Photo: SkySports.com Written by Vedran Ćavara There he was, heading two beautiful goals into the net against Ireland, putting a dagger into their hopes of winning the game. The 'he' I speak of, is of course, Mario Mandžukić. Mandžukić was a doubt to start the EURO's at forward for Croatia, with most pundits believing that Bilić would instead start Ivica Olić at … [Read more...] about Mandžukić Showing his Worth
THE ITALIAN JOB
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Photo: AP Croatia did what they were supposed to against the Irish, and with a win over Italy on Thursday, will clinch a quarterfinal berth at Euro 2012. However, Italy is no Ireland and adjustments must be made to ensure victory. Or do they? Coach Slaven Bilić opted to slot captain Darijo Srna at right back for the Ireland game, opening up a spot in the midfield for … [Read more...] about THE ITALIAN JOB
FAN ZONE: Croatia vs. Ireland (UPDATED)
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Photo: CroatianSports.com Ana reporting from Norval, Ontario, Canada Los Angeles - Alpine Village Croatian fans across the world went crazy Sunday as their Vatreni defeated Ireland 3-1 in promising fashion to open up Euro 2012. In a match that imitated the euphoric 3-0 start against Turkey in November 2011, Croatia got off to a hot start with a goal … [Read more...] about FAN ZONE: Croatia vs. Ireland (UPDATED)
CROATIA CRUISE BY IRELAND IN EURO OPENER
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Photo: Cropix Slaven Bilić promised a win for Croatia against a (weak) Irish side on Sunday. His promise came through in a 3-1 victory. There was something different about this Croatia squad on a rainy night in Poznan and it showed immediately after their national anthem, Lijepa Naša. Players didn't just unzip their warmup jackets and trot to their positions as they did … [Read more...] about CROATIA CRUISE BY IRELAND IN EURO OPENER
EURO 2012: It’s Time
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Illustration: ESPN EURO 2012 has finally arrived; and for Croatians, it's been a bumpy road getting this far under charismatic coach Slaven Bilić. The roller coaster ride started on a high note in 2007 when the Vatreni not only prevented England from qualifying for Euro '08, but also went perfect in group stage, defeating Germany on the way to the quarterfinals. With … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: It’s Time
WHERE WILL YOU BE?
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Illustration: Drago Teskač/ CroatianSports.com The time has come to throw on the checkers and gather with your favorite neighborhood Croatians. Croatia kick off EURO 2012 this Sunday against Ireland in a 2:45PM (ET) start. The Vatreni will be in Poland, but where will you be? We are asking our friends across the globe to organize viewing parties for all three of … [Read more...] about WHERE WILL YOU BE?
Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
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Photo: AP It was a lackluster first half in Oslo as Norway and Croatia played a scoreless affair in a friendly match. There was little offense by the Vatreni with Ivan Perišić replacing an ill Luka Modrić in the midfield. The attacking duo of Mario Mandžukić and Nikica Jelavić had few touches, and even fewer scoring chances. Without a creative midfielder to dictate the … [Read more...] about Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
2012 Small Goals Tournament (San Pedro, CA)
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The tournament is back! And this year some of your favorite Prva Generacija members will be taking part. CroatianSports.com's own Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč have decided to join forces this year to try and take the 'B' League crown away from former MLS star Ante Ražov and NK Škabrnja. Joining the quasi-journalists will be Rob Uvanović from New York and Dennis 'HvarSplićan' … [Read more...] about 2012 Small Goals Tournament (San Pedro, CA)
Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
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Photo: Jutarnji Starting XI vs. Estonia: Subašić-Strinić-Schildenfeld-Ćorluka(c)-Vida-Perišić-Badelj-Dujmović-Iličević-Eduardo-Kalinić Croatia v Estonia Match Highlights --------------------------------------- Croatia open up their summer account on Friday as they host Estonia in the first of two friendlies before Euro 2012 kicks off against Ireland on … [Read more...] about Croatia Deny Estonia 3-1 in Pula
