on his debut last week.
The Italian Guys: Until World War II, the city of Rijeka was part of Italy and was named Fiume. Back then, the local club named Fiumana played in the Serie C and even reached the Serie B for one season. During World War II, the club dissolved and established a few years later as Rijeka.
Professional (like this goal)
What? Moossou – Stade d'Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire Ligue 1)
When? Saturday, 16:30
Where? Stade de Bassam, Grand-Bassam
Why? We have a tremendous opening for the Ivorian league, when four teams are tied at the first place afterseven matches. Among them you can find Stade d'Abidjan, one of the biggest clubs in Ivorian football history, and Moossou - the league’s sensation in their first ever top tier season.
Key Players: Moossou is having a great season thanks to Dominique Anderson, who even got the call-up for the national team last month. In Stade d'Abidjan you should focus on Soualiho Coulibaly, a veteran player that arrived from Séwé Sport, after winning 3 domestic titles.
The First Title: Stade d'Abidjan is the first Ivorian club to ever win a continental title. In 1966 they won the African Cup of Champions Clubs after defeating Real Bamako from Mali.
World Class (like this goal)
What? RCA – Dakota (Aruba Division di Honor)
When? Sunday, 01:30
Where? Trinidad Stadium, Oranjestad
Why? The league in Aruba is at the midpoint and the race for the title is getting closer from match to match. The current champions, Racing Club Aruba, known as RCA, are in the 1st place with 27 points. Dakota are in the 3rd place, but just two points off the pace.
Key Players: Don't miss Steve Melchor, RCA’s striker and one of the best scorers in the league with 13 goals. Dakota's young defender Nickenson Paul is the biggest hope of the Aruban football and has led the U-20 team to their debut U-20 CONCACAF Championship in 2015.
The Colony: As a former Dutch colony, many players with Aruban roots play for the Netherlands national team - among them you can find Hedwiges Maduro and Demy de Zeeuw.
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Thumbnail photo by DAC Images
