1st Half notes: Grumble, grumble, grumble. The Vatreni started their match against Brussels on Sunday; keeping ball possession at 100% for the first 10 minutes. Then they let Belgium chip away at the Croatian net until Lukaku finally broke the seal in the 38′ by cleaning up the trash as the Vatreni defense couldn’t clear the ball. Livaković still looks to have confidence issues coming out and punching the ball. That is worrisome. Barišić doesn’t look to be the solution at left-back.
Croatia moves the ball up the wings quickly and then stop; killing all speed and momentum they have. I have said this a million times: you CANNOT play Modrić and Kovačić together. I hate it. They are the same player and there is nothing Kova does that Modrić doesn’t do already. I’d rather see Kramarić in a False 9 or Vlašić out there as extra added offense. Petković got ZERO service during the first half. I can’t tell if this Croatia team is cruising into the EURO and trying to fly under the radar. Need to score a goal in the 2nd half.
There was more action for the Croatian side in the 2nd half, especially when Brekalo and Vlašić game on, but no real chance on goal. Petković and Barišić were my most disappointing players on the day. I needed them to have big games going into the England match. We will find out in one week exactly how much energy the Vatreni were saving in these two friendlies vs. Armenia and Belgium.
The game was unimpressive..
It was a meaningless Friendly that didn’t show much of anything. No one got injured so that was about the only positive.
Let’s hope the actual starting squad
Against England and in the euros play well together and look like a well oiled machine instead of a bunch of players thrown together last minute with the hope they figure it out. It’s time to play for real. No more messing around.
LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQSbf1NyPj8
Would be pretty funny if we went 0-0 in all three games.
Pay tribute to Mirko Jozić.
For Pete’s sake petkovic is a Hercegovac
When was the last time a hercegovac let down croatia 🇭🇷
Good point… Mandzo, Corluka, and Petkovic now. Coaches Blazevic & Dalic took us far. I think Stanic is too.
I’m going to say we finish 3rd just because I have no faith in the team. Ok so finish third we could play Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands or Ukraine. Our toughest opponent would be Spain and weakest would be Sweden. Even that path looks tough. I mean Portugal beat us last euros in the dying minutes when we came first in the group. That game was so boring and Perisic hit the post just before Portugal scored. Croatia might be Portugal of 2016 or Greece of 2004. Just because we lose to England doesn’t mean shit. Only one team didn’t lose or tie in groups stages and that was Spain in 08 with the dream team. The way the 3rd ranked teams work is dumb. A win won’t guarantee you to the knockout stages. Even if we get a win or somehow 3 draws. It goes by points, GD, GF, then wins. I think wins should be after points. They didn’t introduce the win classification last euros. It’s funny how Portugal drew all games and got 3rd in the ranking of third best placed teams. Hungary got blown out by Belgium, Austria drew Portugal 0-0, and they tied Iceland who got blown out by France. Judy so funny and pathetic how 3 draws, et against us, penalties, playing Wales and Eder scoring as a sub. Now he plays in Russia lol. Croatia pulls off a Portugal victory this year.
Just*
Imagine we pull of a Portugal of last euros. Grant you three draws won’t happen for us.
Armada great synopsis,let’s hope it plays out!!
Here’s a thought. Is potentially a humilating loss to England (thinking 3-1, 4-1) good for us long term at the Euro? More so than a tight 2-1, 1-0 loss?
We get lit up by the English and have an awful game. It (potentially) forces Dalic’s hand to make significant changes. We see significantly different lineups vs. Czechs and Scotland. The different lineups (Kovacic out/Vlasic in, Kramaric as a false 9, Barisic out/Gvardiol in, Petkovic out/Orsic in, Juranovic in/Vrsajlko out, etc. not saying these would all happen… you get my giist) gel better, we cruise to nice wins, gain some steam, get to the knockouts and start to hit our stride in the KO’s, where we potentially play one of Sweden, Poland or Slovakia – maybe another convincing win? And then we have a showdown vs. potentially France/Germany/Portgal where we are firing on all cylinders (finally) and potentially finally beat one of our big boogeymen NT’s (Portugal or France) in route to a suprise SF game vs. maybe either Italy or Belgium?
To paraphrase Ziva Istina kinda…. short term pain for long term good?
yeah, I agree with you on this Armada!
I love how all of us are already in “contingency mode” with this team already. Talk about going in with low expectations…
Ante… I’m saying with the right circumstances we can end up in the QF or SF. Given this squad, that would be a pretty good achievement. In terms of expectations, most have us bowing out at R16 or QF. I’m saying with the right turn of events, we can (should) make QF or SF. I think we just need some sort of ‘jolt’ at the end of the day and I’m not sure that will happen organically here in the tournament. I hope I’m made to eat my words here in a few weeks…
I really dont have high hopes like 2016 euro and 2018 wc. I feel like euro 2012 we went into that tournament i felt we would get crushed by italy spain maybe draw with Ireland then we played a great tournament v italy asshole fans made a stopage and v spain ashole reff starl fucked us.
If we get to the knockout phase anything is possible. I dont get why budimir didnt get a go by Dalic nor ivanusec bradaric shoulf have been given chance well after thing about an starting 11 just like in russia 2018 it will depend on opponent v england samo kontre i kontre obrana.
Livakovic Vrsaljko Vida CC Gvardiol
Modric Brozovic Perisic Vlasic(most likely kovacic.) Rebic Budimir(most likely Petkovic)
@ANTE KVARTUC we will play a kovacic modric brozovic midfield beacuse we will be playing for a draw and not to.lose vs england then v czech and scotland dalic will change teams.
If we play ‘not to lose’ like we did against Brazil in WC2014, then we will lose via penalty.
And Dalic may do that…yaaaaaaaay we’re playing for ball possession and a draw. So much fun. 😐
So we have a patch work defense…a striker who can’t strike…a keeper afraid of his own shadow on crosses,and we honestly think we are going to be a force in this tournament?
The only thing that will save us is the ludicrous cross over format where placing 2nd or 3rd works to our benefit.
The Chech game is The one that will decide our fate.
The haggis eating kilts concern me,especially when we don’t match their intensity which we never do!
To be fair….it was the same feeling before the last World Cup as well.
We were panicked about Strinic and Lovren in the back four.
Subasic’s form at Monaco was very bad leading up to the tournament.
And there was debate over who should start up top between Krama, Mandzo and even Kalinic.
Heck, we didn’t even have Brozovic as our sure-fire starter for CDM and only played him against Argentina in the group phase.
I’m hoping for a similar scenario to play out. We have the players. We just need to pick the right combination.
If you remember, I was never panicked about Striniv, even though he caused the turnover and then the goal when we lost to Portugal. He was shaky but he was also very decent. Pivaric was also decent.
I was totally against Kalinic…and to this day, none of those guys that were arguing on his behalf have ever recognized how wring they were. I recall razbijac one of them saying Kalinic was silky or some crazy shit like that!
Brozovic was already well know by the time of the last World Cup! Kovacic has always been over-hyped and respected by foreigners more than we respect him!
Odd.
I recall you being a huge Kalinić fan.
🙂
—-———Kramaric
——-—Vlasic————-
Perisic—————————-Brekalo
———Modric——-Brozovic
Sosa—————Vida————-Caleta-Car—–Gvardiol
—————————Semper
Gvardiol is not a RB and Kramaric is not a ST
Point taken on Gvardiol. Just couldnt stomach writing down Vrsaljko.
Kramaric is a forward so attatcking middfield or striker.
Maminjo, we don’t necessarily need skill as our striker option…especially if our option (Petkovic) isn’t moving and creating space for himself. We need someone to challenge for the ball in the final 22 yards. If Petkovic can’t get into those areas and if he doesn’t fight for space inside the box…his skill means nothing. I see the same things you see about Petkovic but I wonder if you take into consideration that if he is man marked and can’t get free…will he be effective for us since he’s not really an aggressive guy in the box?
He doesn’t get pushed off though. That’s what I like about him.
Guys like Krama, Brekalo, etc are a bit slender and slight. So they are easily outmuscled for the ball.
I barely watched the game yesterday, but I did see Petkovic dummy a defender and make a beautiful no-look pass to Perisic into the box.
However, Petkovic had a guy grabbing him and tugging at him, and it didn’t affect him at all.
Similar to Rebic, he has the strength to hold guys off until he can do what he needs to do.
He may not run alot and be that aggravator that Mandzukic was…but once he receives the ball, it’s very difficult to get it off him (even when players resort to physical tactics to do so).
This is why I like him, and hope he gets more time to prove himself.
Speaking of not getting pushed off the ball I feel CC and gvardiol have the physical size and don’t seem intimidated
I thought CC handled lukaku pretty ok.
Like let’s face it when on his game he has to be one of the hardest forwards in the world to manage physically
We might need skill in those games against Scotland and Czech.
I haven’t watched the Czech too much, but their entire team is apparently 6+ feet tall and strong.
If we are dominating possession and are looking to move the ball in tight spaces (around a bunch of big physical dudes) then Petkovic makes sense. He can physically hold them off, as he is nutmegging them and making nice tight passes.
A guy like Mandzo (or Budimir) would probably have a tough time trying to beat guys like this for headers or trying to outmuscle them. Also, our smaller offensive players like Krama and Brekalo will probably have to rely of foul calls (that may or may not come). Petkovic’s skill in tight spaces could be useful.
As for England (or our Round of 16 opponent) yea, I dunno. England is the first game, so everything we take will be a chance. If we play France or Germany, we’ll have to watch what they do in their group games.
I’m not debating whether Petkovic has the ability or not, I know he does. My issue is that he’s non existent on too many occasions.
Yea he’s inconsistent. But when he’s on, he’s on.
He’s the only striker that went on a consistent streak of bagging goals for us since the World Cup.
It’s just a matter of whether you are willing to take the risk and bank on him.
Or take the ‘safer route’ and play Krama or Rebic or Budimir up top (which is also debatable whether these are even considered safer routes).
YUP…our options are limited! I’d prefer Petkovic to be honest, I just want him on fire and up for the game!
Its disappointing when I see him just going through the motions and it makes me wonder if he really thinks people don’t notice just how insignificant he looks when he plays that way?!
Well if he can’t get fired up for his first ever tourney game against England in England…. it won’t ever happen
Your right about the Czech side. They are tall, strong and fearless. They got a point from Belgium in qualifying. All goalkeepers are 6’2 or above. The defence isn’t too big but the mid are pretty tall. 3-4 of them are 6’3. Coufal, Darida, Barak, Soucek, Jantko, Kral, Schik. These are all quality players. Don’t count the Czech out. They could get a draw from us. It happened last euros when we were up 2-0. Pavlenka held it together and is decent considering Bermen were dog shit. Scotland has Roberson, Tierney, Armstrong, McGinn, McTominary, Adam’s. Also home advantage for Scotland. I watched the highlights of the Netherlands game which they drew. One game at a time but I’m telling you guys. The goaltending and defending will be the death of us..
The thing is Budimir doesn’t really do all that either… he’s just slow, lanky, and isn’t commanding like Mandzo was. Doesn’t bring anything to the lineup really.
If you ask me, Dalic has caused a lot of his own problems but he has a BIG issue and I have no clue how he’s going to fix this?
How does he wake up Petkovic…and if Petkovic doesn’t wake up, how does he include Kramaric and make him useful?? It’s pretty clear to me that Dalic is banking on Petkovic even though I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to. Kramaric doesn’t fit in well with our team and Petkovic does, but he’s far from feeling comfortable at his role.
I was a bit surprised to see Juranovic ride the pine and not even get a sniff. Is it just me or does anyone else see that Vrsaljko is struggling and probably 50% of the guy he was in 2018?
For all the abuse that Vida has taken, he was ok yesterday and I don’t think he’s a liability for us.
I’m hoping Dalic has something up his sleeve. I don’t remember a time where we really didn’t know who our LB starter should be (even if it was slim pickings) and I’m not convinced of Barisic…but does Dalic see this as well?
We need secondary scoring. Hopefully whatever small and nagging injuries Rebic has been dealing with, he is feeling better. We need him to receive the ball in front of himself and while going forward….its useless to pass him a ball where he has to go backwards. Rebic needs an open wing and he will do the rest.
If we can get Perisic involved, Rebic, Vlasic, possibly even Modric ( we lost the fantastic passing and odd goal from Rakitic) in on a few goals, that’ll lighten up the necessity for Petkovic, Krama and Budimir (if he ever sees the field)!
I think Dalic does have something up his sleeve.
I just hope the “Kovacic start” wasn’t that ace, lol.
My guess would be him starting Gvardiol. I think he’s warming up to him. Maybe it’s the 32 year-old beard on a 19 year-old kid….Maybe it’s the fact that every team in Europe wants Gvardiol on their team (and nobody outside the Scottish league wants Barisic)….I dunno.
But I think Dalic likes Gvardiol and would be looking for a reason to play him. Lovren being injured and Barisic looking poor lately, would be good reason.
The only other “ace up the sleeve” guess for me would be playing Krama in the false 9 position behind Petkovic.
I can see Dalic doing this to see if Krama can replicate what he’s done for Hoffenheim in the same setup.
With Vlasic still not being 100% fit after that knee injury, it would be a good excuse to try it (though I can see Vlasic really wanting to stick it to the English).
I’m good with either Vlasic or Krama playing in that role…but I would be gutted if both were benched in favor of starting Kovacic.
I agree! We need to be careful against England and having Modric not soo advanced forward might be a good thing!
Croatias problem forever will be poor squad selection (and at times coaching).
Dalic is scared to drop “regulars”.
It’s super frustrating.
Well he was forced to drop Lovren due to injury, so that’s good.
Barisic was outplayed by his substitute Gvardiol, so maybe there will be a change there (hopefully).
Vida will get to start by default due to the injuries of others. Pongracic didn’t get a chance this year to show us what he can do (due to his health), and Gvardiol was called too late to get a chance at CB. We’ll just have to hope Vida plays steady defense (like he used to) and just deal with his inability to dribble and pass.
Kovacic is a big problem if he starts.
Having Kova start, means that Krama and Vlasic will be on the bench.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for us.
Vida-DCC pairing has been decent to date. Wouldn’t mind seeing them throughout the tournament. Definitely need to move on from it once the Euros are done however.
If Vida dishes it to CC I feel the way we break out will be far more successful
Vida doesn’t have to be flying in with attempted headers
Just be solid In front of the goal(our goal)
Let’s stop making excuses for kovacic
We need to move on from him altogether
No impact player that’s it
Not sure with the hate of petkovic
Give the guy a chance
I do recall he scored plenty of goals during qualifying
The reason why he looks lazy is because he relies on his silky skills
That’s more of a positive than a negative
My type of player to be honest
He was never going to be Mandzo
Perisic would agree
LOL. Perisic would agree with anything that doesn’t involve having to play with Kramaric.
I like Petkovic too. I think his skillset works well with the rest of our team.
He’s been inconsistent with these friendlies and Dinamo games though. But his skill and size is there.
Curious why we haven’t tried Krama as the false 9 (and attempt to unlock his scoring), with Petkovic in front of him.
I can’t remember if we even tried to pair them like this?
Seems like an obvious thing to try out.
It would be pretty cool to see Dalic playing possum this entire time and suddenly pull this card out at the Euros, and it actually works.
I’ve been watching petkovic for years and trust me, he plays lazy he doesnt jsut look it. GO watch games he played in 5 years ago, he would hustle and run. He got lazy and shouldnt be anywhere near the Starting 11. Agree with moving from Kova.
True about Petkovic playing lazy. But at his size, over 6’3″ tall and over 200 lbs, not realistic to expect him to harass, close down players, and cause havoc like Mandzukic. At least not as a starter. If he were to enter the game with 60 minute mark and be an impact player, perhaps he would be more effective.
It’s not so much that Modrić already does the things that Kovačić does on the field (making Kovačić redundant)…
I would absolutely love it if we had TWO Modrić-type players out there lol. I’d gladly take a player who does the “same thing” Modrić does.
But Kovačić doesn’t do any of that.
Honestly, even with Modrić gone, I don’t want Kovačić out there.
Kovačić is completely toothless and does nothing to advance the ball. He’s perfectly fine just passing the ball sideways all game and just holding possession until the final whistle.
He’s had so many chances, that it’s comical now. I’m curious about what goes on in Kovačić’s head.
Does he know that he’s shit?
Or is he delusional and thinks he’s been playing great for us all these years?
What does Dalić say to him after these games?
I always picture Dalić and Modrić giving each other a cringe look and then just patting Kovačić on the back with a “good game”, and Modrić goes off telling the media about how Kova will be his successor with the most Croatia caps ever (rather than simply telling him the truth). I feel like Chelsea fans and coaching staff are doing the same thing, and that’s how he got the Player of the Year award, lol.
Slander Kova all you want for his performances with us, but he’s a stud for Chelsea. Fits their play style perfectly and truly earned the player of the year, don’t diss.
Never!
Perfectly? They won the CL without him. He totally wasnt needed during their run.
4 CL titles, a player of the season award, nearly 70 CAPS yet he’s been integral to nothing. Chelsea and Croatia wouldnt even notice if left.
Uff. Pog takes no prisoners.
Wrong. Just because he didn’t play in the final doesn’t mean he didn’t play an integral part in getting them there.
Yes, he’s great in the Chelsea system. Why? He gets to run their midfield. What if Chelsea had Modric this season as well? We’d be having the same conversation. This was the problem England had 10 years ago. They had two superstars in Lampard and Gerrard, however, they played the exact same position. Putting them both on the field at the same time was actually a disservice. Same thing for Modric/Kova.
I understand if Kova is playing the CDM role but he’s not because we have Broz. It tales away from a serious attacker playing on the pitch. Krama or Vlasic in yesterday’s game.
Dalic needs to get Kramaric banging in some goals. He needs to find a way to unlock him. He’s our biggest x-factor. We’ve got players that can produce but what’s missing? A proper #10? A real playmaker?
I agree
How do we have a guy who has been up in the leaders of the bundesliga for years not being able to score for us
I realize not everyone Plays the same as club level.
But remember the Ukraine playoff
Dude could and still can score
If he went on one of his tears then that could negate some of our defensive troubles
No Petkovic, Kovacic, or Vrsaljko in starting 11.
I agree with your take on Kova playing with Modric. It makes no sense. He’s useless out there with Modric. Kovacic should be a sub. No if’s, ands or buts
I’d really like to see a daring move to challenge the egos of a few players who have been favored with many chances and not performed at the level we expect from this team:
-Budimir as CF
-Gvardiol as Left Back
-Juranović as right back
-Brekalo as RW
-Kramarić as the “Rakitić” player in the 4-1-4-1
The first two played well for their clubs and offer more physicality than the alternatives. Our attack in 2021 has looked most threatening when Budimir has played. Our defense looked the best of 2021 today with Gvardiol as LB.
Juranović has outperformed Vrsaljko recently. He may not have the same creative skill set, but he runs better and fights harder. Between Kovacić, Vlasić, and Kramarić, Krama has been the most involved while on the field. They’ve all been pretty disappointing, but he has done more to set up scoring opportunities and get into the right position for a finish here and there.
Everyone who thinks Rebic, Kramaric, Petkovic or any other forward should start over Budimir is high. Which of those players stepped up in nations league? Our forwards had a total of five goals combined in six NL games. And the qualifying games only two goal scorers were forwards. That’s pathetic and inexcusable. If they can’t step up to the plate against France or Portugal, what makes you think they’ll step up against England? I know it’s nation’s league but besides qualifying in tournaments we’ve struggled in those fixtures. Those do matter because we can’t fucking beat the defending euro or WC champs.
12 games in NL
Two wins in ten games
Two draws
8 losses
13 goals for
26 goals against
In last three years after the final It’s been ugly and I pray it doesn’t get worse. The fact we managed to score a goal per game is pitiful. The amount of goal scorers we have that preform at club level but when the national jersey comes on now…they disappear. No national pride, no heart, no creativity anymore. Modric is the only one that deserves to wear the national jersey. Guy is 35 and got an extended contract for a year. He always gives 100 percent at national level. Only 13 wins since the loss against France. I’ve been watching Croatia since 2006 and this is the worst squad I’ve seen. We lost our starting goalkeeper, two starting defence, Rakitic and super Mario. Dalic seems lost and doesn’t seem to change tactics or juggle the lineup. We’ve allowed 44 goals in the last 29 matches. The issue with the national team is that we’ve had no legitimate goalkeeper that was good to depend on long term. Teams like Belgium have Courtios, Italy had Buffon, France has Lloris, Portugal has Patricio. We had Pletikosa… so trash. Then we had Subasic who didn’t start sooner and played less than 100 caps, Kalinic was shit too. Besides Pletikosa, no other goalie has played close to as much games. Livakovic will have to do for now. He’s a young kid but has potential. Our defenders have been especially bad the last couple of years. Vida, Lovren & Vrsaljko aren’t the same. We have trouble scoring now too. Not even close to enough scoring. I did calculations and we have just over 40 goals in 29 matches since WC final. I’m gunna end my rant here. I beg Dalic to start Budimir. He gets in the dirty areas, fights hard for the ball, good for headers, finds a way to get in scoring positions. Start Vlasic and Brekalo. Those two have stepped up lately for the national side. Hell throw in Pasalic maybe in the mid. I just don’t wanna see the same lineup that Dalic puts together. Kramaric, Rebic or Petkovic won’t do anything next Sunday if they start. Maybe try Orsic or Perisic as striker. Just anything because I don’t know about the rest of you. But have your expectations low. God bless Croatia and I’m praying for at least a draw the first game. ZDS even when I die.
I’m glad everyone here (and Dalić too) are on board with my constant calls to have Gvardiol start.
I am glad that I have inspired everyone to see the light!
😉
At the same time, it’s a shame that I’m hearing bad things about my boy Petković.
I like his skillet and want him to play like he did in the qualifiers.
I couldn’t watch this game (saw about 15 minutes of it) and saw Gvardiol play very confident, and I saw Kovačić look as toothless as they come.
I really hope we don’t go with Kovačić as a starter. I think any one of Vlašić, Petković, Kramarić or Brekalo in the starting eleven is better.
Kovačić is a waste of a spot and hurts our offense.
I am excited to see that Dalić actually played Gvardiol significant minutes (hoping he starts at the Euros)… and I am glad to see that Lovren didn’t play (which means that he is likely still injured).
Double bonus for us there.
A big shame that we didn’t call up Šutalo.
We need more depth at RB in case Vrsaljko is still out of form, and I’m not sold on Juranović.
Šutalo played well for our U21s.
Put Budimir as a starter for fuck sakes
Petkovic stinks. Too lazy.
Rebic is either the best player on the pitch or the worst. He wasn’t the best today.
Vrsaljko is useless. Opposing teams don’t even mark him.
Gvardiol needs to start.
DCC is the goods.
Everything will come down to Livakovic. Scary thought.
Final assessment: we’ll be just fine, this is still a very good team. We don’t ever bring it until we have to, that’s why it’s almost always a last minute qualification. IDEMO DO KRAJA!!!!!
I sense you will see Kova and Modrić together next Sunday- Dalić looks like he is driving that – Petkovic out and Budimir and one other kid will get a chance- Godrival will be in- if we’re going to lose – let’s go down swinging against England – Livaković in net is bloody scary – he looks completely freaked out –
Orsic might even be better than Petko.
He’s speedy and is a good finisher.
Petkovic scores way too few goals.
Disappointing that Kramaric doesn’t want to play in that position.
Maybe Rebic up top and Brekalo on the wing.
Ante is playing possum is another take on playing like a bunch of pussies 😂
Big deal. Means nothing.
England aren’t to be feared. Just need to be careful on the counters and set pieces. Pretty much where all goals come from.
Mount and Foden have had really long seasons and Kane is the only one to really respect.
The Scotland game scares me most.
Robertson, Tierney, McTominay, Che Adams. Very solid and have awesome camaraderie going in.
Im going Hrvatska/Scotland to progress.
Sorry. The Euro isn’t going to be pretty. I hope I eat my words.
Liva – amazing reactions but shit in the air
vrsaljko – looked better today than his last few games
DCC – decent
vida – fine
barisic – mediocre player, but looked better today than his last few games
gvardiol – fast and confident, is a chad
modric – legend
kovacic – why do u do this to us
brozo – i hate his tattoos
perisic – doesnt take players on anymore
petkovic – sighhh
rebic – gives ball away too cheaply
brekalo – gives ball away too cheaply
vlasic – still rusty
kramaric – he is Not a Winger!
pasalic – generic
dalic – idiot
If modric and kova play at the same time, we will be good on possession but our attack will be non existent. If dalic is going for the boring 0-0 draw against england, then he will start modric, brozo, and kova. Dalic continues to play vlasic and kramaric at the same time, literally the dumbest thing in the world. Dalic could have atleast put in budimir for the last 10 mins.
Awesome assessment of Brozo! Spot on
heres another take…
brozo – nice assist!
Mi-lan Ba-delj!
I hope that was Petkovic’s last audition and he failed. Get Krama and Budimir in there asap. We had a fair number of crosses into the box….Budimir’s bread and butter.
I definitely hope Dalic is just playing with the English with this lineup/formation and concealing his hand and comes out next week with a 4-4-2.
We can definitely hang with anyone but we need to score first and press hard. I guarantee you see a hungry, motivated Croatian team next week.
Happy Feast of Corpus Christi to everyone!
Viva Christo Rey!
Bog i Hrvati!
That actually would be great! Both Kovać and Cacić had their most impressive coaching moments when they did the most unexpected things. Hopefully Dalić is hatching a higher firepower plan in training. Would love to see a 4-4-2 surprise. He did say publicly that they will play 4-1-4-1 and 4-2-3-1 formations. Maybe the tactical surprise will come from who is on the field. He also said that Petković had to earn his spot
Starting 11
Livakovic
Gvardiol-Caleta-Car-Vida-Jurnaovic
Vlasic-Modric-Brozovic
Orsic-Petkovic-Perisic
Very underwhelming to say the least
No chemistry and they all think it’s just going to come together on Sunday
We are a gun team just not acting like it at the moment
I am so worried for livakovic
It’s not even funny
We have to gird our loins
Livakovic? He’s carrying the backend and saving the defenders mistakes.
I watched the Belgium V Croatia highlights and we generated no good opportunities. The Lukaku goal was in the 12 yard box which is were our game is weak. We can’t defend well on corners, close range or off set pieces. Always good midfield control and they maintain possession. Just no chances are created for the wingers or forwards. I’m really concerned about the opener vs England. Livakovic will have to stand on his head. We are so trash at the backend. Barisic & Vrsaljko looked trash. Gvardiol looked decent. I saw no quality chances from Rebic, Kramaric, Perisic. Only Modric, Livakovic and Brozo looked good. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was a 4-1 blowout. 1-1 or a 2-1 loss is fine with me. But we can’t score for shit. I’m dreading about next Sunday.
Ideal Scenario: we beat England first game. Beat Czech, qualify for knockouts, and play substitutes vs Scotland / create the Team camaraderie. Finish second in the group & get Easier path for knockouts & then go on a run!
LOL beat England. That’s a good one.
Gvardiol, CC/Vida, Vrsaljko back 4
Not that Vrsaljko has looked much better then juranovic
In 2018 I debated with a good majority of you regarding Mandzukic vs Kalinic and I was outnumbered by at least 10-1, today I’ll start off by saying 2 things!
1) you’re wrong about Petkovic. If we have to wait for all the stars to align, the weather to be perfect and for Petkovic to wake up feeling in the mood, we are fucked! He’s a mental midget and we are never going to be able to rely on him as any type of solution. I’ve heard enough and seen enough. His skill and talent level don’t do enough…he’s simply not good enough mentally to be someone we can count on…just as I said about Kalinic and yet, sooooo many of you argued about it daily?
2) Barisic….I usually never argue about players I’m not really informed on. We argued daily about Barisic and Bradaric vs Melnjak (whom is probably the worst choice we have)….but guess what?! Melnjak as shitty as he is….he’s better than Barisic. He’s in a shitty league and not a very good player but for our National team, he’s done wayyyyy better than Barisic. Stop the bullshit in thinking just because he plays in a crappy league, he’s crappier than what many of you keep regurgitating. I see it all over Facebook as well but don’t let yourself get confused. For as bad as Melnjak might be, he’s done better for us than Barisic by a mile. Maybe it’s because he punches above his weight but at least he’s a threat going forward and he causes the opponent’s to back peddle a lot! Barisic looks scared.
Either Dalic is praying to the Gods of soccer and he’s hoping the fact he plays Vrsaljko soo much will give him some confidence and game form but Vrsaljko looks fragile!
who do you put up top thou? Krama, Rebic ?
So how do you line up with out petko? Budimir, kramaric?
I largely agree with you, petko can dazzle but even when mandzo wasn’t on he would run at everyone
Barisic plays in a crappy league too. Both players are not NT quality.
Do you go Gvardiol right out of the gate versus England in a match where our side is likely to take it on the chin and potentially ruin any confidence he may have, or do you let the youngster sit the first match and watch, take it all in and then insert him for the Czech and Scotland games?
Dalic is a lost cause hanging onto the glory days of Russia 2018. He must step away after EURO regardless of results.
Problem is the federation will go on the cheap again and likely hire a licensed plumber to coach the NT. I dunno, be adventurous and try a foreigner who is tactically sound and can get the most out of the squad by fitting players into proper roles.
Gvardiol has to start…PERIOD!!
He won’t get rattled if we lose, even if it’s a bad loss, the guy is a soccer player and it’s part of the game. He will be challenged and he will either rise to the challenge or learn from a poor experience but I’m confident in him.
I’m not sure how we deal with our forward problem. Hopefully Petkovic wakes up snd feels inspired…I just hate having to rely on someone who’s so obviously lazy and who isn’t willing to sacrifice anything!
Kramaric can score. If Petkovic goes on vacation during this tournament we have to find a way to service Krama and hope we get goals from others as well!
Gvardiol looked good. Really calm and has speed. Did some nice defending too. Sime was awful again.
PS Loved that our boys didn’t not take a knee before the game. No doubt when England does, (and its own fans boo them again like they did today again) when our boys don;t take a knee…the woke media will be all over us for not kneeing, but f them. God I hope we beat England.
I agree with you on the Barišić thing… he’s been so shitty. I wanted to see Gvardiol today to see how they line up and he was an absolute stud. Should without a doubt start against England.
At one point Kovacic had a chance to advance along the wing with no one in front of him…but he stopped and sent if far to the other side of the pitch against the flow. I don’t get it . This guy can’t replace Rakitic because Rakitic knew where the net was could actually score.
I really don’t see how we are going to score in the coming games.
I saw that and thought the same
He had a chance to run with it and bitched out
Gvardiol over Barisic all day! Kids a stud. If I’m Dalic , I’m starting the kid vs England. Sooooo much poise and composure from him with and without the ball.
Really impressed.
Would even try him in at Center Back alongside DCC with Domogoj Bradaric at LB. Studs on defence instead of liabilities.
Nice to see Vrsaljko is getting better.
I say start Gvardiol against England. We have nothing to lose. Finishing second would be good also.
A little more inspired at the end
But man we need to look a lot better come next week
Gvardiol looked decent from what I could see
Has more then barisic, even tho not as experienced
Vlasic and Brekalo both with a try on goal
More then most
I agree with Vrsaljko being a shell of his former self currently
Injuries and wife problems, nije dobro
Kovacic and Broz both looked mediocre I thought
Livakovic made a couple great saves
Definitely worries me when playing or having to punch a ball out
Not authoritative enough it looks like
Caleta looked solid
Luka does what look does but doesn’t have bale to link up with
Gvardiol was more than decent, he created about three or four opportunities within his first 20 minutes, made some nice runs and stopped a dangerous potential Lukaku header. He should undoubtedly start against the Englezi.
We played better, however, they had the better chances. That’s why they won. We controlled almost the entire game.
Why are we afraid to shoot the ball. Petkovic zero shots. Why is Budimir getting zero minutes? I hope this shit gets fuigured out soon.
Good game.
It’s going to be a tough tournament, with a number of strong teams.
We have what it takes to go all the way again.
Kvardouche what is the starting lineup?
Nice to see Gvardiol in for Barisic to start the half. I think Dalic has finally seen the light and knows he has to try something different. Seeing this and if Gvardiol plays well I won’t be surprised to see him start at game at LB.
Thinking the same thing
He was impressive,and pretty good speed considering his size.
Kinda reminds me of a comparable to: Lukas Klostermann same type of imposing player.
Vida and Sime big liabilities.
Vida caught watching the game several times. Sime doesn’t have speed, is not physical enough and can’t seem to get a cross in. Also disappointed in. Brozovic snd his lackadaisical attitude.
Perhaps take him out, drop Kovacic and insert Vlasic to smarten him up a bit.
After looking great the first 10 minutes Belgium took control and is clearly the better team….and without De Bruyne. Lukaku is so strong on the ball and great touch for a big guy.
Barisic offers nothing. Kova doing Kova things. The good news is that Caleta Car has been solid.
Livakovic couldn’t stop a beach ball- bring back pletikosa – why do we always have shit keepers – even pletikosa (the octopus) aged shitty and partially responsible for euro 2000 berth from qualification not to mention his snail like movement as he aged and (no Buffon that for sure) Subasic WC final movements against Brazil in the opener of wc14 – he made neymar that overrated diving shit face look good with that long range half speed shanked shit shot. We got fucked that game like many tho – oh well move on, get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’ as red says from
Shawshank. Team looks decent tho – minus the blunder and some shaky moments at the back- final 3rd tho we need more attempts! Perhaps budimir sub and vlasic I hoping … hope it sorta get cleared up come next Sunday. Longshanks English meat pie mofo’s
Za Dom Spremni !
Ladic was the keeper for the NT for the EURO 2000 qualifiers. He shit the bed in the penultimate game versus the Yugos in Zagreb.
Livakovic is fine and the least of Croatia’s issues.
Not an inspiring first half
Belgium is good but we are not playing with gusto
Ya it’s a friendly but no one told that to lukaku
crotvhd.net is a great feed
2 flying Vida backheels to 0 today.
2-0 Belgium
Holiga article.
Dude is trying to start shit again, lol.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/06/euro-2020-team-guides-part-13-croatia
Claims that there are locker room rifts between the veterans and the younger players.
He mentions that Lovren is the one calling everyone out (which is pretty believable considering Lovren is a selfish player).
But I don’t know how serious any of this really is.
Oh great, another article for Zoric to recycle…those two are besties!
Where can we watch the game Maminjo?!
Yeah I saw this and decided not to share it. Let’s not give him any clicks. It’s a nonsensical article.
That’s all Zoric cares about…he wants Twitter followers regardless of who they are!
Vida x11 no way we lose!
What was that media link in Croatia that shows all games?
——-———-Orsic———Petkovic
——Pasalic—————————-Brekalo
——————Badelj——-Kovacic
——Bradaric——————————Vrsaljko
—————Vida————-Caleta-Car
—————————Kalinic
Just for the Belgium game to test out if some of these guys should start vs. England (Bradaric, Vrsaljko, Caleta Car and Kalinic) and to have a good look at our subs for the tournament (all the rest). And rest all the regular starters.
By now it’s quite obvious Livakovic is our keeper for the tournament. I wouldn’t bet on seeing Kalinic
Dalic gas already stated that this will basically be the starting team for the Euros, unless he’s just playing head games with the English.
Really?
Going with Kovacic instead of Vlasic or Kramaric is a risky move.
I thought he would opt to play Krama behind Petko in a 4-2-3-1 rather than completely changing his favorite lineup to a 4-3-3 to satisfy Kovacic.
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