Croatian footballer and manager who played for clubs like Hajduk Split and managed the Croatian national team, known for his contributions to Croatian football.
Ico Hitrec is renowned for being one of the pioneering football players from Croatia, known for his exceptional technique, lightning-fast speed, and powerful kicks. He was a crucial figure in the formation of Dinamo Zagreb, a legendary club in Croatian football history.
Ivan "Ico" Hitrec was born on April 13, 1911, in Croatia. His passion for football was evident from an early age, and he began his club career as a center-forward for Građanski Zagreb, a prominent Croatian football club.
Hitrec's impressive skills on the field earned him recognition, and he went on to play for Grasshopper Club Zürich in Switzerland and Kicker, a top-tier sports club in Europe. He was an integral part of the team that won the Swiss Cup in 1932 and the Yugoslav First League with HAK in the 1937-1938 season.
Hitrec was a key player for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia national team, appearing in 14 international games and scoring 9 goals in 7 of them. He was one of the seven Croatian players who boycotted the 1930 FIFA World Cup due to the Football Association of Yugoslavia's relocation from Zagreb to Belgrade.
His international career was marked by exceptional performances, including a memorable game against Spain, where he scored twice against the legendary goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora. His final international match was a friendly against Germany in October 1939.
Hitrec's playing style was characterized by his exceptional technique, dribbling skills, and incredible speed. He could sprint 100 meters in under 12 seconds, making him one of the fastest footballers of his era. His powerful kicks were feared by goalkeepers, and he was known for his humorous comment that he didn't like taking 11-meter penalty kicks because they were too close to the goal.
Severino Minelli, his Grasshopper teammate, recalled Hitrec's impressive skills, saying, "I played many matches where Hitrec was brilliant, the best. But, above all, I remember his kicks. Frightful! Goalkeepers would move away from his balls. I'm not exaggerating, that's indeed how it was."
Ico Hitrec's legacy extends beyond his impressive football career. He played a crucial role in shaping the football landscape in Croatia and Yugoslavia, inspiring future generations of players. His dedication, passion, and exceptional skills have cemented his place as one of the greatest football players from Croatia.
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