Ante Kvartuč

Grabbing 7 out of a maximum 9 points this week for Croatia was absolutely perfect! Especially when the Vatreni only scored one goal in their first two matches. Obviously, a win against Russia would have been the cherry on top of the cake, but it's never easy to go into Moscow - especially without an in-form striker - and expect a result. We just witnessed Croatia's toughest … [Read more...] about The Vatreni Just Cruised Through Their Toughest Week Of Qualifying…Now What?

Well, it looked as if Slovenia were playing for a draw at Poljud, but that's not our problem. This Croatian side - without Modrić - came out with urgency tonight in Split to thump Slovenia 3-0 in World Cup qualifying. There were tons of chances down the flanks in the 1st half which multiple shots that should have gone in. Andrej Kramarić couldn't hit water if he was … [Read more...] about Croatia Easily Handle Slovenia 3-0 To Stay Top Of Group With Russia

There was a small chance both Luka Modrić and striker Ante Budimir could have been available for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier between Croatia and Slovenia in Split, CroatiaWeek.com reports. However, both La Liga players have been officially ruled out with injury and will miss all three September World Cup qualifiers. The Vatreni drew Russia 0-0 in Moscow on Wednesday … [Read more...] about Modrić, Budimir Officially Ruled Out For Slovenia Clash Tuesday

Things we learned vs. Slovakia: The Croatian offense is in shambles. No pace or urgency. Very slow in build up. There is no "go to" guy Croatia can count on. Vatreni have scored five goals in as many games and three of those came against Malta. The goalkeeper competition is officially open for business! Osijek's Ivica Ivušić had a wonderful first match for Croatia and was my … [Read more...] about Brozović Volley Rescues Croatia In 1-0 Win Over Slovakia

Here's the quick scoop. Croatia dominated possession at 59% but had absolutely nothing going on offensively in the final third. Borna Sosa is good! We are in good shape moving forward with him at left-back. Mateo Kovačić also looked great in the midfield without Modrić. We will be fine with Kova after Modrić retires based off of today's display. However, Andrej Kramarić … [Read more...] about Croatia Play Out 0-0 Draw In Russia, Stay Top Of Group

This is an absolutely crucial week for Croatia. The Vatreni have their toughest string of games in 2022 World Cup qualifying, and they have to play them all without captain, Luka Modrić. It all starts in Moscow Wednesday night when Croatia face Russia in a rematch of the World Cup quarterfinal. Russia had anything but a great EURO 2020 but two straight games on the road to … [Read more...] about Croatia Begin Toughest Stretch Of WC Qualifying vs. Mother Russia

The next year is going to be weird for Croatians around the globe. Why? Luka Modrić - arguably Croatia's best football player of all time - roughly has 14 months left wearing the red and white checkers. But will he stay full fit? Modrić turns 36 years old on September 9th and has already started the season on the injury list with Real Madrid. Modrić is currently out with … [Read more...] about Modrić Out For September WC Qualifiers, Time For Kovačić To Shine