Home » Josip Simunic visits Sydney United 58

Josip Simunic visits Sydney United 58

08 Apr 2022

Having won over 100 caps for the Croatian National Team, Canberra born defender Josip Simunic was a surprise guest at Thursday evening’s Sydney United 58 training session, much to the amazement of the players and coaching staff.

Simunic, along with Croatian Federation (HNS) Board Member Petar Krpan and the nation’s Technical Director Ante Kulušić made the visit to Sydney United Sports Centre as well as the King Tomislav Club to establish closer links and dialogue between the HNS and Croatian-Australian Footballers amongst an array of other possible ideas involving the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s club.

Simunic, who came through the AIS ranks, made a name for himself with the Melbourne Knights during the NSL days which then led him to a successful European journey as a footballer playing in the German Bundesliga for the likes of clubs such as Hamburger SV, Hertha BSC and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim before finishing his career in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.

The 44-year-old also appeared in five major tournaments for Croatia those being two FIFA World Cups (2002 and 2006) as well as the UEFA European Championships in 2004, 2008 and 2012 where he became the fifth most capped player in the history of the Croatian National Team.

Now coaching the Croatian National Under 19’s side, Simunic oversaw Joe Haywood’s senior squad training amongst the rest of the youth clubs at United 58 with many footballers, coaches and spectators posing for photos with the big defender and having the chance to chat to the now retired star.

Sydney United 58 club captain Adrian Vlastelica was in awe of Simunic’s presence as he proudly posed in an image with one of his favourite players.

“It was an honour to meet Josip Simunic who played for the Croatian National Team over 100 times as well as coming through the Australian footballing system as a junior.

“He is an icon for all Australian Croatian Footballers and was a gentleman taking the time to chat to everyone as well as taking photos.”