New book about Croatia’s first ever international against USA presented

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

A new book recalling one of the most significant moments in Croatian sporting and national history has been presented in Zagreb.

Hrvatska – SAD (ili nikad) by Andrej Maksimović was officially launched at the Westin Hotel, marking the historic first match of the Croatian national football team, played against the United States on 17 October 1990 at Maksimir Stadium.

The book was presented by the author alongside honorary president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) Mladen Vedriš, editor Karlo Ledinski and HNS ticketing officer Nikša Martinac.

The event brought together many direct participants in a match that went far beyond football.

Maksimović explained that the idea for the book grew from a documentary he made five years ago.

He described the 14 players who took the field, and the many others behind the scenes, as “heroes” whose contribution deserved to be permanently recorded.

“This match symbolised, in many ways, the end of Yugoslavia and the birth of a new Croatian national team and a new state,” he said, adding that football was often “a step ahead of political events” in the dying federation.

The presentation was attended by HNS president Marijan Kustić, who emphasised the importance of preserving tradition and honouring those who laid the foundations of Croatian football.

He noted that today’s national team continues that legacy through both results and the strong family values surrounding the national shirt.

Mladen Vedriš highlighted the match’s international importance, describing it as Croatia’s first step on the road to global recognition.

He said the fact that the USA agreed to play sent a powerful political message and later proved crucial in developing strategic ties during Croatia’s fight for independence.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

Nikša Martinac revealed lesser-known details of how the match was approved, crediting Ante Pavlović for discreetly securing FIFA permission at great personal risk.

Former players Ivan Cvjetković, Vlado Kasalo and Gregor Židan shared emotional memories of the match, speaking of pride, sacrifice and unforgettable scenes in Zagreb. Many recalled only fully grasping the match’s true importance once war broke out.

More than a sporting occasion, Croatia v USA became a defining moment in modern Croatian history, a story now carefully preserved in Maksimović’s book.