From bad to worse. With an essential "must win" game against Finland in Osijek on October 6th and potential group decider versus Ukraine in Kiev three days later, Croatia will be without one (maybe even two) of its starters for these key World Cup qualifiers. Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovačić is likely out 6-8 weeks with a partial abductor tear he … [Read more...] about Kovačić Out, Subašić Questionable For October Qualifiers
Archives for September 2017
Rijeka Fall 2-1 To AEK In Europa Opener
By 33 CommentsRijeka fell short of the Champions League group stage after their duel with Olympiakos, but were given a fortunate draw in Europa League. The Croatian champions were paired with AC Milan, AEK Athens and Rapid Wien in group stage. The top-2 clubs will make the Round of 32 knockout stage in February. And although AC Milan is primed to top the group, second place is … [Read more...] about Rijeka Fall 2-1 To AEK In Europa Opener
Champions League Day 1: Rakitić Scores, Kovačić Injured
By 63 CommentsOn the first night of Champions League, Barcelona easily dismissed last year's runners-up Juventus 3-0 at Camp Nou. Messi would score in the 45th minute with Ivan Rakitić picking up the trash in front of the net to beat an out of position Gigi Buffon in the 56th minute. Messi would add one more later in the second half. Barcelona are perfect to start the La Liga season and … [Read more...] about Champions League Day 1: Rakitić Scores, Kovačić Injured
Croatians Around Europe *III*
By 154 CommentsAfter an awful game against Turkey, Inter Milan winger Ivan Perišić showed us all what he is capable of. In the 87th minute, Perišić could be seen waving to teammate Danilo d'Ambrosio in the box asking for a pass in the air. Perišić would receive his request, wind up and blast a left-footed volley into the top-left corner of the net from 17 yards out. The match would end 2-0 … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *III*
Croatia Fall Apart In 2nd Half, Lose 101-78 To Russia
By 25 CommentsIn what was supposed to be a promising EuroBasket tournament for Croatia, quickly turned into a disaster Sunday night against Russia. Croatia did what was expected of them in the EuroBasket 2017 group stage behind team leaders Bojan Bogdanović and Dario Šarić. They finished 2nd in the group, going 4-1, with their only loss coming to perennial European giants … [Read more...] about Croatia Fall Apart In 2nd Half, Lose 101-78 To Russia
The Blame Game
By 132 CommentsEvery qualifying campaign, Croatia has their hiccup performance. It's like clockwork. Croatia is not Germany. Or Spain. Or England: perennial teams that cruise through qualifying without the blink of an eye. For Euro 2016 qualifying, Croatia drew Azerbaijan and lost to Norway in the same weekend. In World Cup 2014 qualifying, Croatia lost to Scotland … [Read more...] about The Blame Game
Croatia Lose In Turkey After Subašić Gaffe
By 212 CommentsCroatia Starting XI vs. Turkey: Subašić; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Pivarić - Modrić, Badelj; Brozović, Kovačić, Perišić - Nikola Kalinić. We can blame the missed penalty call for Croatia in the first half or Subašić for not punching that ball away, but that Croatia team that has way too much potential but forgets how to play ball is back. Perišić is blasting balls from … [Read more...] about Croatia Lose In Turkey After Subašić Gaffe
Croatia Lose 1st Game At EuroBasket To Spain
By 14 CommentsCroatia lost their first game of the EuroBasket group stage Tuesday in a 79-73 defeat to Spain. Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Šarić led the team with a double-double (18 points, 13 rebounds) but it wasn't enough as Croatia now look to finish second in the group before the knockout round begins this weekend. It was a close game at the end and both players and … [Read more...] about Croatia Lose 1st Game At EuroBasket To Spain
Croatia Escape Watergate Weekend With Win
By 95 CommentsThat could have been a disaster folks! Imagine if Croatia didn't grab all three points against Kosovo at home. After Saturday night's match was suspended in the 20th minute due to pouring rain and a water logged pitch at Maksimir, to everyone's surprise waking up Sunday morning in North America, the game was back on Sunday afternoon in Zagreb; 2:30PM (local … [Read more...] about Croatia Escape Watergate Weekend With Win