In February 1995, the amateur third-league team Bjelovar achieved a sensational victory over Dinamo, then the most expensive and one of the strongest Croatian football teams. Dinamo took an early lead with a goal by Kulenović, but Bjelovar turned the game around and eventually won 5-0, marking one of the biggest upsets in Croatian football history. The match was played under specific wartime conditions, with Bjelovar’s players mostly soldiers and amateurs, while Dinamo had a costly lineup with well-known players and a famous coach. This victory remains remembered as a symbol of struggle and surprise in sports, with the local community and Bjelovar fans recalling the event with pride and nostalgia.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the underdog story of Bjelovar, highlighting the amateur status of the team and the socio-political context of the Croatian War of Independence. They focus on the spirit of resilience and community pride, portraying the victory as a symbol of hope and resistance during difficult times.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the event as a remarkable sports upset, focusing on the facts of the match and the surprising result. They provide balanced coverage of both teams, acknowledging Dinamo’s strength and Bjelovar’s unexpected triumph, while also noting the historical context without heavy political framing.
Right: Right-leaning media may frame the victory as a patriotic moment, emphasizing the role of Croatian soldiers and the national pride associated with the win. They might highlight the military background of many Bjelovar players and connect the event to broader narratives of Croatian sovereignty and identity during the war period.
