Marin Cilic faced a ranked Frenchman for the second straight match of his US Open title defense, and once again came out on top, dropping #19 Jo Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(3), 6-4 to advance to the semifinals. Cilic relied on his big serve throughout the match, and despite a somewhat worrisome final three sets, the Croat advances to the semifinals of a Grand … [Read more...] about Cilic Marches Into US Open Semifinals, Faces Djokovic
Archives for September 2015
Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
By 205 CommentsAnother qualifying campaign for Croatia has hit a major setback. The ability to win big games, particularly away from home has become an unattainable task. During the 2014 World Cup qualification stage, Croatia produced a meager two wins, two draws, and one loss. The 2012 Euro Cup qualification stage wasn’t much better, as they recorded three wins and two losses that featured a … [Read more...] about Niko Kovac’s tactical and management debacle has led to unnecessary uncertainty
The Cripplers Pit Part 1 Continued
By 4 CommentsFor the first time in the short history of the Ultimate Fighter series we will have a Croatian fighter as part of the cast. His name is Vladimir "Vlado or Sunshine" Sikic (10-0-1). The man known as "Sunshine" couldn't of picked a better season to showcase his skills on. This season pinned as the Ultimate Fighter 22 USA vs Europe will feature the popular Irishman and Interim … [Read more...] about The Cripplers Pit Part 1 Continued
Meltdown In Oslo
By 328 CommentsCroatia no longer control their own destiny to qualify for Euro 2016 directly. After a goal-less draw against Azerbaijan on Thursday and a 2-0 defeat in Norway, Croatia fall to third place in Group H, which would put them into a two-legged playoff in November. So what happened? -Croatia couldn't score one goal against Azerbaijan or Norway in 180 … [Read more...] about Meltdown In Oslo
The Cripplers Pit Part 1
By 11 CommentsThe Cripplers Pit will serve as a monthly update on all things happening in the world of Croatian mixed martial arts. If you are a Croatian fighter or you have news on anything in regards to Croatian mixed martial arts feel free to send me a message and I will add it to my monthly report. Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic The resurgence of CroCop in the UFC is in full … [Read more...] about The Cripplers Pit Part 1
Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
By 33 CommentsThe idea of coasting through an easy win during yesterday’s game seemed highly unlikely. With the inclusion of Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki as manager, Azerbaijan has looked more cohesive. The positive results from beating Malta at home and drawing Norway in Oslo were encouraging. They haven’t conceded a goal in 180 minutes under Prosinecki’s tenure. Should these … [Read more...] about Mario Mandzukic and Niko Kovac face immense pressure going into Sunday.
US Open Round 2: Cilic into final 32
By 3 CommentsMarin Cilic breezed to victory once again in New York, taking under two hours to defeat #139 Evgeny Donskoy 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Cilic got the job done thanks to 19 aces and five break points. He avoided having to face #17 Grigor Dimitrov in the third round, and will instead face #56 Mikhail Kukushkin on Friday, who upset Dimitrov in five sets. Ivo Karlovic fell in … [Read more...] about US Open Round 2: Cilic into final 32
Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan
By 306 CommentsWhen Croatia and Azerbaijan met last October in Osijek, the Vatreni easily dismantled their competition 6-0 in front of 15,000 happy fans. They meet again in Baku Thursday with only four matches remaining in Euro qualifying. The question is: will the real Croatia show up who can score goals with ease against a lesser talented Azerbaijan side or will Croatia's Jekyl … [Read more...] about Lethargic Croatians Draw 0-0 In Azerbaijan