…little Croatia played on the world’s largest stage – the World Cup Final.
Croatian sports has had some monumental moments over the past three decades. And even though we didn’t lift the trophy, this has to be the greatest sporting achievement in Croatia’s history. It’s not easy to get to a World Cup Final. Eight countries have won it and only 13 nations have played in the Final since its inception in 1930. In 90 years, Croatia is one of 13 nations to play in the Final. That is absolutely bonkers to think about!
We know Croatia has the goods to get there – but after a frustrating three years since the Final – when will the Vatreni be capable of another run to football’s Mount Everest?
The individual talent will always be there but can the HNS put together a cohesive team of management, back office, and coaches to bring together 25 players with one collective soul, just as they did in 2018?
There have been too many issues with the team – not only during Euro 2020 – but for the past four years and I find it a bit sad that Croatian supporters all across the world cheer on this team with their minds, bodies, and souls; travel across Europe to be front and center at matches, wake up in the early hours of the morning to turn on the game; but are oblivious to what’s really going on behind the scenes.
On Monday, I will share what really happened during EURO 2020.
Well written article Ante!
With all these incidents the past few years, the current HNS has been reluctant to jettison Dalic because he has a good relationship with them. They consider him one of their own. Hopefully, with the new HNS leadership this will change.
As far Dalic himself, he doesn’t want to step down despite the embarrassing results because he enjoys the attention of being the Vatreni coach. I was in Croatia in June, and he was in TV commercials for a credit card. He gets other endorsement deals as well which he doesn’t want to give up.
https://www.total-croatia-news.com/sport/54679-filip-ozobic
Don’t remember anyone even mentioning this name here
https://youtu.be/7DLrwtTLp98
A new video of sucic
Didn’t realize he was a lefty
Should be a good option for set pieces
What’s your guys opinion on what luka Susic does this year?
Lights it up and stays where he is for another couple years?
Sucic
He should be a starter, unless that garbage Aaronson somehow starts over him. But Sucic is much better so eventually he’ll lock his spot in. Maybe stays two more seasons including this one. He’ll break out in one of them then make a big move imo.
LOL. We’re so desperate for a world class keeper that there’s already an article on Nediljko Labrović from Rijeka.
https://www.index.hr/mobile/clanak.aspx?category=sport&id=2291415
Nedeljko Labrovic
Sunday Labour
1998 – Croatia wins bronze by beating Holland on July 11.
2018 – Croatia wins silver by beating England on July 11 (they weren’t allowed to get gold).
2038 – July 11 falls on a Sunday, so the World Cup final could be July 11.
So natural progression means Croatia wins the World Cup in another 17 years.
I’ll take that.
It took Italy 53 years to win the Euro (since they first won it in 1968).
Most top teams haven’t ever even played in a World Cup final (Portugal) or have gone several decades without being in one (England). Heck even Brazil has a 20 year Finals drought going on.
We’ve gotten really spoiled when you hear us complaining about “only” ever making the quarters a couple of times in the Euros and “only” ever making the semifinals of the World Cup before our silver medal run in 2018.
We’re one of only five teams in that 20-year period (from ’98 to 2018) to make the semifinals (or better) TWICE. France, Germany, Brazil, and Netherlands are the other four.
But yea, I’m a firm believer in the 20 year rule for us.
In 2038, a 35 year-old Stipe Biuk will be holding up the World Cup trophy after being named player of the tournament and surpassing Luka Modrić on Croatia’s all-time cap list.
So what will change in Croatia by 2038 that they’ll be allowed to win is an interesting question?
Ok new HNL
Who are the can’t miss guys
Who are the possible surprises
If we talking youth then:
Hrvatski Dragovoljac-
Mario Veljača (19) is a pretty decent striker talent
Scored a cracker against Istra after being subbed on today
He’s my big surprise this year
Istra-
Dion Drena Beljo (19) is a 6’5 striker, similar to Ibra in that he’s slow but excellent technically for his height. Loaned from Osijek.
Mateo Lisica (18) is one of the few young talented RBs. He can play RB, RWB, RM, even RW. Got subbed on against HRD today and created a nice chance in 15 mins.
Šibenik-
Deni Juric (23) he’s representing Australia but I’m glad he’s in the HNL. One of Sibeniks only bright sides after losing Bulat, Labrovic, Sahiti, etc.
Antonio Marin (20) yep he’s already 20. I feel like this is a do or die season. If he fails we can officially label him as a bust. Had a very very promising game against a strong Osijek though, creating some chances and taking a few shots.
Niko Rak (17) defender, never heard of him but he’s maybe one to keep an eye on.
Osijek-
Mihael Žaper (22) I’d say he’s already pretty established in the HNL but he could be a decent depth midfielder for the repka one day.
Rijeka-
Nediljko Labrović (21) what a game he had against Gorica. Upgrade from Nevistic in my eyes.
Robert Muric (25) I know he’s old and still in the HNL but he had a killer match. If he stays consistent what a player he can be.
Ivan Lepinjica (22) it seems like he hasn’t progressed. Every season he’s almost in the starting eleven. Bust if you ask me.
Roko Jurisic (19) and Filip Braut (19) both talented fullbacks. Won’t be starters though.
Matej Vuk (21) talented winger.
Gorica-
Dominik Kotarski (21) sucked ass at Ajax. Maybe he bounces back?? Doesn’t seem to even be considered as the starter for Gorica so…
Josip Mitrovic (21) he emerged from nowhere last year. Could be a huge player one day. Kind of looks like Lautaro Martinez.
Hrvoje Babec (21) he’s ok.
Slaven-
Lovro Zvonarek (16) 🤤🤤🤤
Not much more to say other than this kid right here is a MASSIVE talent. Plays with the confidence of a veteran at 16. Easily one of Slavens best players at 16, but lets not get our hopes too too high. He was at trial with Bayern when he was 15 and played with their u19s.
Dinamo Zagreb-
Ivanusec, Majer, we know them.
Marko Bulat (19) captained Šibenik last year. Top class midfielder.
Ivan Saranic (18) and Martin Baturina (18) should get some minutes, I’m very high on both of them. World class potential.
Lokosi-
Nikola Soldo (20) good CB.
Lukas Kacavenda (18) another great talent that can play across the line, AM, RM, LM.
Hajduk-
Stipe Biuk (18) in my opinion the best technically skilled talent we’ve had in years.
Mario Vuskovic (19) we all know him.
Marin Ljubicic (19) biggest striker talent imo.
David Colina (20) I feel like he always has a shitty game.
Ivan Cubelic (18) another amazing midfield talent. Very talented.
Wow Markus
Thanks
Let’s hope two or three of those guys can pan out for us
Let’s hope we can find an above average keeper. I still consider livakovic average till he goes to a higher league and performs for a year or two
A question to you
Seeing as orsic is still at Dinamo for all this time even tho he warranted a move
Do you think he is just better off staying at Dinamo?
I mean for the benefit of the repka not for himself
Plays plenty, stays in shape, has already proven he can perform against well higher competition and in theory doesn’t need a move
For sure he could probably step up his game somewhere else but possible he may go somewhere and get lost on the bench
I think he should stay for now until he can secure himself a move where he truly gets the minutes. Don’t see him moving unless he really explodes into a top class player though.
We have a few decent goalkeeping prospects though. Labrovic has the potential and if we go young, Silic from Hajduk is very talented as well as that 15 year old from Osijek who’s name I keep forgetting lol.
Hi guys it’s me Bog. I’m as tired as your are with Dalic. Why does he always reference me when Croatia loses? I had nothing to do with it.
Bothj Roko Simic and Luka Sucic are at Red Bull Salzburg.
That’s a team I want to keep tabs on, though I think Simic will be loaned to Red Bull’s sister club (Liefering) for that first year the same way Sucic was.
Hopefully Dalic caps Sucic just to ensure he’s locked in with us.
He already lost us Sosa, and now Rebic. Don’t wanna add to the list. 🙂
Who says Sosa is lost? F Dalic
Hey Anti, what do you think the punishment will be for white people who wished for people “who look like us” to be assimilated out of existence? Either we are assimilated out of existence or the white people who promoted that shit get their skulls bashed the fuck in and their heirs get their inheritance taken away from them.
Omg anonymous racist with psychosis AKA ZRINSKI welcome back.I’m so tired of listening to the Dalic bashing your insight on all things white And racist is a breath fresh air!
Are we really talking about kids who don’t even hair on their ⚽️ ⚽️Yet ??
14 Wtf??
Let’s start scouting the U-7 tournament in Rijeka next week!!
Roko Simic, only hope at striker going forward?
Absolutely not. Marin Ljubicic is a beast and if you really want to go back, 15 year old Zlatan Koščević just signed a contract with Dinamo until 2024. Kid had something nuts like 46 goals and 13 assists in 32 games last season. Few more top quality youngsters around the ages of 14-17.
Top quality yes, where will they be in 10 years ? look at Hallivoic top quality player who cannot get his head out of his butt a mental midget who collapsed . He still young if he ever gets it together he might salvage something for himself. This sport is now. We need talented players we have now playing . We need a strong savez with a capable coach . Not what we have now. The old guard needs to go and we need young players to take us to Qatar and Euro 2024
Petar Musa, Deni Jurić and Dion Drena Beljo are all young, tall strikers who may work well in our system.
They’re all likely to start for their clubs this season at Berlin, Šibenik and Osijek… So hopefully they show something and develop.
Kulenović is also still pretty young, but not sure if he’ll be playing much unless he goes out on loan.
Špikić seemed to be well liked and has done well at Gorica, but he’s a natural winger. Though he has played as striker for us.
I say we just ride the hype on the STIPE BIUK train!
I’m in Split now. For last hajduk game you needed vax or covid test to get in. But I heard they were pretty relaxed on it. Could probably show a račun for burek and get in
Anyone know as a Canadian where to buy tickets for the upcoming games?
Following…I asked this question below aswell.. going to be in Croatia in September…fellow croats help us out
https://www.ulaznice.hr/hns/home.jsp
This site is to buy tickets online but you must have croatian oib and id card. If you dont have croatian id you can only buy them at the stadium
All the info is on this site i posted if you have relatives in croatia they can buy them for you
Thanks Miki!
I’m hoping we pull the plug on everyone over 28 after the World Cup…if we make it,and go with a complete youth movement gunning for the 2030 title.
A few years of pain for long term gain!
Did anyone see that Livakovic error against Slaven… LOL. Might have blown the game. Mind you, Dinamo should be potting in a few by now.
Dinamo with a baddddd game
Red Bull Salzburg just paid $ 4 million euros for Roko Simic.
Kids a stud. Only 17.
Son of Dario! Fuck that makes me feel old. I remember when Dario was the kid on the team
For me Dalic needs get his head out his ass and play players on form and call group players like bilic did 2006 and have a mix of future and vets who can help. Imo we can put lineups and say this works this doesnt man even a lockeroom in sambles we almost made it to quarterfinals imagine if dalic got his taktocs right and some players were not premadana ass hole rebic krama.
For a small nation we are great love the boys even when im old and fat ill be rooting for them.
where can i stream HNL for free. go!
Hey guys, Im going to be in Croatia in September and want to catch the game against Slovenia at Poljud..how can I get tickets as a American?
@Zrinski
“HNS can’t be proactive – no need to be- they just wait and continuously are reactive”.
Doesn’t this reflect Croatia and Croatians as a whole?”
What is the situation you believe that Croats should of controlled from the outset instead of waiting to be reactive? Please be specific.
Status not statues
Hvala Ante
Thank you don’t mean to shoot the messenger just really upset on how things went down at the euros
This was our chance to solidify our statues as one of the best team in the world and we completely blew it on relying on amateur tactics and players
Dear Ante I think all of us have always known that there was something going on behind the scenes with the team. The politics and infighting behind the curtain has been hurting us for years. There are many factors why a soccer team or any sports franchise is successful. Step one for a team to be successful is organization. People who are smart and know how to run a savez and manage it . People here can disagree. All the power to them. We all have our ideas and opinions. Had our savez been properly managed and the right players playing with a proper coach perhaps the last few Euros and World Cups might off been different. Perhaps we might not have been champions. But we would not be a embarrassment . I am hoping for the best. Thank you for your site and allowing us Hrvati to come and discuss or nation and team
Thanks buddy. always appreciated. I’m all about getting us together so we can discuss and debate…and when we finally meet in person, have a beer.
Elvis
Come back I miss you buddy
Ante
Be a man 👨 and tell us what the hell is going on
Yeah, how can you make such an announcement then duck. Using the works of the Immortal Elvis “don’t be a Fanook”
No patience, huh Suba? Do you not trust me? There’s always a method to my madness. It’s going up Sunday night. I just need one more blessing from the Pope and I’m good to go. 🙂
I’m afraid that Modric is on Team Dalic. If so, that’s the problem. Based on how he jumped into Dalic’s arms and kissed him after the Scotland game, we might have MAJOR problems here. I hope I’m wrong.
Luka is at the end. Time to retire the old Buick. He might be a problem now and upsetting the younger generation. You have to be willing to make change and we need change now.
Luka is a softie.
He tolerates a lot, and it takes a long time for him to tune out his coach.
Kovač was more arrogant and a disciplinarian, so he was much easier to be tuned out when he was rolling out stupid lineups. Plus, we had Mandžo on the team to speed that process up as well.
Dalić is probably a very nice guy off the field, so they probably like him alot as a pal.
We’ll see what happens in the next few weeks with the HNS Presidency, but I expect nothing to change.
Unfortunately, we need to dig ourselves into a deep hole in qualifying before anyone will react to initiate a change.
I saw Modric jump into Daliches arm’s celebrating and when Modric was walking away he continued talking and Dalic turnd in Moriches direction and looked as if he was upset or confused. Don’t know if Modric talking made him turn around or someone or something else in that direction. Dalia looked as if he was lost for a monent
Once again.. the coach makes a difference and that has been evident. Coaches that have won major titles have REAL experiences and coaching abilities.
Mancini: Won premier league & serie a titles. Now a euro cup and two losses with Italy.
Deschamps: Great track record with France and Juventus
Santos: Did well with Greece and won a euro with Portugal
Del Bosque: Spain’s all the time coach and won at club level.
The problem is the coaching 1000%. No Croatian coach has won anything major at club or national level. Kovac is the only one I can think of. Either fire Dalic and bring in a foreign manager or the snowball of the teams issues continues to grow.
Ridding ourselves of Dalic was an opportunity that HNS should have taken- pay him some “go away” money and he would have taken it- we will lose to Russia and then Dalic will be cut- HNS can’t be proactive – no need to be- they just wait and continuously are reactive- eager to hear what Ante has but it’s obvious that the players and coach aren’t on the same page and some guys tied to Dalic are keeping him because they will be gone too- so it’s cover your butt to keep the gravy train going .
“HNS can’t be proactive – no need to be- they just wait and continuously are reactive”.
Doesn’t this reflect Croatia and Croatians as a whole? Look at the guy who wrote this article, he’s scared shitless of anyone who doesn’t conform to our established religion of Political Correctness. Look at the Hungarians, they are a small nation but they have the balls to give the middle finger to Political Correctness and their ENTIRE congregation, which as you know, is massive. That’s why THEY will win. That’s why THEY might actually still have a nation 1,000 years from now.
There’s a severe risk there won’t be ANY nations in less than 100 years.
There is no scoop just poop 💩
Mancini and his visits to the holy spot worked wonders due to the fact Lady Luck was on his side each and every game.
From the Austrian Serb being a foot offside to olmo slicing a shot just wide in extra time and then hoofing a pk..to lukaku hitting a clueless defender in the arse on a wide open goal …to South Gate botching his picks for PK’s…the list goes on and on…the old saying better to be lucky than good holds true though Italy was very good.
They say that team was built for next years World Cup but I guarantee Lady Luck will play a different tune for Them in a year and a half.
The lady was on our side in 18 snd not so much this tournament.
You need luck to win tournaments, but you can’t take anything away from Italy.
They played really well and dominated many quality teams.
We did the same in Russia 2018, where we outshot and outpossessed every single team that we played (including France, Argentina and England).
We did the exact opposite this tournament, where every team dominated us…except for Scotland.
I would say that we still had some luck on our side this tournament (despite losing Perisic and the Lovren penalty). Scotland lost their best player, and gave us the midfield in that decisive game. Spain scored in their own goal, and we scored on very few chances created overall (which is rare).
The “luck” was pretty split for us. The poor coaching was the deciding factor.
Where is the locker room scoop?
I’m feeling upbeat for this upcoming WC qualifying campaign. Dalic saw the difference with the energy and attacking prowess made by inserting Budimir, Orsic and Pasalic into the lineup. I am optimistic with Livakovic in net. I think he is a top class shot stopper, though he is suspect at commanding his box and marshalling his defenders. Defence in big transition, but in a few years I can see it being very strong, and our midfield Big 3 of Modric, Brozo, and Vlasic can compete with any team.
All of this thrown out the window if Dalic starts with Bruno and allows Rebic to play 90 regardless of his form. That is, if Rebic is still in the squad.
We’ve been waiting for Dalic to ‘wake up’ and come to his senses for 3 years here. I’ve seen enough. I don’t want to roll the dice here and ‘hope he figures it out’ and potentially throws a huge wrench into us qualifying for Qatar.
Yup.
It’s not like Budimir, Orsic and Pasalic are now going to fix our problems.
Dalic was too slow to react to the obvious change that was necessary (Rebic) and took 70 minutes to do it.
Now, he pretty much ensures that Rebic will no longer be on the National Team because of a mistake that he made.
We we severely outplayed by England and Spain this tournament, with some very questionable lineup choices and very delayed substitutions.
The Czech played a very simple tactic against us too (which worked for the majority of the game). There is no reason why the Czechs should have outpossessed and outpassed us in that game, but they did.
The Scotland game was the only one where our offense clicked, but Scotland’s coach made a poor tactical error themselves.
Everybody can make a mistake or two in the tactics or lineup selections, but Dalic made them in all four games, and he is just too slow to correct them.
I would prefer to have a coach with a better idea of player selection, but I am confident Dalic will use more effective players. He has been lambasted for his refusal to make substitutions for players who weren’t in good form, and I would think he would have learned his lesson, least of all the turn around in the Spain at the end of regulation time. If not, he should be sacked within a game or two.
Come on Ante. Plant the Mancini seed into the minds of the HNS.
Mancini says that he goes to Međugorje to re-charge his batteries.
He’d be hitting maximum power with us, since his power source would be so close to him.
https://www.vecernji.hr/sport/roberto-mancini-ispunio-obecanje-i-vratio-se-u-medjugorje-421361/galerija-23419?page=1
Make these photos happen again…but in front of a press conference table. 🙂
Clearly not the same team of 2018 nor is the spirit there either
The matches at the euros was pure evidence
No heart no soul and most worrying no love for country any more
If we keep this up we will end up in the scrap heap just like Serbia
Ante you have quiet keeping us waiting which concerns me
What’s the big scoop
Who did we sell out to
What deals are being made by davor and zvone and ceferin because euro 2020 was a sham just like everything else had gone on in the last 2 years
Yeah let’s blame rebic banging in goals for AC but skews his shots offtarget and can’t even control the ball
We need answers
Dalic continuing is not one of them
Za dom spremni
Just pry Mancini from Italy, and we’ll win the World Cup.
Give him a season’s pass to Međugorje as part of the deal. He’ll take it for sure.