Exploring the vibrant world of Croatian football offers fascinating insights into the culture. It also shows the passion that surrounds the sport.
Croatian-Australian coach takes on Taiwan challenge
In the heart of Taiwan, where cultures, languages, and generations converge through the universal language of football, an unexpected story unfolded. This story epitomises the spirit of Croatian football and the beautiful game.
The Australian over-65s football team, the Canberra Old Boys, are currently competing in the World Masters Football Tournament.
Among them is Ivan Jurinović, a Croatian-born Australian and qualified football coach. Alongside former Melbourne Knights great and Socceroo Alan Davidson, he is proudly representing his adopted homeland.
A walk that changed everything
On Saturday evening, during some downtime ahead of their third match on 27th May, Jurinović decided to explore the city, while his teammates relaxed at a nearby pub.
As he wandered near the city center, the unmistakable sound of a football match caught his attention. Therefore, he headed towards the pitch, where Croatian football was being celebrated.
Croatian colors in an unlikely place
To his surprise, a group of young men were warming up in the Croatian national team’s dark kit, complete with the HNS emblem. Intrigued and a little puzzled, Jurinović approached and asked, “Are some of you Croatian?”
“No,” one of them replied in fluent English, “but we like Luka Modrić.”
Introductions quickly followed.
The players were university students, and the English speaker—nicknamed Jono—was more than happy to translate. Jurinović shared that he was Croatian by birth, an Australian by home, and a qualified football coach, in Taiwan to play in the Masters tournament. Jurinović asked if he could speak with their coach. Jono replied simply, “We don’t have a coach.”
An unexpected coaching call
After a quick chat amongst themselves, Jono said to Jurinović, “My teammates want you to be our coach.”
Within minutes, Jurinović found himself managing the enthusiastic university team wearing Croatian colors. With only half an hour before kick-off, he introduced a few key tactics, including a set play focusing on cutbacks and a disciplined transition to defense. It was simple, efficient football—and it worked wonders.
Turning tactics into triumph
In their previous match, the team had drawn 0–0. Under Jurinović’s guidance, they surged to a thrilling 4–1 victory, with two goals scored directly from cutbacks and several more narrowly missed.
The result secured them a spot in the quarter-finals.
Jurinović recalled shouting instructions in English, perhaps including a few phrases in Croatian football language, while Jono translated swiftly.
When Jurinović called out for the winger to move “high and wide,” Jono relayed it instantly, and the winger sprinted into position.
A moment of respect and recognition
After the match, something extraordinary happened. The opposing team came over and bowed in respect. Whether out of sportsmanship or surprise, the gesture was humbling.
“Perhaps we weren’t meant to win,” Jurinović reflected later. “But we did.”
From strangers to bronze medallists
The story didn’t end there. The young team advanced to the semi-finals, ultimately securing bronze—third place out of twelve teams.
Although Jurinović couldn’t be there for the semi-final due to his own match commitments with the Canberra Old Boys, the connection was not forgotten.
The students came to cheer for Jurinović and his team during their match, cementing a bond born entirely from football.
A lasting impression
Before parting ways, Jurinović told Jono to share one last thing with the boys: “Tell them I’m CroAsian.” The team burst into laughter, recognising not just the pun, but the shared spirit behind it.
Jurinović’s detour led to an unforgettable exchange of culture, respect, and friendship. It was a moment that reminded everyone involved—this is how Croatian football brings people together.
We’ve since learned that Jurinović and Davidson will be playing for the gold medal in the World Masters Football Tournament this Friday. We’ll bring you full coverage of the match and, with a bit of luck, the celebration of a well-earned victory.
*Ivan Jurinović is a former Dandenong City Hajduk player, coach, and administrator. He has a strong legacy in junior development within the Croatian football community in Australia.
In other sport related news: Nicolas Milanović wins Australian football’s highest individual honour.