Reports out of Croatia (Sportske Novosti) are saying Dalić will go with Perišić, Kramarić, Vlašić in attack versus Morocco on Wednesday in a 4-3-3 formation with Modrić, Brozović, and Kovačić in the middle of the field. The Vatreni should manage 55-60% ball possession against Morocco with tons of quick plays down the wings. Kramarić isn't the point-man Croatia needs in the … [Read more...] about RUMOR MILL: Reports Saying It Will Be Perišić, Kramarić, Vlašić In Attack For Croatia vs. Morocco
Croatians Around Europe Weekend #13: Gvardiol Returns With A Mask, No Croatian Injuries Heading Into The World Cup
By 63 Comments
The last domestic football weekend before the World Cup has now passed. Great news across the board! Gvardiol returned to full form and no other injuries to report on. Next stop: a friendly versus Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, November 16th before Croatia begins their World Cup campaign against Morocco on the 23rd. Joško Gvardiol played the full 90 minutes Saturday in RB … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe Weekend #13: Gvardiol Returns With A Mask, No Croatian Injuries Heading Into The World Cup
T-Minus 2 Weeks: Gvardiol Has Broken Nose And Will Play With Mask At World Cup
By 89 Comments
UPDATE: Gvardiol suffered a broken nose and picked up a pretty mean black eye Wednesday night. He has been cleared to play in the World Cup and is expected to wear a mask. There were no signs of any breaks/fractures in his skull. Croatian hard head. :) The concerning news of the day is Joško Gvardiol, who is slated to start in the Croatian back-4 at the World Cup. Gvardiol … [Read more...] about T-Minus 2 Weeks: Gvardiol Has Broken Nose And Will Play With Mask At World Cup
OFFICIAL: Dalić Names 26-Man Croatia Squad For World Cup
By 76 Comments
Ladies and gentlemen, meet your 26-man Croatia squad for the 2022 World Cup. Čolak, Brekalo, Ćaleta-Car do not make the team. There's no surprises here on how the consensus thought Dalić might chisel down the squad from the preliminary list he picked last month. The only slight annoyance is taking Budimir over Čolak. Budimir has not done anything for Osasuna in La Liga … [Read more...] about OFFICIAL: Dalić Names 26-Man Croatia Squad For World Cup
Did Kramarić Just Lose His Spot 2 Weeks Before The World Cup Kicks Off?
By 69 Comments
In a November 4th interview with Sportskeeda, the 31year-old Croatia striker said, "If you ask me as a fan, I'm a fan of Lionel Messi, but Brazil are going to win." Andrej Kramarić, did you really just say that two weeks before you're "supposed to" strap on the boots for our beloved Vatreni at the World Cup??? You're becoming a 'fan boy' and praising Messi? Why not praise … [Read more...] about Did Kramarić Just Lose His Spot 2 Weeks Before The World Cup Kicks Off?
Champions League Round Of 16 Chalked With Croatians In Every Matchup!
By 7 Comments
When Champions League returns in February, it's going to be one hell of a ride as a Croatian national team player aims to lift the CL trophy for an 11th straight year. (Musa will be there soon enough) There will be at least one Croatian in every Round of 16 matchup. If all win (highly doubtful), that will guarantee the Champions League trophy in Croatian hands once again. … [Read more...] about Champions League Round Of 16 Chalked With Croatians In Every Matchup!
Croatians Around Europe Weekend #12: Musa Scores Again; Sosa, Sučić Assist In Quiet Week
By 138 Comments
Is it too late for Petar Musa? Musa received a rare start for Benfica on Sunday and scored the game's opening goal as Benfica thumped Estoril 5-1. Musa headed home a sharp cross from the corner to beat the keeper. This is the point man Croatia needs. But Dalić did not short list him for the World Cup. With Kramarić now in hot water, will it be a decision he regrets? With he … [Read more...] about Croatians Around Europe Weekend #12: Musa Scores Again; Sosa, Sučić Assist In Quiet Week
World Cup Water Cooler: Which 4 Players Are You Starting In Defense?
By 58 Comments
Matt Lebo posed a polarizing question on our Twitter today...with no one able to agree. "Back line: assuming we do our normal back 4, who are your 4 starters and why? Aside from injury, is your back 4 the same for each game or does it change based on opponent?" I think the only locks here are Sosa at left-back and Juranović at right-back. Dalić really doesn't have too … [Read more...] about World Cup Water Cooler: Which 4 Players Are You Starting In Defense?
Musa Scores 1st Champions League Goal For Benfica
By 32 Comments
Petar Musa is slowly heating up for Benfica in Portugal. He scored the game winner Wednesday night in Israel as Benfica thumped Maccabi Haifa 6-1. The win and +5 goal performance means Benfica pips PSG for top spot in Group H (as both clubs finished level on points) and will now be a seeded team for the November 7th Round of 16 draw. Musa came off the bench in the 32' and … [Read more...] about Musa Scores 1st Champions League Goal For Benfica