Written by Allen “Outraged” Strk
How do I remain outraged?
It’s usually when I have to endure ninety minutes of Croatia playing against an inferior opponent. The lack of fire and innovation of ball movement is usually evident. They tend to struggle against teams that crowd the box with midfielders and look to not concede a goal. We’ve seen that against the likes of Georgia and Macedonia in the past.
It was another dreary performance, where the ball movement was far too horizontal. It all starts from the captain himself. Darijo Srna delivered poor crosses throughout the game. He still remains dependent of his right foot at all times. For a player that’s rated highly, it infuriates me that he constantly has to be so predictable on the ball. While I’ll always praise him for having an endless amount of pace and scoring or assisting goals in big games, he’s never really evolved.
Another common problem that hinders Croatia is constant standing around. Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic failed to get involved in the first half. They needed to be in the box supporting Mario Mandzukic in case of a loose ball dropping in. Instead, they mindlessly kept jogging and waiting for the ball to come to them. Srna, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are the main providers. They’ll be in possession for the most part. The roles of Kovacic and Brozovic should be to attack the box at moments, where it seems rather obvious that one of the three established playmakers will put a cross or pass in.
While I’ve been, and will remain positive about Niko Kovac, his utilization of Rakitic as a holding midfielder still baffles me. It’s been well documented that Rakitic isn’t a very physical player nor does he tackle very well. He’s purely a technical player that is capable of shooting from long distance and creating chances for his teammates. Why he’s wasted in running down opposing midfielders and asked to have significant defensive responsibilities isn’t a wise decision.
With Modric and Rakitic called to play more defensive, they don’t have opportunities to create scoring opportunities as much as they should. A potential defensive midfielder has yet to come to fruition to make them more effective. Milan Badelj failed to impress when he was given opportunities. He still remains an option, although I’m not sure if he’s in Niko Kovac’s future plans. Tin Jedvaj is versatile enough to play that position, but his lack of experience will probably scare that possibility away from the coaching staff.
The lack of a defensive midfielder has been a constant problem since Kovac retired in 2008. While Ognjen Vukojevic wasn’t as poor as people rated him to be, he rarely ever impacted a major game. With Kovac now in control of the team, he should make it an objective to help develop a future holding defensive midfielder. That will be the only way that Croatia can have more positive possession and create more clear chances from their masterminds in the midfield.
The other persistent issue is who will be the clear-cut starter at left back? I’ve always backed Ivan Strinic for his relentless style and being strong on defense. He was one of the true unsung heroes during Croatia’s outstanding performances in Euro 2012. Hrvoje Millc got the start against Malta; which was a surprise. I’ll always embrace trying new players against weak opponents, but Millc didn’t impress much. He never really pushed the pace and didn’t look confident with the ball. Similar to Srna, he’s too dependent on his stronger foot. He blew a clear cut scoring opportunity by insisting on switching to his left foot rather than using his right to shoot comfortably. Nikica Jelavic played him in perfectly, yet Millc wasted a clear-cut chance.
The left back bundle will probably exist for the next year or so. Strinic deserves to start, but Kovac sees something that we aren’t seeing. As unimpressive as Millc looked, he won’t be a liability on the level of Danijel Pranjic. It’s promising to see Kovac look towards the future in playing the likes of Andrej Kramaric and Alen Halilovic. There is clear talent from Halilovic, although I’d hold off starting him against Italy in November barring some drastic improvement. He would more than likely fade out of the action, due to his lack of size and experience. I’ve yet to see him show that he’s good in dealing with world-class defenders.
I’m still optimistic about Croatia in the upcoming two years. While this article may seem heavy on criticism, it was just an uninspiring performance. After being down on the team through a majority of 2013, the World Cup performance and the overall roster have revitalized my love for the squad again. The likes of Dejan Lovern and Ivan Perisic will be difference makers for Croatia for years to come. A commanding center back like Lovern and a true winger in Perisic are two elements that Croatia has lacked for years.
I’m happy to be back on the site in good graces, after being bitter and disgusted with soccer for nearly a year. My trip to visit the boys on the site for Croatia-Brazil was something I’ll never forget. Hopefully, I’ll post something every other week in regards to the national team or something related to domestic league play. Hopefully it’ll lead me to being more overjoyed rather than outraged.
@Allen_Strk
@Poglavnik – same thing I was thinking. Who would stay in line for 20 minutes of a 90 minute soccer match getting a hotdog?
@Ziva
The fans can barely afford the $10-$50 tickets.
What makes you think they’d be eager to spend another $50 on food, drinks, and the other over-priced bullshit amenities that a North American stadium offers?
This aint baseball where you sit on your ass for 3 1/2 hours stuffing your face.
@Bog…….thanks. Good research. OK
See you on Sunday at church.
Ziva Istina Quote:
https://croatiansports.com/?p=10590
2nd to last comment
@Booby V…….well said, but unfortunately, people in Cro and even outside of Cro no longer think like that. We have our own country now (for better or worse) and have since 1991. There is no more flag waving and feeling good to be a hrvat. That is done in Cro.
The repka does not deserve to have a full stadium because of the people who are leading Croatian soccer.
Soul Champ
I’m a believer in Kovacic. He just seems to be the odd man out similar to how Kranjcar was in 2012. Perisic will always be a starter for his pace and ability to play both sides. Maybe Kovacic will get a shot at right wing, although I’d really like to see him at DM as an experiment. He seems a bit too undersized for that position. Then again Modric plays it so I have no idea. What a cluster.
Thank you
Soul Champ
I’m a believer in Kovacic. He just seems to be the odd man out similar to how Kranjcar was in 2012. Perisic will always be a starter for his pace and ability to play both sides. Maybe Kovacic will get a shot at right wing, although I’d really like to see him at DM as an experiment. He seems a bit too undersized for that position. Then again Modric plays it so I have no idea. What a cluster.
Bobby you are talking about the pride the fellow Croat feels. It means nothing. When these players feel that pride it will be different instead a bunch of them running naked around a pool and shitting the bed at the WC and more concerned about securing a contract is what is seen by the public at home. Kovac is bringing in new blood so hopefully these guys will be the answer.
@ Allen…
Great article homie.
Šteta about Veslo. Was a quality joint for us to watch a match.
Srna has not run down the right wing since 2008!
He has been a solid captain for years but we have to move on.
Either Modric or Raktic for arm band duty.
Rakitic playing DM is WACK . I can see the logic in playing him there but the lack of transition speed is becoming depressing.
I have seen Kovačić play well on the right side. His speed dribbling is unparalleled within the squad.
Find a way to exploit that.
Players don’t run enough and not fast enough. Ridiculous! It would be alot easier if they knew their destination ie. get them a real coach and no more compromised lackeys!
Slavonac from Canada- My apologies. It’s hard to determine at times what people are trying to say via text. I’ve been in many arguments with my Italian girlfriend over the years because of misunderstanding texts messages.(Could be because she’s a crazy Calabrese )
I find it incredibly difficult to communicate on platforms such as these since there’s no human element. You cant here a person’s tone or sarcasm which can lead to many misunderstanding’s. On top of that all the troll’s from the south lol.
Once again my apologies:Bog blagoslovi
Good time to re-live one of the best lines on CSR ever from Cico : “Ante B & Ziva NOT Istina 2 Pizdas in a Pod !”
Submitted on 2012/09/09 at 8:18 am
“still developing”……..how many years has he been on the tour?????
If Cilic ever wins a grand slam I’ll reveal my identity.
~Ziva Istina
Kramaric wow a real live “home grown” striker for Croatia. How was he even allowed to make the “national” team? I wonder what are the chances that the powers that be will allow him to play his natural position on the field or even give him much play time at all?
The national team is sacrosanct. Period.
Every time our players step out on the pitch and I hear Lijepa Nasa, I’m thankful God made me a Hrvat.
Also they should lower ticket prices so the common people can attend. Most people are plebeian, of humble, modest means. A packed house is vital.
And they should stage home games at tertiary cities though out Croatia (Rijeka, Pula, Osijek etc.). It would give the common folk an opportunity to see their beloved heroes.
Most of us here in the USA would travel almost anywhere in the country to see the repka live in a meaningful game or even a friendly.
Don’t really think any of us would care about what the stadium had to offer – and most of us would be too excited to be negative about any outcome.
That view might change if the novelty would start to wear off after awhile, – if you had the opportunity to see them anytime you wanted to – but, in my mind, the national team is something to take pride in, to defend, unconditionally.
When they score and when they win, I think about the joy felt by our old-timers watching the matches around the World.
Many of them believed we would never be an independent country in their lifetime. They are just happy to see “Croatia” on the scoreboard and the checkers on the jerseys. I guess I’m partially one of them.
Again, everything else should be put aside. Many of you mistake losing a match is a result of the players not caring. You could not be more wrong.
@Bobby V…..I totally disagree with your comments that the repka deserves to play in front of a packed stadium. They don’t deserve anything, they need to earn a packed stadium.
They do so only if they produce results or at least give the public an effort that is worth the money spent. You can easily support and root for the repka from your sofa or barstool and don’t have to be in a stadium.
Fans in Cro are front runners, so if the team is playing well they will support it. But, moving the games to Osijek or Split wont change everything. That game yesterday would not have been a sellout in Pula, Osijek or Split or Rijeka. Who the hell is going to pay between $10-$50 to watch Malta in a stadium without a roof, no HD scoreboard, no wifi signal and non-adequate selection of food and drinks; shit no restaurants even in the stadiums. If they want to move the games to Split and have the Italy game in Poljud, then fine. Great atmospheres take place in that dump of a facility (look back to 95 when we played Italy), but fans down there are quick to turn on the team as well. If they play like crap against Italy or if Italy goes up early, you know the crowd will turn on them……………Then again, seeing that would be good TV and theater.
Niko’s done.
As a natural striker, I didn’t think Kramaric would fit well behind Mandzukic in that friendly, but he’s had more of an impact in these past two games than Kranjcar has had in years.
Simply put, we have too many current and future players who can start ahead of him already. No point in calling up a 30-year old on the decline.
Armada
I’m hearing Kranjcar is 100 percent fit for the first time in years. He’s going to have a break out…..yeah I’ll stop. Might have given me an idea for the upcoming Outraged observation. I’ve seen the light of Niko and his underachieving ways sadly.
Hrgota probably accepted the Sweden callup because he didn’t want to deal with the fallout that comes with ‘declining’ a callup.
I read somewhere that he’s got both passports, so if Kovac wants, he could probably call him up for the October matches. But judging by Kovac’s surprise when he found out that Hrgota accepted the callup from Sweden, I doubt Kovac would call Hrgota up (unless Hrgota himself calls the HNS to commit to playing for Cro).
Based on the fact that Kovac had discussions with Hrgota’s camp, and that he was surprised that Hrgota accepted the Sweden callup, it seems like Hrgota is just willing to play for whoever.
@SF-Croat
He’s supposed to be back in a month or so.
He might be ready to play in the Bulgaria match actually.
Agreed that a big positive is halilovic is now locked in. here’s to a good 15 years of the kid
on another note, hrgota did not play for sweden in the game. still eligible for cro
perhaps time for a counter invite
Guess what most in Croatia don’t give a damn about this team. Most of them are overpaid and care more about club than country. Has nothing to do politics/ corruption. As soon as these players start to care so will the public.
I guess I can say that after the explanation I read I can see why the Zagreb public are tired of the corruption but as a person that lives the game and the country I think club and country are different. Maybe Mamic has his fingers in the national team but I couldn’t stop supporting them because of him. The Modric’s, Mandzukic, Olic, Srna, Corluka, Kovacic and the rest of them are the guys I support…I support them for the players they are and for wearing our colors…I don’t want to mix politics into this, I do it with far to many other topics!
My point is that the national team deserves to play in front of a packed stadium – no matter which town is chosen – and not be used as a political cause against anybody.
The players obviously feel the same way. Rijeka seems to be doing things the right way. Let them play there.
I don’t have a problem with Mamic.
It could be better but it could be a hell of a lot worse too.
All positions of power breed corruption.
Give me a break bobby with your sAme bs talk. You want crooks just look at the hierarchy of hajduk and what they stole from the team. Stop looking at Zagreb and Mamic as this only deflects the problem. We need to clean our backyard first.
Some good – some bad comments – I like to keep it civil – I just wish the National team had an overdrive gear – one where it could speed up play – we risk being left behind unless we find some speed where it matters – I am one of those who thinks some of our stars need to retire – they are one paced and frustrate others – at the moment we look like individuals rather than a team – Further I also believe the best teams have a good defence – we don’t – I wish the team the best but hope some young players step up and start playing good football- Personally ( i stated it some months ago) i would like to see the following retire – Srna and Corluka – As for Olic he puts in the effort and I would keep him a s a super sub particularly when the defenders are tired
some of the comments on here are just so retarded.
@ Ante B – do what you want with your Dinamo Zagreb – we don’t give a fuck.
But, there is absolutely no reason why our national team should be caught up or mixed in with Dinamo’s bullshit – and that is what the players have finally come around and realized.
The national team belongs to the people and diaspora of Croatia – not just Zagreb.
Not so sure the fans of Dinamo want the national side to play their games anywhere else at the current moment. Wouldn’t they be losing a pawn in drawing attention to what they really want?
As for Dinamo’s fans and the effort to oust Mamic – the next guy in line will be a crook as well, only much smarter than the current idiot in covering up what he’s stealing.
…and don’t be angry because some of us think outside the BBB box. Repka turning into Dinamo? Do we all have to believe that?
@Bobby V
“Too bad they can’t play their games in the Croatian half of Mostar. Nobody can create an atmosphere more pro-Croatia than those fans.”
Truest thing I’ve read here in years!
1) The boycott ended in 2012 because the BBB realized you can’t beat Mamic by legal means. So please for the love of Christ stop bringing that up.
2) BBB took over MNK Dinamo and the jedan clan, jedan glas model at Salata. One game down, 5,000 people showed up. Look it up. If you had any forward thinking, you could see they’re trying to build a crew of guys to take over Mamic.
3) The people of Zagreb don’t want games in Zagreb because as I had stated years ago, the repka turned into Dinamo and the people of Zagreb already know what that means. Start asking fans of Dinamo who actually go to games as opposed to people you meet online. All those guys want the HNS out of Zagreb because it’s not our team, it’s Zdravko Mamic’s. They will not compromise.
You know what’s the most idiotic thing? The responses by you mouth breathers. We’ve been talking about what’s wrong with Croatian soccer, give you reasons, you guys come to the same conclusions, take a step forward and them forget about them INSTANTANEOUSLY.
What is wrong with you people?! Are you that fucking stupid that you have Sizzler level IQs or are you really just that ignorant?
Anyone know how long Ivan Perisic is out for?
Bobby V, here’s your sign. You’ve become the new Skip Bayless of CSR.
2 best things to come out of the game yesterday are Halilovic finally getting locked in and the players telling Suker they no longer want to play in Zagreb.
If you asked 10 differnet fans of Dinamo and/or the national team about what games they are supposed to be boycotting (home/away, domestic league, Europa League, against a Serbian team) you’d get 10 different answers.
Couldn’t be more embarrassed for the people of Zagreb. Is it possible that one man (Mamic) can control you like zombies and have so much influence over your decision to go and support your national and/or club team?
Is there another example of this behaviour with any other club in the World? ….in any other sport?
Too bad they can’t play their games in the Croatian half of Mostar. Nobody can create an atmosphere more pro-Croatia than those fans.
The ignorance on this site never ceases to amaze me.
Geez….we really have people advocating for Dujmovic. Must be family members or stuck in the year 2009.
Look here…..the Serbs are about to make the finals of the FIBA World Cup.
I like Brozovic more so than Kovacic for the repka. He gives a different dimension to the squad.
-Perisic——-Mandza——-Halilovic-
————-Modric–Brozovic————
——————-Rakitic(c)——————–
-Strinic—Lovren-Corluka—Vrsaljko-
——————-Subasic——————
Lineup gives us a nice balance between playmaking, speed, and defending… I can see it now Rakitic, Modric, and Halilovic are passing the ball around the right side of the box, and then bam, Halilovic pops out to the top of the box, and play a defense splitting pass to Perisic, who squares the ball for a typical Mandza goal. 1-0 vs Italija!
the people of zagreb have always been european not croatian
real croatia lies in dalmatia and eastern slavonia
yup… there we go.
Tomislav Dujmovic, Extra Value Meal Kranjcar and Strasno Frizuru Pranjic should be starters next qualifier and THOSE guys will lead us to Euro glory!
lol dujmovic…
Brozovic doesnt have a place in this midfield. Im sorry but with the likes of Modric Rakitic and Kovacic up for the midfield spots once the wingers come back ( perisic, rebic) borzovic wont see the field. Unless, he still needs to be sold in which case we might see him play the false 9 just so they can get someone to bite on 4 million for this PANJ.
Dujmovic was always good in the midfield. Not sure why he’s not being selected.
Sepp
Maybe in the future when I’m at Scorpios. Sadly Veslo closed down, so no more videos will happen around there. Not sure if I’ll be there for Bulgaria, but I’ll certainly be there for Azerbaijan and Italy games. Could do some videos there.
———–Halilovic———-
—-Brozovic—Modric—–
————Rakitic———–
Midfield for the Euro Qualifiers. If you want Kovacic could go in place of Halilovic, but i like Alen more at the CAM position. Against weaker teams, Kovacic could start over Brozovic at the Left Cm position.
The striker pair would be Mandzukic, and Perisic, with Rebic/Kramaric/Jelavic as subs.
Netero vs Chimera Ant King (Full Strategy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WilPHbGia7w
YOU WANT LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MOVE.
THIS STRATEGY YOU SHOULD HAVE NO MATTER HOW
STRONG YOUR OPPONENT .. WE TALK ABOUT TACTIC >
And the people of Zagreb would be the absolute first people to agree with you.
its time to move all smaller games out of zagreb.
the atmosphere in all other cities such as osijek have been great.
i’d even be in favor of playing whereever it wasin switzerland that they played that friendly
@Faux Cro,
A check for $.01 has been sent out to Mr. Outraged. I pay on time.
I think the players have every right to demand a change of venue! I find it ludicrous that they can’t fill a small stadium for an international game…it would be like playing away in many cases…fuck it and fuck them…I love Zagreb but its embarrassing to not support your team!
I wonder what will happen with this………..
http://www.jutarnji.hr/pobuna-u-svlacionici-igraci-porucili-sukeru—vise-ne-zelimo-igrati-u-zagrebu–/1218989/
The hell with the players not wanting to play in a dump of a stadium and lack of an atmosphere. How about the fans?????
Who wants to show up in a stadium with no roof, no HD screens, no wi-fi, poor selection of food and drinks, dirty and tight seats????? Best place to watch a game is in your home when you can watch it on HD, the internet is working and the food is your own choice.
@dave…….what is the issue? What do you want. I am very happy for Doper Cilic. I wish I would have taken the flyer on him at 80-1 odds.
Kovacic is ineffective against a team that bunkers. He will be important against Bulgaria.
Srna is not done yet. i can’t see Vrsaljko stepping in and doing what Dario still does for us yet, including his free kicks.
Jelavic starting to score for Hull City – still haven’t given up on him yet either.
Refreshing to see the youth against Cyprus and Malta. Not a Kovac fan, but, I’ll give him credit for finally bringing the kids in.
…also nice to see a player like Halilovic actually take on players and more importantly TAKE A SHOT from outside the box – won’t ever criticize anyone for being selfish doing that. Did anyone say Prosinecki was selfish?
Italy looked impressive yesterday – and Azerbaijian outplayed Bulgaria in the first half.
@Ziva
Time to put the money where your mouth is.
Let’s see who you are?
I haven’t seen you post on the Cilic win yet.
Clearly your hiding in mama’s basement.
Karlovac74 – I wasn’t singling you out, I was attempting to shed light on the constant unnecessary bitching about Strinic, Corluka and now Srna! I am all for new blood but soo many here will bitch at the hair style of the new guy or the fact he may shave his balls…some guys get unnecessary criticism and in my opinion, if it isn’t Srna then its Corluka…when he’s actually been a very solid player for us!
Only beat Malta 2-0…ONLY? did you see the game? Germany would have had a hard time…they were very committed to park the bus and defend with every single man behind the ball…I’m not too disappointed with the result, I do want to see Rakitic get more time in behind out forward and I’d also like to see a different formation.
Slavonac from Canada
I find it funny that your bitching about bitching lol. I come on this site on daily basis to read the articles and comments of my fellow brothers. This is my 3rd post in 3 years and one of those posts was a non football complaint about some guy thinking a satanic user name was cool. That being said I don’t post unless I feel really strong about a certain event in Cro sports,culture or politics etc.
Speaking for myself when I complained about Srna it was from the position of change. Like Allen said I’m also a huge fan of Capt Srna and his devotion to country but now I feel its time for the changing of the guard. Out with the old in with new. Croatia is very guilty of using veteran players way past there peak. Philipp Lahm in my opinion the best fullback in the world decided to retire from the German national team at age 30 .That being said Srna is 32 and needs to step down. I rather have a young studd screwing up crosses, hoping one day he evolves into a top threat player then a guy way past his prime picking daisies at the corner flag. During the World cup I was insane with anger that Rebic did not start. I think he’s better then Mandzukic ( btw ashamed of his antics) and Olic put together yet once again he will sit on the shelf until he’s deemed worthy at the bright age of 28.
Last point I’m pretty sure we all have a right to bitch, when we only beat Malta 2-0 with 10 men. Also If you read my post and played Football you cant time runs if the man crossing the ball is having a picnic. I remember when England used to dominate Europe in domestic affairs during the 70’s and early 80’s. Using there dreaded long ball tactics until everyone caught on. It took England way to long to realize that they needed to change and establish a new game plan. Lets not become England.
1. You cant gauge much at all from that game yesterday because it was a contest played in 1 half of the field against 10 defenders and without speed on the wings (perisic, rebic) its tough to break that down, that will work itself out imo. 2. Since Cilic won the U.S. Open, has Ziva been ducking the questions about his identity? I dont care too much but he seems like an honerable guy so I wonder a bit…
Nothing coming out of the discussion about this game really matters anyway.
The real test is in these next two months when we play both Bulgaria and Italy.
I still have faith in Josip Radosevic as our DM, even if he has not been getting much playing time at Napoli. He has that game time level he rises to when it come to NT, kind of like Rebic. Hes our Pitbull and should get another look. Remember the game vs. Belgium
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJp_4rlWqIo
I think too many people here watch more basketball than soccer.
Just because you see a line-up with Modric, Rakitic, and Mandzukic vs a team that doesn’t have a single Champions League player, people just assume it’s going to be at least 5 – nil.
I’ve played games and seen countless ones where a team gets a result that has no business doing so.
This can happen more in soccer than just about any other team sport.
We won while getting some youngsters key minutes.
Job well done!
As each game progresses, I can see the cracks how even Kovac is Mamic’s man. Especially with the forcing of Brozovic and Jelavic.
And Ziva, you’re right. I’m not a big fan of Uvijek Vjerni but kudos to them for that.
We gotta pin down DM. I mean seriously.
Also, has Jelvavic ever evolved as a great player! His days in the EPL have made him more and more of a playmaker rather than just a pure striker.
I agree with you about Strinic. Schildenfeld is good too. I don’t recall either making any mistakes that lead to goals against. Yes, Srna only seems to have his right foot. With his pace, he should be able to dribble around a single defender with ease.
The big question that everyone wants answered is was there a nude pool party after the game.
I have always maintained: The NT since Euro 2008 has had a nasty habit of playing to the level of their competition. Think of games with England, Germany, even the games with Italy and Spain in ’12. Then recall the games with Georgia and Scotland.
As for the wing positions. I thought Perisic at the WC has a lock on LW when healthy. Kovacic was an experiment in lieu. For the right side, I think Rebic has some promise. Halilovic should be solid in the future but he’s really young. I’m not worried about wings.
Where I’m concerned is that holding MF position. I think Badelj should get another shot. He had an abbreviated stint primarily under Stimac, so let him try again. If he can’t hack it, let Jedvaj try.
There is a special place in hell for anal retentive people who think spelling is important when posting informally about football. This happens a lot on the site. Do people have nothing better to do?
Ziva Istina I’d love you to make some audio commentaries so we can hear your embarrassing low class diaspora English accent, inherited from parents who could never master English. It was tough leaving centuries of subsistence farming behind. You need to get a girlfriend -you devote a scary portion of your life commenting on this website.
Good for the Uvijek Vjerni fanclub……..
http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/uvijek-vjerni-bijesni-na-hns-zbog-preskupih-ulaznica-za-maltu-nemate-razumijevanja-prema-navijacima/770580.aspx
My question is to the 6 or 7,000 fans who showed up yesterday. WHY??????
Now if only Srna could add the “Rabona” to his repertoire. It would really improve his game.
so we’ve gone from attacking Strinic (I have no idea why?) to Corluka yesterday (also have no idea why) and today the new target is Srna?
Based on what I’ve been reading the attacks are based on his poor crosses…am I right? Let’s start out by saying I don’t think his position shouldn’t be open for a challenge but with that said, some of the comments seem quite harsh. Yesterday’s game was frustrating and although he had a bit of a nightmare in his deliveries and although I didn’t clearly see the game from the luxury of my home (I saw it online), I think the poor service was a combination of him waiting for bodies attacking the box and him getting the ball setup for delivery…..he DID assist Modric’s goal!
Srna’s position could be replaced, let’s all agree with that BUT will you guys bitch about the next guy that fills his shoes? Who will fit in? If its Vrsaljko and he doesn’t offer the same quality crosses we’ve seen from Srna for several years…will you be asking for Jedvaj? If Jedvaj ends up playing there (he should play in the middle) and doesn’t offer the same quality as Srna used to…will you all be looking for more options?
Srna’s clock is ticking, but I feel these attacks on him are harsher than he deserves. From the view I was sitting at yesterday I felt he was hesitating a little BUT I also couldn’t really tell if he had options to where he could deliver the ball? Its not smart to send balls into the box if there is little to no chance of one of our players getting on the other end of it, we lose possession and end up defending.
I will try to watch the game on TV at some point this week, maybe I’ll see what some of you did but for now I think many are looking to criticize and not enough has been said about some of the positives.
I don’t know Kramaric at all but from what I’ve seen, I like the guy. Halilovic still seems a little overzealous to me but I do like his offensive mind, I liked the few times I saw Rakitic get forward…he created great chances, Modric look a thousand times better with short hair, Jelavic surprised me…he was very good as a sub, Milic…not much to comment about…the one chance Malta had (that I saw from early in the game) came from his side…regardless…he wasn’t a stand-out positively or negatively.
@Ziva, you are correct, referring to Kovacic as Kovacevic is pretty bad.
Also bad is referring Wimbleton as Wimbledon as you have done previous. More so considering it’s the most famous major tennis tournament out there.
Boys, have a look on the good ole internet to confirm stuff before posting. Remember, if it’s on the internet, it must be true.
@Allen Outraged
Can you do your video posts again as well? Always good for a chuckle (in a good way).
tough to take some of your points serious when you refer to Kovacic and Kovacevic.
To me diaspora hrvati friends,
Please learn the language and learn the last names of the players. For god’s sake, some of you jock sniff by wearing jerseys of the players. At least get the last name correct.
This is not the first time the same person has referred to Kovacic and Kovacevic.
Anonymous
Kovacic is somewhat at a crossroads right now. It’s obvious that he can’t play winger after two poor performances against Cyprus and Malta. If Croatia commits to an actual defensive midfielder, he’s the odd man. You can’t bench Modric or Rakitic.
The wing position is up for competition. Perisic will have one spot, but the other spot is up for grabs. Halilovic obviously has the advantage, but Rebic or Olic could be pushed in against more physical sides.
Faux Cro
LOL. I’m doing alright. I write mostly about the Falcons & MMA. This is just a hobby for me in writing for guys that I’m good friends with. They took good care of me in Cali. Five dollar Karlovackos. Still can’t believe that, when it’s eight dollars in any Croatian bar in NY.
Karlovac
Excellent points. I did notice that to an extent. I’m watching the game and I’m like how are these Malta center-backs winning every ball in the air? Then it’s like no wonder they’re doing so. Srna takes about eight seconds to deliver a cross and nobody is really attacking the box except Manzo. You never see Srna attack defenders either.
I’ll always respect Srna for what he’s contributed to the national team. He’s scored goals against Australia, Germany, and Iceland in huge games. Had two assists against Turkey, along with an overall solid Euro 2012. It’s just when it comes to qualifiers, he’s done essentially nothing in terms of making an impact. Still has pace, but no creativity.
I agree with many of the comments. Srna’s game is antiquated and he is more a liability than a help. That has been the case for a while, I just think people have been forgiving because he’s contributed for many years (even if a diver). He should retire from team.
Overall we play a slow game that suits less and less the athletic nature of modern football. I felt Malta actually had some players who appeared sharper and quicker than ours.
I’m concerned about Kovacevic. Am I the only one who feels that, other than running a little with the ball, he does no seem to have much going for him?
http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=4vx98
Croatia NT 4-4-2 Diamond
@karlovac .. in this point. >
what’s the chance that the ball will be aimed directly at you
in a real game ?
i think you need to practising receiving balls in any situation
whether you running or in formation!
Kovac, great game, just can’t please so many on here.
Srna’s situation in the Ukraine will not help his game.
I hope Allen takes Denis’ offer of $0.01 per article.
Don’t let T-REX arms Svircic take advantage of you.
I agree with 99% of your comments and your article was spot on but there is one thing I will say that will be food for thought. Regarding the players you mentioned standing around. I don’t know if I can blame them fully until Srna is totally out of the picture.
You were totally correct when you said that Srna’s crosses were incredibly poor but failed to mention why and how that effected the entire team. Maybe yourself and the majority of fans didn’t see what I had seen but it was very painful to watch from my point of view.
So here it is, I would say 75%-85% of the runs made by Srna down the wing where he should have made a immediate cross was followed by the poorest of tactical choices. If you re-watch the game you’ll notice that he does a dead stop instead delivering a cross. I’m sure yourself and many of the fans on this site have played football. If that’s the case and you had the opportunity to play midfield or the striker position you know that timing your run to meet the cross is based on holding the line with the opposition’s defensive line until the ball is released.
Now if you look back and watch Srna consistently stop and wait,wait, and then send a poor cross I’m sure you can feel for the guy’s on the team trying to figure out when the damn cross is going distributed into the box. Srna’s poor decision’s systematically confounded all his teammates. Not knowing when to release so you can beat the defender on the offside trap will result in no goals or even a chance to win a 50-50 ball etc.
Now if he stopped only 10% of the time to keep the Maltese Falcon’s guessing it would make sense but to repeatedly confound his midfield and striker’s from timing there run’s would send me into a rage. This also causes the attack to slow down and allow Malta to reset there Bunker strategy.
So this being said I cant make judgement on the rest of the team until Srna has been retired. If we replace him with someone that knows to send a cross immediately because all his teammates are making there runs and they still sit back. Then I would agree in replacing the none willing but it could because there so damn frustrated.
Thx,hope you liked my rant and if so send it to Niko and maybe my advice would be taken into consideration.
Halilovic choose the right team . .
FACT :
Croatia beat Cyprus beat Bosnia!!
You haven’t seen Halilovic show that he’s good in dealing with world-class defenders because he hasn’t been given an opportunity to do so yet.