Croatian football team train in Rovinj 

At the beginning of October 2009, the Croatian national football squad spent time training at the grounds of the Rovinj Football Club. The national team stayed at Hotel Eden, set at the edge of the wonderful Zlatni Rt - Punta Corrente nature park. Unfortunately, the Croatian team was unable to qualify for the World Cup Championships in South Africa. It would have been the fourth time in succession for the team to take part in World Championships. However, it was not to be: the Croatians ended up just one point behind the Ukrainian team and third in their qualifying group – the ticket to South Africa was gone! Despite loud calls for the resignation of Croatian coach, Slaven Bilic, it was announced that he will take charge of the team for the assault on the European Championships in 2012.
Rovinji is a picture-postcard Istrian port and town on the Adriatic and sport and recreation play a leading role in attracting visitors. Sporting possibilities abound with tournaments, sports schools (tennis, diving, windsurfing etc.) and organized training camps. Sports grounds, facilities and equipment can all be hired. Facilities include a multi-functional sports hall, an eight-lane bowling alley, outdoor (Olympic) and indoor swimming and polo pools and gyms. A wide range of sport is on offer including football, basketball, handball and volleyball. Biking trails offer the option of exploring the surroundings. Water sports include yachting, rowing, windsurfing and water-skiing.