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Branko ZinajaYugoslav Croatian footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 28.09.1895
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Content:
- Branko Zinaja: Croatian Football Legend
- Early Career and International Debut
- Historic Appearance with Brother
- Victory in Poland and Olympic Selection
- Career Statistics and Post-Football Life
- Legacy
Branko Zinaja: Croatian Football Legend
Branko Zinaja, a Croatian footballer from Yugoslavia, made a significant mark on the football world in the early 20th century. Born in Zagreb, Croatia, he was the younger brother of another footballing legend, Dušan Zinaja.
Early Career and International Debut
Branko Zinaja played his entire club career for HASK Zagreb, a prominent Croatian club at the time. He made his international debut for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (later known as Yugoslavia) on October 28, 1921, in a friendly match against Czechoslovakia. He scored his first goal for his country in that match, but Yugoslavia lost 6-1.
Historic Appearance with Brother
On June 10, 1923, Branko Zinaja made history by becoming one of the first two brothers to play together for the Yugoslav national team. The other brother was his elder sibling, Dušan. The match was a friendly against Romania.
Victory in Poland and Olympic Selection
Branko Zinaja's most memorable moment for Yugoslavia came in a friendly match against Poland in Krakow. He scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, securing Yugoslavia's first-ever away victory. In 1924, he was selected for the Yugoslav team that participated in the Summer Olympics in Paris, although he did not play in any matches.
Career Statistics and Post-Football Life
Throughout his international career, Branko Zinaja made six appearances and scored four goals for Yugoslavia. In addition to his footballing career, he worked as a tax inspector.
Legacy
Branko Zinaja passed away at the age of 54 on September 20, 1949, in Opatija, Croatia. He remains an important figure in Croatian and Yugoslav football history, known for his contributions to the national team and his historic appearance alongside his brother.
