“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” -Oscar Wilde There are few things in sports that are sacred. Things that should only belong to one club or one country. The pin stripes belong to baseball's New York Yankees. The parquet floor should only be played on by the Boston Celtics. The Haka can only be performed by … [Read more...] about Often Imitated, Never Duplicated…
Croatians Around Europe *II*
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Is there any striker hotter in Europe over the past three matches? The answer is NO. On Sunday, Andrej Kramarić scored two more goals in a 4-1 victory over reigning European and Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich. With the game 2-1 in the 2nd half and Kramarić already hitting the post earlier, he would send a no-look shot just inside the far post to beat Manuel Neuer … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *II*
Mandžukić Headed Back To Russia???
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Last time Mandzo played in Russia, he was scoring game winning goals in World Cup semifinals. Now - after a short 5-game stint in the Middle East with Al-Duhail - it looks as if Mandžukić will be headed to Russia to play for Lokomotiv Moscow and his former Dinamo Zagreb buddy, Vedran Corluka. Nothing has been finalized yet but it looks to be a 2-year deal … [Read more...] about Mandžukić Headed Back To Russia???
Rijeka Through After Extra Time Win; Hajduk, Lokomotiva Out Of Europa
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Dinamo Zagreb are already through to the Europa League Playoff Round after their Champions League exit but three other Croatian Prva Liga teams will contest to join them after Thursday. Rijeka begin their European season when they host Ukrainian club FC Kolos Kovalivka. Lokomotiva lost to Rapid Wien in the Champions League qualifying round and will now face Swedish club Malmo … [Read more...] about Rijeka Through After Extra Time Win; Hajduk, Lokomotiva Out Of Europa
THE END OF AN ERA: Ivan Rakitić Retires From The Croatian National Team
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In a shock move Monday, the HNS announced that Ivan Rakitić has played his last game for the Vatreni. It's still unknown what his main motivation for the move is but Raketa will address the pubic in the upcoming weeks regarding his decision. Both Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić sat out Croatia's two UEFA Nations League matches versus Portugal and France this month, but the initial … [Read more...] about THE END OF AN ERA: Ivan Rakitić Retires From The Croatian National Team
Croatians Around Europe *I*
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Andrej Kramarić certainly didn't look good for the Vatreni in both September Nations League games but he does remain on fire for Hoffenheim. In the last game of the Bundesliga season in July, Krama scored four goals against Borussia Dortmund. In the season opener this weekend, Kramarić netted a hat trick in a 3-2 win over Cologne. He picked up a trash goal in the first half off … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe *I*
Hajduk Beats Renova 1-0, Osijek Out After 2-1 Loss To Basel
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More to come throughout the day as Hajduk Split and NK Osijek begin their Europa League qualifying matches Thursday. Hajduk travels to Macedonia to take on Renova at 9:30AM (ET) while Osijek host Swiss club Basel at 2:45PM (ET). Both ties will be determined in 1-leg due to COVID and travel restrictions. Predictions: Hajduk beats Renova … [Read more...] about Hajduk Beats Renova 1-0, Osijek Out After 2-1 Loss To Basel
No Bjelica, No Olmo, No Champions League: Dinamo Out
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I didn't watch the game but it sounds like Dinamo was completely hosed on a good goal today that was called offside. If VAR was used in the game, the goal would have stood. I'm not trying to make excuses here because I'd rather Dinamo play in the Europa League group stage compared to Champions League, but they still need to get there. It sucks that they had to go on … [Read more...] about No Bjelica, No Olmo, No Champions League: Dinamo Out
Zubac, Clippers Choke In Game 7
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Zubac and Jokic battle for the ballAre the Clippers cursed? The Los Angeles Clippers franchise has never played in a conference finals...ever. A few nights ago, Ivica Zubac and company were up 3-1 on the Denver Nuggets; knocking on the door of the Western Conference Finals. However, the Clips have unravelled in the 2nd half in back-to-back games to give Denver life as the two … [Read more...] about Zubac, Clippers Choke In Game 7
