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Ivica Vastic
Date of Birth: 29.09.1969
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Childhood and Early Career
- Rise to Prominence
- Later Career and Retirement
- International Career
- Personal Life
Childhood and Early Career
Ivica Vastić, an Austrian footballer and coach of Croatian descent, was born on September 29, 1969, in Split, Croatia. He began his footballing career at the local club "Jugovini" before moving to HNK Hajduk Split.
Rise to Prominence
In 1991, Vastić joined FC First Vienna in Austria, marking the start of his successful career in the country. He later played for Sankt Pölten, Admira Wacker, and briefly in the German Bundesliga with MSV Duisburg. However, his most significant achievements came with SK Sturm Graz, where he won two Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups from 1994 to 2002.
Later Career and Retirement
Following a brief stint in Japan and two seasons with FK Austria Wien, Vastić moved to second-tier club LASK Linz in 2005. He became the division's top scorer twice in a row and helped LASK earn promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2006/07 season. In the 2007/08 campaign, he was the club's top scorer with 13 goals in 32 appearances. Vastić retired as a player at the age of 39 in the summer of 2009.
International Career
In 1996, Vastić obtained Austrian citizenship and made his debut for the national team. He played in all three matches for Austria at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring one goal. He retired from international football in 2005 after making 46 appearances and scoring 12 goals. However, he made a comeback in 2008 for the UEFA European Championship, which was hosted by Austria. At the tournament, he scored the first goal for Austria in the European Championship finals, which was also the oldest goal in the competition's history. Vastić earned a total of 50 caps for Austria, scoring 14 goals.
Personal Life
Ivica Vastić is married to Anni, and they have three children. His eldest son, Anton, is also a footballer and has represented Austria at the U16 level.
