Training on Sunday from Maksimir
Croatians around the world have waited for this day three long years. On Tuesday night in Zagreb, Croatia will be able to exonerate the ghosts of Euro 2008 and that dreadful penalty shootout loss to Turkey. Some of you would call it revenge, others atonement. But with Croatia’s 3-0 win in Istanbul this past Friday, the Vatreni are all but in the final 16 for next summer’s Euro Championships. But with some Croatia fans already booking their flights to Poland and Ukraine before Tuesday’s encounter, we must thank this same Turkey team in teaching us to be humble in celebration and to ultimately not party too early.
Sure, we have a 3-0 lead going into the home leg, where we’ve only lost once (England 4-1 in 2008) in a competitive match in our history, but I firmly believe that Bilić and his boys have finally learned to be cautious. So let’s keep the champagne on ice until 90 minutes at Maksimir are over. Until then, what changes, if any, do we need to make for the second leg? With Vedran Ćorluka and Tomislav Dujmović out due to yellow card suspensions, the obvious substitutions are Danijel Pranjić and Ognjen Vukojević.
Would that get the job done?
HOW SWEET 3-0 WAS…
THE BIRTH OF VATRENI: LOS ANGELES
In that case, thanks. Brother.
@Conor, it’s a compliment brother.
Not sure how to take that…
@Conor, for what ever reason, I found your comments/writing-style/language-terms, hilarious.
@Wallace
Nope, I am definitely 15. Thank you for your compliments, but I’m not a genius. Just a kid who writes well, I suppose.
@Dinkoi dog….
Quit woofing mayne, quit woofing!
@ Conor O’Donoghue
I thought you were joking, you write awefully well, I would think, for a 15 year old. Your writing is highly clever and entertaining. Are you a genius?
I honestly dont know how the match will be won or lost? Its hard to predict after fridays shock result. Its hard to know if they are going to continue what they started?or proctect what they have? All i can say is, lets hope they have learned their lesson from last time, its not over till its over. They should know their objective and whats at stake, and if they do consede an early goal, lets hope they dont panic, and let their emotions dictate their play, because if turkey do sniff a panic-stricken side, they definitely will capitalise. That is my major concerns leading into this second leg.
I dont want to be too negative and critical before this match. I would like approach this match full of optimism and the belief that we can prevail. So come on boys make us proud!
@ dinko dog ok maybe you didnt say we could bat any team Fuck i should be wearing glasses at this computer sorry kiddo
@ dinkodog I commented about Boban just to let you know ive been watching our bouys since roughly beginning and why i think my post is relevant to yours cause you said remember the days you could sit back and watch the vatreni dismantle any team whare i said that is not true and we allways had to fight hard not win important games and enter campaigns threw playoffs but know big deal if you dont understand all I want is our boys to go threw foe euro 2012 I would actually like to see them play a well counterd game and take the turks out with another hurrah …AJMO ZA DOM SPREMNI BOLJE GROB NEGO ROB -U-
@Wallace.
Firstly, I have very little else to do, so I didn’t use up too much of my time for my responses.
I can’t, however, choose when I was born, so why is it funny that I’m only 15?
No problem at all, although I never said we did it easy in the past. My point was that its easier to be a pessimist than an opptimist because there is less risk if you are wrong. I’m not sure how the boban incident was relevant to my point, but it doesn’t matter because I’m not here to argue like others.
I was just trying to get people in this discussion to lighten the mood, because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing.
For the record, I’m 26, so if I’m still a “youngen” I thank you for the compliment : )
@ dinkodog so for all you youngens at this soccer heart attack qualifying thing its been going on since the start of our NT and probably wont be the last so hold on to your seats soccer is never a gimme whoever you play .
@ dinko dog not to cut you up or nothing you probably just don’t know I’ve been watching our boys play since Boban drop kicked that cop at maksimir since just before the war our NT had a real tough time qualifying for france 98 and barely just did it with a late winner against I think it was Ukraine so it was never an automatic for us our best run at a tournament was the campaign for euro 2008 being top of our group and not having to do a playoff almost every other tournament including france 98 euro 96 in england our vatreni allways had to qualifying via playoff .
@Dinko Dog
Well said about Olic’s srce.
His face during the hymna said it all. He looked more intense than anyone on the pitch at that point.
I don’t think his effort will ever be questioned in a game.
That kind of spirit is priceless to a team.
As long as he’s healthy, I would say his spot should be as automatic as Modric’s.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jonathan_wilson/11/14/euro.playoffs/index.html
Imagine if we lose 4-0……
Did you know that Hiddink in the Turkish language means “I love kebabs”? Take that to the bank!
@Mishko
Good story, no sarcasm honestly. I was afraid that my post may have been taken the wrong way, but obviously you got the point. I also decided to post that for the people here who get worked up when some individuals being so negative, just ignore the pessimists, they are taking the easy road.
Why is it that the days are gone when you would back the Vatreni against any team in the world? I am not delusional as I know we arent what we used to be, but there is nothing wrong with standing by your team / nation! If we lose, then so be it, this is sport and unfortunately its filled with more heartache than joy.
But at the end of the day, I’d rather be the person who was wrong because I said we would win and know that I stood proudly by them. Would you rather be the guy who is right but turned your back like a coward just to look smart?
I know which one I would choose.
DD
@Dinko,
I use play paintball professionally, and every tournament including the world championship we always had the attitude of kicking the crap out of the other team.
It was all about attitude, trust in your teammates, and the sticking to the game plan. The year we won the world championship we decided on sending me far as hell and with just one guy for back up, and the rest of the team the other way. Normally 5 guys would go to that side, but THE TEAM decided that they had enough TRUST and FAITH in us to not do anything stupid, hold the line, shoot a few people and they could get around the other side.
Result, 2 time World Champion, and we didn’t have the best players in the world, but we played as a team, stuck to our plans, and always said, THIS IS OUR HOUSE, no matter where we were.
ZA DOM.
Let me just share one thing with a select few here who should really consider this before taking the bait…
Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only view of life in which you can never be disappointed.
@Allen,
When did Ziva get on the team? LMMFCAO
@Denis
I’m more than satisfied with the site. Ziva isn’t a make or break guy in my opinion. Maybe I don’t understand him and maybe one day I will, all I know is that his baggage of attitude exceeds his talent.
I’m outraged until I see Darijo Srna crying on Josip Simunic shoulder with Ivan Rakitic running around with no shirt on smiling. We have a game still to play, let’s keep playing. I don’t know what will be my next name, I’m really digging the outraged name.
If we’re winning at half, I hope he gives Jajlo and Perisic some PT. Also anti Vukojevic, he’s defense is as good as Olic’s defense all hustle, no positioning or timed tackling like Dujmovic. Man, him and Schildenfeld always play descent for the NT. I’d much rather have Rakitic play RCM which is what he plays for Sevilla. I hope Vuki proves me wrong because I know Bilic will start him.
We’re almost there boys, lets just hope Bilic includes Klasnic for the summer team.
@Wallace,
Of course brother. FYI, I’m washing the flag right now and if you see a lifted white dodge diesel sporting our colors you’ll know it’s me.
@Mishko, hahaha, no, I’m an Alabama fan. You do realize that’s a commonly used expression of superstition, like “fingers crossed”?
@TGC, I know brother, I was being humerously serious. Besides, the rest of your comment (which I did not quote) did say that Croatia should go on the offensive. As a matter of fact, I remember you saying that before the last game against Greece as well – you got some flak for that, but you turned out to be right.
@Wallace,
Knock on wood? I don’t think you guys are Penn State fans so I’ll assume you bastards will stay away from my pants, because I’m excited.
@Mishko
“Watch this link in an exploded screen and you can clearly catch what looks to be a fricken punch in Olic’s face at 2:24 and it’s number 4, Ömer Toprak.”
Number 4 for the first game was Egemen Korkmaz.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=2000113/match=2008824/index.html
Let’s put the final nail in the coffin tomorrow!!!!!!
U Boj U Boj Za Narod Svoj !
@Colin O’Haravić, I can’t wait for the game. I don’t get the sense of anyone being on edge, it seems to me there is humour in alot of peoples’ comments. I did say a month ago regarding this playoff, that we’d have something to look forward to in November: two extra meaningful NT games to watch. And when we drew Turkey, I was glad. It’s worked out quite swimmingly so far – knock on wood.
Mishko,
This only highlights what an asset Olic is to our team, he has so many doubters over the years, but plays with more srce than anyone in the team. Just about any other player would have retaliated and possibly sent off (as the retaliator always gets punished)… cooler heads prevail! Hopefully this continues in Zagreb! Surely everyone is edge, but this will be so sweet if / once we prevail!
@Wallace
I’m scared that those players are going to come out and play with more heart then our team. I know it’s a stretch to think that lesser of a team may come into our house and beat us, but that idea is still there. That’s all.
Decisive offense is great and all, but after the bunkering in Greece, I never let the idea of that happening again slip from my mind.
Dinko,
EXCELLENT CATCH. I was wondering why Olic was on the ground.
Watch this link in an exploded screen and you can clearly catch what looks to be a fricken punch in Olic’s face at 2:24 and it’s number 4, Ömer Toprak.
Dinko is right the Turks are thugs. I wouldn’t be surprised if a fight breaks out, but we HAVE TO STAY CALM and look past Turkey for the win. ; )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw3_6TLxRlo&feature=player_embedded
BTW – I called DirecTV and I can add the Spanish channel carrying it, record it, then cancel it, and they’ll pro-rate it for me.
@Dinko Dog
You’re welcome!
@Mihovil
Thanks for the insight, I will have a look when I finish work. I must admit I was curious to why Olic remained grounded when Mandzo scored, he seemed quite reserved for what was such a huge moment in the game, this explains a lot.
@Dinko Dog
Watch the shot Olic takes from Egemen Korkmaz while Mandzukic is putting the ball in the net for the second goal. I don’t know how direct that shot is on Olic but it is a shot to the head regardless.
The Turks are dirty. Hiddink is going to try and use every trick in the book to get us to retaliate tomorrow. We have to say calm cool and collected.
Pedro Proenca is the ref for this match. He is from Portugal and gives out yellow cards quite easily.
@Allen – You still OUTRAGED man? Is everyone on edge for the game tomorrow? Maybe we will all feel a little better tomorrow when we are in Euro. I think we’ll all be cooler then.
@ Denis Svirčić
I only call them dirty due to their behaviour in the first leg, I doubt I was the only one who saw Altintop’s dive of the century, Sabri grab Carli by the throat, and the show pony Turan shove Bilic in the dug out. They deserve all the criticism they get after that lack of respect
And tonight I pray, for an early Christmas present from the War Gods!
(“I expect the players who take their place to play for their honour, for themselves, for their country”)
TCG: “Those comments are what scare me.”
What are you ascared of? Our Nation are Napolean and Marshal Ney on Central Position with a panoramic view of the Battle Field; now is not the time for caution, now is the time for a DECISIVE-OFFENSIVE!….hahaha.
@Conor O’Donoghue, although I think you took up too much time and space with your lineups and explanations of them; your posts were highly entertaining.
“I have followed the national team since I was 8, so about 7 years now.”….LOL!
And your answers to Denis’s two questions about Ziva….LOL!
And your desire to see Keleva on the bench….LOL!
You’re a funny guy, whether you were pulling everyone’s chain or are actually serious, I’m laughing with you!
@Dinko Dog,
Well said. I wouldnt go as far as calling the Turks “dirty” but well said.
Most of us have enjoyed Friday and Saturday night celebrating the big 3-0. However, now its back to business. The Champagne is still on ice. Nothing to celebrate until we qualify.
@Conor O’Donoghue
No need for apologies. You made a mistake by not knowing who is on the roster sheet. So what, everyone makes mistakes. My only point(As well as Goldenchild’s and Ziva Istina’s) is make sure you do your homework before you comment. Simple as that.
Your opinion is just as valuable as others, I agree with this and we value your opinion. However, knowledge is measured. We measure Croatian football knowledge here on CroatianSports.com by what people bring to the table in comments. Some have a greater knowledge about cro sports than others.
“Opinions are subjective and cannot be wrong, so apart from mistakes mentioned, I have not necessarily done much wrong apart fromargue my case. ”
Well said. I agree. However, don’t get upset or disappointed when you are proven wrong. We(people here on the site) are not belittling you, we are educating you. Free education here at CroatianSports.
@AllenOutraged
I am disappointed to hear that you “wouldn’t miss Ziva at all” and totally disagree that “He brings more harm than help.”
Maybe we should put up a poll. Something to think about.
“He brings great ideas and thoughts, but so does many people.”
I agree with this 100%. In the end I dont think you understand Ziva Istina.
Guys, Conor is 15 years old (nothing wrong with that) but stop argueing back and forth like a bunch of children, makes the forum look like a bunch of uneducated idiots. Fair enough he made some mistakes, but everyone does. LET IT GO.
We have been in the doldrums for the past 3 years and everyone has been kicking us when we are down (including ourselves) lets enjoy what COULD be silver lining in a dull few years.
I DONT CARE if 0-3 was luck, fluke, Turkey’s poor performance rather than our good performace, I’m sure EVERYONE will take it regardless. Lets finish the job tomorrow and look forward to Euro 2012 without those dirty Turks!
@AllenOutraged
You are the man! Vatreni @ it’s best.
@Matko
An Olic hat trick would be unreal !!!! 🙂
I wish for this result, but it probably (99%) won’t happen.
Croatia 3-0 Turkey with an Olic super-special-awesometacular hat trick 😀
Oh wait, I need to answer your question in a formal matter Denis. Since your the man and I love you, sure.
1. He brings great ideas and thoughts, but so does many people. He brings more harm than help which isn’t good. He is the definition of a cancer to morale. I could go make examples of basketball players, but their is a lockout and the players stink.
2. A very happier place and it wouldn’t really hurt the site. Their are plenty of guys that post on here that I love to read about. It won’t be a major loss if Ziva left.
This site is slowly becoming into Croatians vs Ziva Istina. Ziva is an intelligent guy when it comes to soccer, but it’s the attitude and ego that kills the site. This problem needs to be fixed soon because it’s hurting the site. Do you think outsiders would be excited to go on the site and see this crap. What Conor and Ziva did is insulting to the site. I’ve done some horrible things on the site and have lost my cool, but please guys I know when to apologize and when to stop. So Ziva either calm down and stop picking fights with people or simply get out.
To answer your questions Denis, I wouldn’t miss Ziva at all. He’s smart and I do like reading his posts, but he won’t be missed. He is a cancer to morale and is hurting others posts. I’m not ripping Ziva of his IQ, I’m ripping of his piss poor attitude.
Their is only one AllenOutraged….and it’s not you.
You see look at me, I can make corny catchphrases too!! Look at me at how awesome I am, I’m so great right..
That’s what I think when I think of you Ziva Istina. So for the sake of all posters on the site, lose the attitude.
@Conor O’Donoghue
Please do not apologize. You did nothing wrong.
In this last comment, I shall attempt to answer all your questions. If you still have questions, you’ll have to wait a few hours until I get up.
1. I apologize again for the inclusions of Lovren and Klasnic. Members of my close family, including myself, have been wick recently and I made a presumption about the fitness and/or roster. I am not using this as an excuse, and I have no response to negativity from this.
2. My comment about this being a future roster was made without knowledge of this argument that has now ensued. It was merely a quick diffuser to get people off my back. I did then change the obvious subsitutions and reverted back to the Turkey game.
3. I am not going to back down in situations where my opinion or knowledge is just as valuable as others’. I may only be 15, but I know what I’m talking about.
4. Ziva: I do not think you’re an idiot, nor do I doubt that you have a reputation higher up, but as mentioned in 3., I refuse to give up when I know I’m not wrong. Kelava will 99% not be on the bench, but it will stay as a hope of mine that he does until I get the team sheet that confirms otherwise. Also, please don’t doubt my knowledge of what I’m discussing. That’s all I’ll say there.
I have most probably missed points that you would like to throw at me. As I said, you will have to wait a while for a response, but I will get back to you.
Opinions are subjective and cannot be wrong, so apart from mistakes mentioned, I have not necessarily done much wrong apart fromargue my case. Feel free to return comments.
Amen.
Some people can not be just happy and enjoy the day. I guess we are all tense, waiting for what tomorrow will bring. We can not attack Bilic, so we are attacking each other.
@ Conor
I really enjoyed explanation part of your comment. If you are planning to come on this site, be prepared that Ziva is going to bring some of his istina to the table. Sometimes it is pure istina and you know it, sometimes it is istina that you do not want to hear, and sometimes it is his istina that might not be ziva istina (only his opinion which is sometimes wrong – do not tell him that; he thinks he is always right).
AB
Chopper. Send us your pics, video, anything of watching the game out there. That goes to all of you.
Hi from Melbourne!!
Just a shout out to say that we, the Cro community here, are very excited for tomorrow’s game! Can’t wait for the celebrations to begin! Your fourm is great and we get on it to read the most up-to-date info. on the NT, but geez some of you need to relax a bit! This is supposed to be a very exciting time for us – leave the nitpicking to later. Just enjoy this time and the discussion, we’re 3 away goals up!
Cheers
@Conor,
GoldenChild explains it perfectly.
“In any type of forum like this, people are going to be looking at what you post. Your posts represent you, which could be good and bad. What Ziva is trying to do here is try to get the conversations better, the information better, and have these forums become a legitimate place for some back and forth.
The more you impress, the more I’m going to follow you and bother to read what you post.”
Ziva Istina shot down your comment, because at first you had 2 players on your list that are not on the current roster. Then you said that this is your future roster. We have a big game tomorrow. No point thinking of the future at this point. You will not get a response on your future roster sheet until waaaaaaaaaay later. Then you started questioning Ziva’s credibility. Dont you see that you are digging yourself into a deeper hole?
I’m dying to comment back on that, but for the good of the forum, I shall not.
^^^^^ THANK GOD ^^^^^^ =)
@Conor……..apologies if my words appear to be a shouting match. Not my intent.
@Denis…….no need to give an explanation, but thanks. I enjoy the back and forth on the website and that is the reason I post.
Now, some of the guys may not like me, which is fine. But, the only time I do attack, rather respond strongly, is when I see something written that defies logic or makes no sense.
Remember guys, there is only one Ziva Istina…..and its not you.
Oh and in answer to your questions;
1) Supposed insider knowledge and, let’s say, interesting points of view.
2) Less filled with arguments.
@Denis
I’m not into basketball, so I don’t get that simile, but in response;
I am not ‘bashing’ Ziva Istina. Fair enough, he does seem to have links high up and he’s not stupid, but very often he will post an OPINION which may not even be 100% correct and then try and argue it. If all the posts are read, you will understand that I have mentioned many times about Kelava, that he will probably not be on the bench but I want him to.
I’ve also apologized for my mistakes (i.e. Klasnic, Lovren) but also attempted to justify them.
I’m just trying to add my bit the the post and I don’t appreciate everything I say to be needlessly shot down before everyone has even had a chance to consider it.
@Conor and everyone else bashing Ziva Istina,
Yes, Ziva can come off as an arrogant prick at times. But show the guy some respect. He’s on CroatianSports every work day giving us valuable information on the national team and Croatian football in general. He has earned the right to correct someone or question someone.
Phil Jackson is an arrogant prick that eventually forced Jerry West to leave the Lakers front office. Phil Jackson had 7 rings at the time I believe. After West left, Phil picked up 4 more rings.
so think of Ziva Istina as Phil Jackson. They both know their shit. Some of you think that Ziva has a Crystal ball in front of him. The guy is obviously well educated about Croatian football and has a link with the savez. Thats a fact. What this link is, we don’t know and Ziva is not stupid enough to throw his link here on the internet for everyone to see.
Im not saying that you cant disagree with him or try to prove him wrong. But some of you act as if Ziva is a first time poster or that he’s been wrong half the time.
Two questions for you:
1) How much does Ziva Istina bring to the table?
2)What would CroatianSports.com be without Ziva Istina?
Now I am not playing favoritism here. We are all a team here, just like the Lakers. Every player plays a part, just like here on CS. But a Phil Jackson doesnt come around very often.
@Ziva
Please read point number 1 in my previous comment.
And secondly, I have followed the national team since I was 8, so about 7 years now. However, my slight tendency to know anything and everything about what I’m concentrating on has provided me with more information than many of the people on this forum.
@Conor……….not only will Kelava not start, he won’t even dress.
Serious question……..Do you follow the repka or did you just start a few days ago?
1. I’m not saying Kelava will be on the bench. I’m just saying that I want it to happen and that, in the words of Ziva Istina; ‘anything is possible’.
2. Colin, the statement applies to you as well, but not in the terse way I was aiming it at Ziva, as you haven’t annoyed me.
3. Finally, if you ‘know’ that Kelava won’t start tomorrow, then surely you have something to do with the HNS that gives you final decisions early. So why not tell us?
@Conor – Ha, sorry buddy but Kelava has about as much chance of dressing tomorrow for the team as I do…
anything is possible.
One more nugget to pass along. Last week I was saying the savez gave over 4,000 tickets to the Turksih federation. Well, the Turks have returned basically all of the tickets because their fans have all canceled coming to ZG tonight and tomorrow based on the 3-0 scoreline.
they need the win to finish in pot number 2….no pot number 2 and i doubt they make it out of the group stage
Let’s just say that I know. We’ll wait for the official squad listing tomorrow. I’ll leave it at that.
@Ziva;
And how exactly do you know then?
@Conor
Subs who wont play………….you had Kelava on your potential list of subs.
Actually, i do know who will dress and who won’t dress. Kelava wont even dress for this game just like he did not dress for the last match. Kelava has yet to dress for repka during this qualifying cycle.
Please read the first paragraph of my comment to Armada. I clearly mentioned that I haven’t been able to keep up with who’s who recently.
The players I got wrong I have admitted to hands down and take a little bit of criticism for that. But ‘subs who won’t play’? As I also mentioned before, how do you know? You are not (as far as I know) Slaven Bilic or any of his technical team, and therefore will not know who suits up and who won’t. So just because it’s your opinion, it doesn’t mean it’s completely correct and that everyone should abide by it.
@Conor………you were posting a line up that included two guys who are ineligible for the match and you were including subs (Kelava and Klasnic) who also won’t dress for the match and one was not even called up for this tie. So, how and why should I believe you are credible when you don’t even know who is on the roster or eligible to play.
@Armada87
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I did mention my line-up being for the Turkey game. I can’t deny that I made mistakes by including Lovren and Klasnic, but I’ve been somewhat medically-challenged recently and haven’t been able to keep up with many aspects of life, not to mention soccer/football. Furthermore, you told me to ‘dissect some of my proposed moves’.
If your team is designed with Turkey in mind, you also have some problems. You mentioned both Strinic and Dujmovic in your line-up, despite the fact that both are out of the game anyway. Same problem as me, but you maybe tried to use it against me and it backfired. It certainly sounded like a response to me.
Secondly, I’m not trying to ‘bash my intelligence or wit’. I have no need to, this is just how I would normally put my point across in any situation, important or not.
Plus you spelled Kelava wrong.
@TheGoldenChild
Firstly, Ziva is probably just being negative for the sake of it. That’s the impression I get, may be wrong but I’m yet to be proved otherwise.
@Everyone
All I was doing by posting my team idea was trying to create a discussion. I agree I made some mistakes, but then even I corrected them and there was nothing theoretically wrong with my line-up (i.e. Kelava benched), it still gets destroyed from every angle? That’s not what a forum should be. By ‘Discuss’, I didn’t mean ‘Rubbish in every way you can (or even can’t)’.
@ Wallace,
Absolutely, but after Fridays game, I calmed down to just being pissed.
In less than 24 hours we play the second leg. Exciting times.
I think 3 of my cousins are going to be at the game.
Misko “Klasnic isn’t even on the roster. The majority of us here are ‘pissed’ about that.”
———————————————————————–
I believe the word we are using is: ‘OUTRAGED’!
Why not use the exact same lineup and formation as last time? Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken.
@ Conor
Instead of bashing your intelligence or wit, I’ll just dissect some of your proposed moves.
Pletikosa – no question, he’s the #1 for the foreseeable future. I wouldn’t even give Subasic any burn. I don’t trust him nor Keleva yet, especially in high pressure situations like this.
Back 4 – I don’t think we need Pranjic in the back. The dude doesn’t play for Bayern anymore and we just have better options at LB. I think it’s still Strinic’s job to lose, but with guys like Charlie stepping up big last game and Pamic getting a lot of time at Prague, I don’t see Pranjic in the equation. I just hope Pamic gets a shot down the road. I’d like him and Scifo as solid defenders off the bench.
CDM – I feel like a lot of people are torn about this spot. Dujmovic doesn’t get as much playing time at Vukojevic, but I feel as though Dujmovic can be that enforcer, while still being able to move up with the attack and be useful. Vuko is just a straight up hack for the NT.
Rest of the midfield – I’d like to see a midfield that includes Perisic, Modric, Srna and Rakitic. Once Kranjcar gets healthy and maybe makes a move out of Hotspur, maybe he can crack back into the starting XI.
Strikers – After that game on Friday, it’s hard not to include Olic. But for right now, I’d like to see Dudu and Mandzukic. Between Dudu’s killer touch and creativity and Mandzukic’s speed, athleticism and touch, we should never be shut out. Keep Olic warm on the bench and let him be the first subs if the offense can’t find it’s legs.
Ziva is blunt, but he brings up a good point. In any type of forum like this, people are going to be looking at what you post. Your posts represent you, which could be good and bad. What Ziva is trying to do here (at least I hope) is try to get the conversations better, the information better, and have these forums become a legitimate place for some back and forth. So far, we’re doing a decent job, new people are coming in, and we’re all trying to feel each other out.
So before you post, think of it as trying to impress a girl. The more you impress, the more she’ll want to keep on you. Same goes for the forums. The more you impress, the more I’m going to follow you and bother to read what you post.
Who knows who well get the game yet? He probably won’t start, but do YOU know 100% the exact roster that Bilic will field? I can’t imagine you do. And besides, this was a which aren’t constructive, to yourself.
Just pointing out that you are commenting about the cro national team but you are unaware of who is on the roster and who actually dresses for some of these games.
Did we need Subasic for the first leg? No. So what does it matter?
If we’re safe, we bring him on for experience.
I’m we’re not, we could have anyone on the bench.
Well, considering Kelava wont dress and is the #3 keeper
Oh and by the way @Nepoznat, my name has 1 ‘n’.
Fine:
(4-1-2-1-2 diamond midfield)
GK- Pletikosa
RB- Vida
CB- Simunic
CB- Schildenfeld
LB- Pranjic
RM- Srna
CDM- Vukojevic
LM- Rakitic
CAM – Modric
ST- Olic
ST- Eduardo
Subs-
Kelava, Vida, Leko (?), Perisic, Badelj, Mandzukic, Jelavic,
Explanations-
Pletikosa as GK is non-negotiable. He’s the only one of our ‘keepers who has enough experience to get us through. Remember, despite the euphoria, we are not through yet.
RB is now Vida.
CBs are Schildenfeld and Simunic. In my opinion, they were solid in the first leg and therefore no changes need to be made. Vida as a sub if Simunic gets tired or starts to slip up.
LB is Pranjic. I still think he has something to offer us. He may be benched at Bayern, but if you look at the youthful left-backs ahead of him, you can see why. However, his crossing is still good enough and we saw against Turkey that our wing play was very useful.
CDM is Vukojevic. With Dujmovic out, he’s the only player he could really play there (apart from Corluka, who is also out) and he has had his moments in the past.
Srna at right-midfield obviously worked in the first leg, with his accuracy from crosses and set-pieces causing multiple chances. No change there.
LM is Rakitic. It could be argued that he is more of an attacking midfielder, but he is quicker and more agile than many of our other options and would probably work here.Could interchange with Modric.
Modric is CAM. Brought lots of attacking prowess against Turkey, and the main choice. No need for change, but Perisic as a sub in a good situation would be good.
Strikers are Olic and Eduardo. Olic worked tirelessly (as usual) in the first-leg and got his reward with excellent for excellent anticipation and poachers brain with the first goal, a possible catalyst for Turkey’s downfall. Eduardo to go up top with him. He may not be used very often at Shakhtar, be we all know he is one of our best. He fills the void filled be Mandzukic, whom I demoted the bench. Despite his good performance and goal against Turkey, and the fact that I am a fan, Turkey should (with a great manager like Hiddink) smarten up and realize that tall strikers beat his CBs time and time again. Therefore the ‘one short, one tall’ theory can be applied. However, if Turkey go out with the same attitude as the first leg, move/take off Eduardo and reinstate Mandzukic.
Subs in a good situation (i.e. not long left with the 3-0/better scoreline);
Kelava, Buljat, Perisic.
Subs in a bad situation (i.e. still time to go and a weakened advantage);
Buljat, Badelj (CDM?), Jelavic
Everyone happy now? I’m still guessing no.
@Mishko
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Connor well if you mean the game after that Corluka and Dujmovic will be back so your post is also misleading for beyond Turkey game tomorrow
Conor,
Don’t mind Ziva Istina, he’s a prick.
.
@Ziva
OK, OK. I got mixed up, calm down. Forget I even said that this was for the next game. Think of it as the next game when Klasnic and Lovren are available. Sorted.
@Mishko
Oh yeah, of course. I must be dreaming. I’d go for Jelavic then.
@Conor………..before posting, you should do a better job of actually seeing who is available. You kind of lose credibility when you post false info. Klasnic and Lovren, who you have as a starter, are not on the roster for tomorrow.
Conor,
Klasnic isn’t even on the roster. The majority of us here are pissed about that.
.
In an attempt to spark discussion, my line-up for the second leg is;
(4-1-2-1-2 diamond midfield)
GK- Pletikosa
RB- Lovren
CB- Simunic
CB- Schildenfeld
LB- Pranjic
RM- Srna
CDM- Vukojevic
LM- Rakitic
CAM – Modric
ST- Olic
ST- Eduardo
Subs-
Kelava, Vida, Leko (?), Perisic, Badelj, Mandzukic, Klasnic,
Explanations-
Pletikosa as GK is non-negotiable. He’s the only one of our ‘keepers who has enough experience to get us through. Remember, despite the euphoria, we are not through yet.
Lovren at RB. With Srna at RM and doing most of the work up the flank, Lovren doesn’t need that much pace to attack. We know he can defend already, so why not try him?
CBs are Schildenfeld and Simunic. In my opinion, they were solid in the first leg and therefore no changes need to be made. Vida as a sub if Simunic gets tired or starts to slip up.
LB is Pranjic. I still think he has something to offer us. He may be benched at Bayern, but if you look at the youthful left-backs ahead of him, you can see why. However, his crossing is still good enough and we saw against Turkey that our wing play was very useful.
CDM is Vukojevic. With Dujmovic out, he’s the only player he could really play there (apart from Corluka, who is also out) and he has had his moments in the past.
Srna at right-midfield obviously worked in the first leg, with his accuracy from crosses and set-pieces causing multiple chances. No change there.
LM is Rakitic. It could be argued that he is more of an attacking midfielder, but he is quicker and more agile than many of our other options and would probably work here.Could interchange with Modric.
Modric is CAM. Brought lots of attacking prowess against Turkey, and the main choice. No need for change, but Perisic as a sub in a good situation would be good.
Strikers are Olic and Eduardo. Olic worked tirelessly (as usual) in the first-leg and got his reward with excellent for excellent anticipation and poachers brain with the first goal, a possible catalyst for Turkey’s downfall. Eduardo to go up top with him. He may not be used very often at Shakhtar, be we all know he is one of our best. He fills the void filled be Mandzukic, whom I demoted the bench. Despite his good performance and goal against Turkey, and the fact that I am a fan, Turkey should (with a great manager like Hiddink) smarten up and realize that tall strikers beat his CBs time and time again. Therefore the ‘one short, one tall’ theory can be applied. However, if Turkey go out with the same attitude as the first leg, move/take off Eduardo and reinstate Mandzukic.
Subs in a good situation (i.e. not long left with the 3-0/better scoreline);
Kelava, Vida, Perisic.
Subs in a bad situation (i.e. still time to go and a weakened advantage);
Vida, Badelj (CDM?), Klasnic (we all know what he did in the last game against Turkey)
Discuss:
Agreed. I think that Bilic will urge them to get the first goal. However, I believe that they can wait to counter-attack to do that. Turkey needs 3, not us. Therefore, Turkey will have to press from the onset so we need to wait for the counter. No need for us to push ahead full steam from the first whistle. Soak up the first Turkish wave and then counter-attack us all the way to the June Finals! Conceding early will make everyone a bit nervous so we have to be ready to defend that first wave of pressure and avoid doing that!
Prediction: 2-1 Croatia (goals from Modric and Jelavic/Mandzukic [whichever of them gets the start….jelavic has to score eventually, right?]
@mishko
“I expect the players who take their place to play for their honour, for themselves, for their country,”
Those comments are what scare me. I know our talent is better, but I just hope we don’t buckle down. We need to go out and put pressure on them right away to get that idea of honor out of their heads. If I was Bilic I urge us to go out and look for goal first.
From http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=2000113/match=2008828/prematch/preview/index.html
Turkey face more pressing selection issues as Emre Belözoğlu, Hakan Balta, Sabri Sarıoğlu and Arda Turan will all be missing after incurring bans in the first leg. “I expect the players who take their place to play for their honour, for themselves, for their country,” commented Hiddink, despite the sense of wariness in the opposition camp. “”Let’s face facts – it’s difficult, almost impossible, to qualify”.”
Historic win for us on Friday. I think the main key with us, as is in most games, is to get that first goal. If we can score another early first goal, start booking the tickets to Poland and Ukraine. I’ll just be a bit afraid if say Turkey gets an early one, then maybe another around the half. I think the team might start to shit its pants. Hopefully we don’t see that happen though.
with the 3 away goals I believe that would get the job done. One problem is Bilic often plays not to lose, which we then wind up losing anyways instead of playing to win and winning the game