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Dubravko PavlicicCroatian footballer
Date of Birth: 28.11.1967
Country:  France |
Content:
Early Career
Dubravko Pavličić began his professional football career in Zagreb, Croatia, with Dinamo Zagreb. In 1990, he transferred to Rijeka, where he played for five seasons, establishing himself as a formidable central defender.
Spanish Success
In 1994, Pavličić moved to Spain and joined Hércules, a team in the second division. The following season, the club achieved promotion to La Liga, and Pavličić made his debut in the top tier of Spanish football. Despite Hércules' relegation at the end of the season, Pavličić's impressive performances caught the attention of other clubs.
He subsequently played for Salamanca and Racing Ferrol, both in Spain's second division. After one season with Racing Ferrol, Pavličić decided to retire from professional football at the age of 33.
International Career
Pavličić represented Yugoslavia's youth team and won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1987. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, he was called up to Croatia's senior team and made his debut in a friendly match against Australia in 1992.
He participated in the qualifying campaign for the UEFA Euro 1996 championship and was included in their squad for the tournament. Pavličić played in two group stage matches against Portugal and Turkey. He played his final international match in 1997, accumulating 22 caps for Croatia.
Personal Life and Legacy
On April 4, 2012, Pavličić passed away in Elche, Spain, at the age of 44 after a battle with cancer. He is remembered as a talented defender who represented Croatia with distinction. Pavličić's final resting place is in Alicante, where he resided in his later years.
