Milan Rapaić (born 16 August 1973) is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He primary played as an attacking midfielder or winger.

International career

He made his debut for Croatia in an April 1994 friendly match away against Slovakia, coming on as a 46th-minute substitute for Darko Vukić, and earned a total of 49 caps, scoring 5 goals.[1]

Rapaić played two games for his country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and is most remembered for his spectacular goal against Italy, which secured a come from behind 2–1 victory.[2]

Rapaić was also included in Croatia's squad at Euro 2004 and played in three matches at the finals. On 17 June 2004, he scored a goal in Croatia's 2–2 draw with reigning champions France in the group stage.[3]

He proved to be a fan favourite with his fun-loving playing style wherever he has played, and after impressive performances he once again earned a call up in August 2006 for the Croatian national side after missing the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Croatia went on to beat the world champions Italy 2–0 in Livorno, with Rapaić starting.[4]

His final international was a March 2007 European Championship qualification match against Macedonia.[5]

Personal life

Rapaić's son Boris is also a footballer.[6]

Career statistics

International

Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 25 April 2001 Stadion Varteks, Varaždin  Greece
2–2
2–2
 Friendly
2 8 May 2002 PMFC, Pécs  Hungary
1–0
2–0
 Friendly
3 8 June 2002 Kashima, Kashima  Italy
2–1
2–1
 2002 FIFA World Cup
4–5 2 April 2003 Stadion Varteks, Varaždin  Andorra
1–0
 2–0 Euro 2004 Qualifying
2 – 0
6 17 June 2004 Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, Leiria  France
1–1
2–2
 UEFA Euro 2004

Honours

Hajduk Split

Fenerbahçe

References

  1. ^ "Appearances for Croatia National Team". RSSSF. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Italy stunned by Croatia". The Guardian. 8 June 2002. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Croatia 2-2 France". BBC. 17 June 2004. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  4. ^ "World champions Italy, fielding an entirely experimental side, lost 2-0 to Croatia in a friendly match in Livorno on Wednesday". CNN. August 2006. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  5. ^ "Player Database". EU-football. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  6. ^ "Like Father, Like Son: Inter Milan Target Son of Former Croatian International". Croatia Week. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2019.

External links