Croatian national team doesn't want to play in Rijeka :(((

**Jana** · 10-16-2019, 08:25 AM

One and last qualifying game for EURO 2020 is remaining, and the Croatia-Slovakia match was scheduled to be played in Rijeka, third largest city in Croatia.
So far Croatian federation followed principle home games are to be played in all regions and 4 biggest cities of Croatia.

With capital Zagreb, this qualifying matches were played in Osijek (vs Wales, 4th largest city, and capital of Slavonia), and in Split (vs Hungary, 2nd largest city and capital of Dalmatia).
It proved to be great decision as team had fanatical support whenever they played.

But this final game won't be played in Rijeka.

Players of Croatian team asked the federation to change the stadium, because they don't want to play such important game in Rijeka!
They asked for it to be played either in Zagreb, Split or Osijek.
Game against Slovakia was supposed to be more of a friendly match because it was expected Croatia will already qualify for EURO until now, so that last game will not matter.

But as it happened we need at least a draw to qualify, and it seems Rijeka is not good enough as other cities for important match like that, only for games nobody cares about.
Rijeka stadium is small but with best grass quality in Croatia, Split has problems with grass and Osijek already had a match so it will be played in capital city.

We are hurt and disapointed

My family and friends were getting ready for the game and couldn't wait to cheer for 2nd best team in the world. But seems players don't value our city and region.

Very sad.